Queensryche - Operation: Mindcrime II
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Free Music Notes for Operation: Mindcrime II
Free Music Review: Already underrated...
Hit: 5 Stars
I think compared to the last release, "Tribe", this a major step forward. If only the band had played with as much energy on that album as they do on this one, that album could've been better. The energy on this album is strong on all sides, the production is really good, and the price was also reseasonable.
For myself personally, I can listen to this album just as easy on a random setting, as I can in order. Some of the songs on this album remind me of other songs off past albums, but that might've been intended, regardless, there parts I don't mind hearing again. As far as the story goes, I wasn't all that concerned, I always liked the first Mindcrime for it's music mainly, and found that this one is the same.
There were only a few parts of this album I wasn't impressed with, but not enough I don't think I'm ever gonna stop waiting for new music from these guys. The parts of this that sound like they're forced for the stories sake, I could live without, and there are a little too much female vocals for my taste.
However sometimes these guests work well for me, like the orchestrated parts are well placed and add to the energy of a few tracks, plus, when Dio makes an appearance and sings an entire song with the band, that was a real treat, like that idea had me in mind! And it's one of the better tracks on this album.
The upbeat, heavier stuff on this album will hold up from now on. From tracks maybe 12 to 15, is when the album pushes the story most, but "Fear City Slide" for me, is like "Anybody Listening?" off Empire, really brings the album to a big finish. Almost, the song that really ends it, is softer, but then, if repeated, this album's kickin' again, I do wish "Freiheit Overture" would've become something much larger, but it does make you ready for more right off the bat.
I think the songs on this album are better than they're being given credit for, this sounds like typical Queensryche. I'd call this their most well-rounded, heaviest, energized album in awhile. There's diversity on this album for sure, at times it reminds me of an old, classic Floyd or Lepplin album, but at it's highest marks, it reminds me mostly of a old, classic Queensryche album. I recommend this album, and hope to see the band live again soon, there's quite a bit off this release I'd like see live!
Free Music Review: I can't believe some of these reviews!
Hit: 5 Stars
This is a good album! Yes, it is complex, it is not OM1, and it WILL take some getting used to - because there is a lot of music and ideas in this story.
As I recall, Operation Mindcrime 1(OM1) did not immediately set the world on fire, largely because Operation Mindcrime is a concept album. Concept albums are not meant to be absorbed in a matter of 20 minutes, an hour, or even a month. Sure, with 18 years under its belt in the hearts and minds of Queensryche fans, OM1 will SEEM better and easier to digest than this new album.
Familiar music is always easier to fall back on. Also, it's nice to be able to listen to a concept album all the way through and feel that you recognize its overall intention; please, if you do not know what I mean, then give Genesis's 'The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway" a try sometime. It's rewarding to "learn" "The Lamb"; just as it was -no doubt- pleasing to figure out the music and story behind OM1. You just might have to "learn" OM2 as well, i order to really appreciate it, but the concert will be all the more exciting because of your effort.
I, for one, totally dig Operationa Mindcrime II. It is a very dynamic album filled with lots of sonic space that Queensryche never ventured into before. For example, tasteful synths grace the background of a good number of songs but the motifs seem stronger than on OM1. There are the occasional choral operatic movements and sonic appearances by Mary. A key example of the choral work and operatic arrangements is in the song "An Intentional Confrontation". The guitar playing is wonderful throughout the album and Chris DeGarmo should be impressed.
Also, I must say, that this album does as good, if not a better job, than OM1 in tying certain songs together. If you're patient enough you will even notice slight reprises of certain themes from OM1.
My review comes after listening to the album all the way through twice. This is not enough time to truly absorb the album or to get annoyed with any POSSIBLE idiosyncracies about the vocals, tone, etc, but I do believe that my first impression of this album IS VERY STRONG. Buy this album and hear the rest of Niki's story! I definitely recommend this album!
Free Music Review: The Ryche bring it ALL together for another Masterpiece.
Hit: 5 Stars
I have to differ with most of you with your bad reviews on this and i'll tell you why. I'm a fan from their first days and glad they only have one original member gone at this point. I appreciate the varied sounds they have experimented with because as a musician and music fan it gives my ears climactic orgasms to listen to again and again without tiring. Their music has always had this spooky perfect choreography that was at once CHAOTICLY LOUD but MELODIC and then Drop Dead Silence before repeating their cresendo of finely twisted noise that make the ears cry for more and sends the mind thinking deeply about the subject matter.
With MindeCrime 2 the Ryche bring together every sound from Empire, Promised Land, Hear in the Now Frontier, Q2K and Tribe into this one 17 track CD. And they do it with their HEAVIEST Sound since Rage for Order or the original Mindcrime.
