Live Gig Review and Photos: DJ
For metalheads seeking a mind-blowing experience, Queensryche’s Operation: Mindcrime stands as a towering landmark. This 1988 release wasn’t just another collection of headbanging anthems; it was a molten epic, a story-driven masterpiece that redefined what metal could achieve. Critics hailed it as possibly the ultimate concept album, weaving a gripping tale of a young man, Nikki, sucked into a world of conspiracy, betrayal, and mental manipulation.
It wasn’t just about shredding guitars and operatic vocals (though those are definitely present in abundance thanks to the incredible Geoff Tate). It was about exploring the depths of human experience, from the raw aggression of “Speak” and “Spreading the Disease” to the vulnerable emotional core of “The Mission.” Operation: Mindcrime didn’t shy away from variety. You get pummeled by the relentless riffing of “The Needle Lies” and the driving rhythms of “Revolution Calling,” then serenaded by the anthemic “I Don’t Believe in Love.” This dynamic range is what makes it such a complete experience.
But the true magic lies in how seamlessly the music complements the story. Every song feels like a crucial chapter, building tension and pulling you deeper into Nikki’s descent. The band’s musicianship is at its peak, showcasing their technical prowess without ever overshadowing the emotional impact. This album is considered by many to be Queensryche’s crowning achievement. While they released other great albums, none captured the same sense of purpose and cohesion. Operation: Mindcrime didn’t just solidify Queensryche’s place in metal history; it broke new ground, proving that metal could be more than just aggression. It could be complex, emotional, and thought-provoking. It could tell a story that would stay with you long after the last note faded.
If you’re a metal fan looking to expand your horizons, Operation: Mindcrime is a must-listen. A musical masterpiece that weaves tales, stirs souls, and breaks conventions. This record inspired me to delve deeper into progressive music and appreciate the power of storytelling in music. It made me realize that music wasn’t just about instrumentation; it could be a vehicle for social commentary and personal reflection. Each song on Operation: Mindcrime is a carefully crafted piece of a larger puzzle, seamlessly weaving together a compelling narrative that addresses complex societal issues. This album opened my eyes to the possibilities of music and encouraged me to listen more attentively to the lyrics and the underlying messages. And fun fact…
The genesis of My Global Mind this very outlet…. can be traced to the influence of Queensrÿche and that song of the same name. This transatlantic publication aims to broaden musical horizons, introducing readers to a diverse range of bands and genres who normally don’t get the reach they so desperately need. The opportunity to witness live performances and document these musical icons is also a source of great inspiration and gratitude in a lot of different ways.
I have to say, with all the turmoil that the band Queensryche has experienced in the past, it’s good to see that after the nasty split between Tate and the rest of the members at the time, both parties have managed to keep going and making music. I will also preface this by saying that this year I was fortunate enough to cover Tate and his solo band earlier in the summer, and now Queensryche locally. I don’t have anything bad to say about either performance; they both sounded great. Geoff, with a bunch of young guns fronting his own solo band, and this version of Queensryche with Todd La Torre, who has a superb range, can not only do the classic Ryche songs justice but also the new material they have crafted with Todd, which sounds heavier than QR has been for a number of years.
Look, I know people will always have a preference when it comes to bands and their lineups, but why can’t both coexist in 2024? I think they can and they have, and for that, I am grateful, and you should be too. We caught this tour towards the end of this run, which features the guys playing the EP and The Warning in its entirety. And it’s a real treat to be able to hear these songs as they were intended.
But first, we get the uber-talented Jared James Nichols, the blues rock powerhouse shredder who always puts on a great show. We’ve been covering Jared for a number of years, and it’s good to see his road warrior mentality has kept his audience growing record after record. He comes out all guns blazing with the electrifying, foot-stomping, rock ‘n’ roll jibe of “Easy Come, Easy Go.” His versatility comes wailing through on “Down the Drain” and it’s always nice to hear the slow, brooding rocker “Nails in the Coffin.” Big props to Nichols and his band for the sick cover of War Pigs, warming the Huntsville crowd just right.
The last time Queensryche played in Huntsville was in February 2020, right before the COVID pandemic hit. The guys started up with the EP, blazing through “Queen of the Reich,” as La Torre smashes power hour with his belting vocals. Iconic riff and sounds are expertly played on “The Lady Wore Black,” never heard it live before, so a real treat for me. We quickly burst into The Warning, and later “Deliverance,” bringing back all the metal old-school vibes of the 80s. The Warning was really the album that hinted at what Queensryche could become. Yes, Rage for Order had more experimental stuff and had more anthems, but Warning and the EP are the roots of who they are. Really enjoyed the rhythm and bass from legend Eddie Jackson on “No Sanctuary,” by the way, big props to Casey Grillo who, long before he smashed the kit in QR, was with another iconic and legendary Metal band in my book, the awesome Kamelot. Now, go dig their older records, you can thank me later…
More maniacal riffs come playing through in “Before the Storm” and “Child of Fire,” again Todd slays on the vocals, and the guitars are loud as hell, both Stoney and Whip kill it. The encore got changed a bit, we do get “Prophecy” and one of my all-time favorites in “Screaming in Digital.” Yea, I’ve heard the Tate version this year too, and both versions still sound brilliant. No Mindcrime songs or Empire tunes this time around, but I’m sure they’ll be more of those on future tours. In the meantime, it was cool to be able to hear these records live in the flesh, giving longtime fans of the band a chance to reminisce on the legacy of the band and where it all started.
I don’t know what all this means for future Ryche, but Wilton has said they hope to enter the studio next year for another record, and judging by fan reception, it’s well-warranted. In this universe, the Ryche exists and is still making great music. I know fans want another Operation: Mindcrime or something to that extent, but as a long-time fan, I will settle for heavier Queensryche, consistent touring, and bolstering an already strong legacy.
http://www.queensrycheofficial.com/tour-dates/
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