Operation: Livecrime
On their early 1990s tour for their hit albumEmpire, Queensryche performed its 1988 predecessor,Operation: Mindcrime, in its entirety.Operation: Livecrimewas originally released as a limited-edition box set with a CD and video and became a collector's piece. Years later,Mindcrimeis still regarded as a masterpiece, as is this live counterpart. Each song stands on its own, yet collectively contribute to a powerful statement. In the live setting, Queensryche's aggressive edge comes forward flawlessly. Vocalist Geoff Tate is commanding and emotional, while Michael Wilton and Chris DeGarmo's guitar work is immaculate. Bassist Eddie Jackson and especially drummer Scott Rockenfield add progressive, unconventional rhythms. The new bonus tracks, "The Lady Wore Black" and "Roads to Madness," are icing on the cake. The remastered mix captures the band in full force without slighting the stunning orchestration and even the rainstorm during the dramatic "Suite Sister Mary." Most importantly, it does justice to one of the most important and timeless hard-rock creations of its era.--Gail Flug