Queensryche
Operation Mindcrime
Progressive Metal
This week we’re going to talk about one of my favorite concept albums -- Operation Mindcrime by Queensryche. It is the third studio album by Queensryche which was originally released in 1988, the year I was born, but had been reissued in May of 2003 with two bonus tracks, and later in 2006 as a deluxe box set. It’s a concept album because it tells a story throughout the power of not only the music, but the lyrics. They are indeed pretty dark, especially as the story progresses. One has to go in order on the album to be able to understand the whole summary of the story.
Anyways, in Operation Mindcrime, it tells a story of a man named Nikki who starts out being in the hospital, not remembering his past until it suddenly hits him as the nurse gives him an injection to put him to sleep. It jumps to him saying “I remember now… I remember now…” before flashing back to when he was on the streets as a drug addict, specifically heroin. He is also angered with what is happening in society because of the lack of equality and how corrupt with not only politics, but society in general. However, it wasn’t until a strange manipulative man from a so-called “Secret” Organization called Anarchy X named Dr. X. In addition to manipulating Nikki to become enslaved to him, basically a puppet, Dr. X would use the word, “Mindcrime”. However, in the song “Speak”, one would notice that it’s to the point where Dr. X’s organization is growing as well as Nikki’s ego. It was until then when offered services to a woman named Sister Mary, Nikki developed a friendship with her. It was then Nikki began to question himself and nature. It was then when Dr. X noticed, and ordered Nikki to kill Sweet Sister Mary. eventually realizing what he had done, he goes insane before police intervene and take him into custody. It then jumped to the hospital again, like it’s repeating the cycle.
Overall, I give it a 4.0 because it tells a great story and has an interesting tone. I feel Geoff Tate has a unique voice that stands out. Also, the feeling of the whole album is very moving and deep. Overall, I do recommend the album to everyone to listen to, especially if one wants to hear dark and interesting story line. One of these days, it should be made into a movie or a comic.