The storyline may not be as interesting to some who already know the back-story but even then if you look deep you'll read into and see into a bit more than you thought. From current Political events to local Social ones, the story is not as OBVIOUS as it appears. And this should give Ryche fans much to be pleased with.
Particularly pleasing is the Duet with DIO and the overall METAL sound. The Last song is a duet nicely done and again shows their other side of finely crafted melodies that are quieter than most of their stuff. Pink Floydish some might say but this is what they have always done and Michael Wilton is a big fan of Pink Floyd.
For those that are too low browed to figure out this music, go back to your Metallica and Poison, this is too complex for you. For those that enjoy great hard rock melody and deep lyrics like Dio, Iron Maiden and Uli Roth this is a must have.
To those that like the music and story but can't figure out who killed Mary....listen again to Mindcrime and pay attention to Nikky in I Don't Believe In Love, "...She must have lied! Because SHE never SAID goodbye..." It would only be her choice to say goodbye or not if SHE killed herself...think about it and keep listening...
-Michael Davis
Long Live the Ryche!
Free Music Review: wow! wow! and spectacular
Hit: 5 Stars
I had real doubts about this album the first few times I listened to it. It didn't appear as though any of the songs had the 'pop' and catchiness as the original.
Sure, I jammed to "I'm An American", it represents the essential sound of Operation: Mindcrime, but where was the emotional drive that you felt in the original.
By the fifth time listening to Operation: Mindcrime II, I was solidly hooked on the album.
I have been waiting for ages for some band to produce an album I couldn't put down. That hasn't happened in a long time. Let alone to the spectacular degree which OM2 is executed.
I consider this album an unparalleled success since I can not recall any band producing a sequel to an album. Absolutely a great treat for all Queensryche fans!
Clearly the band spent endless hours perfecting the sound on this album. I find it exhilirating and technically brilliant on all tracks. When I turn the music up louder, I can appreciate the little details even more.
Emotionally the story is just as penetrating as the original, if not more so. Revenge drives hard all the songs leading up to the last 1/3 of the album. I find myself pyschologically building up in anticipation to an incredible climactic duo with Ronnie James Dio; followed by a clear internal struggle on all tracks afterwards.
In the end, the last melody, "All The Promises" _was_ my least favorite because it's so "sappy", but, like the entire album, it has incredibly powerful lyrics and a strong musical presence and, of course, whaling guitars.
I can't believe how quickly this album has moved up to be such a personal favorite. I've never considered myself an overwhelming fan of the band, but the work they've put into this album has finally pushed me over to rank this group in the top ten.
In the end, like a good thriller movie, i'm emotionally drained and energized after experiencing OM2.
Looking up at the time, I wonder if I can spare another hour session of this fine sequel.
Yes!
Free Music Review: Not no cheesy, rock opera CD...... Nice Sequel
Hit: 5 Stars
Ok
Gotta listen to this one a few times
It grows on ya
Geoff Tate's voice never sounded better
Much better well produced than the first one
Killer stereophonic high fidelity feel
I dig the way they use alot of the same riffs, chants, themes, etc. as MCI
(Like the beginning of "Hands")
Major sentimental effect
I harken back to my youth in the late 80's
The range of styles is what I like about this CD
"If I Could Change It All" is a total bluesy song that is real good
"The Chase" with R.J. Dio is killer
Perfect choice for Dr. X
Period
At first I thought it sound sorta cheesy, rock-opera-ish
But upon further review with my headphones I really like this song alot
In "A Murderer?" Geoff Tate really show his stuff
Goes from heavy to melodic
This song reminded me alot of the Rage for Order era
"A Junkie's Blues" is the most "progressive" song of the whole CD
Very Dream Theater like with the keyboards and percussion
A real strong all around
(I think I even hear an orchestra in there somewhere)
Totally well produced song
"Fear City Slide" is one of my favorite tracks
Killer groove
Catchy Riff
Awesome drums
Classic Tate vocal styling
"All The Promises" is a nice mellow come down
Trippy stuff
Just like MCI I like the way the last part of the cd all flows together
Different styles of songs
Yet flows.....
The thing I like most about this CD is the variety of styles
I swear I can hear alil' bit of Rage For Order, Empire, Promised Land, and even a tiny bit of The Warning
It's real hard to compare MCI to MCII
I would say they are equal
MCI was awesome for the metal era
MCII is awesome for 2006
I'm going to see them in ABQ in October
I'm sure it will be a good show
I admit I'm a pretty big Queensryche fan
I give it 5 stars for production value alone
You can tell this CD was recorded post 2000