QUEENSRYCHE LAUNCHED THEIR PROGRESSIVE MASTERPIECE 28 YEARS AGO

On May 3rd, 1988 Queensryche released their groundbreaking masterpiece, Operation: Mindcrime, that put them on the map. After establishing their last progressive effort with Rage For Order, the band had perfected their tone and produced the ultimate concept album.

Although the group’s heavy metal sound was always significant since their debut EP, Queensryche‘s determination to expand to the progressive side quickly grew during production of the first three releases. Following a similar process as Rush, it seemed only natural for them to center their next record on a story.

This chronological narrative easily stood out since it had more to offer than just catchy hooks and talented guitar arrangements. Mindcrime features the distinctive, chant-worthy deliveries from vocalist Geoff Tate, who consistently demonstrates the capacity of his range. Chris DeGarmo and Michael Wilton also prove to be a powerhouse with incredible chemistry especially on The Needle Lies.

Revolution Calling and I Don’t Believe In Love are the two anthems that strike listeners the most with their clever lyrics and fist-pumping choruses. Not only does this album fail to include a weak song, but each one also serves as an independent component to the overall story line. Therefore, it makes every track stand on its own.

Mindcrime became the start of Queensryche‘s commercial success as their next releases saw the band’s best sales and highest-chart positions with Empire and Promised Land.

After this prominent launch, the group constructed an elaborate turn of events that sounded just as heavy as the subject matter. Dominating both songwriting and musical production, Queensryche made an impressive spectacle of themselves during the final years of heavy metal’s golden age.