Live Evolution
How can almost 20 years of music from America's premier progressive metal band be crammed into a live double-CD? In this case, the band's career is divided into four parts, with the set paced loosely in order of release, although the tracks fromRage for Orderare played within the EP andWarningsuite, not as part of theMindcrimesuite.Operation: Mindcrimegets the lion's share of time here and it's performed with perfection and passion. The theatrical "Suite Sister Mary," an epic few bands could conceive, let alone play live, proves Geoff Tate is still one of the finest vocalists around. This isn't a greatest-hits package played live--unsung classics such as the dramatic "Roads to Madness" and "London" are featured next to the band's more radio-friendly cuts such as "Silent Lucidity," "Empire," "I Am I," and "Breakdown."Live Evolutionis an experience for the die-hards rather than casual Queensryche fans, which is likely what the band intended.--Gail Flug