by Matt Karpe
– Senior Columnist —
OK, so everyone knows the story of why Geoff Tate is no longer part of Queensryche, and everyone knows that he had to give up the band name, therefore shooting for Operation: Mindcrime, named after one of the best concept albums ever to be released in Rock and Metal, of course, made possible by Tate himself.
The Key is the first in a concept album trilogy, and now that Tate has complete artistic control over his projects once again, has he still got the same song writing talents from yesteryear?
In all honesty, if you are expecting something earth-shattering to announce that Geoff Tate is ‘back,’ then you are going to be disappointed, because although there some strong moments on The Key, the album as a whole is rather underwhelming.
The opening “Choices” is generally an instrumental, slow building and not exactly an intriguing start. Featuring a spoken word about a key to change the way we view the world (from what I can grasp), the track goes straight into “Burn,” which really kicks things into gear. Packed with heavy grungy riffs and Tate’s distinctive vocal delivery, followed by a decent chorus and a good guitar solo from Kelly Gray, a small sense of promise starts to build.
“Re-Inventing The Future” is up next with a storming opening of catchy guitar work and some thunderous drumming. The FX and vocal distortion is a good addition and the excellent chorus really steals the show.
From here on, things go south with some meandering Rock that fails to ignite. “Ready To Fly” has a modern Pink Floyd feel and drifts along without any oomph, “Life Or Death” is one of the heavier songs with Tate sounding a lot like Trent Reznor and “The Stranger” has an industrial tinge let down by an ineffective chorus.
The only other saving grace is the closing “The Fall.” A near seven minute epic that brings to mind Empire-era Queensryche, it’s a great hard rocker with some good shifts in pace, great instrumentals and a good chorus. This is also one of the best songs Geoff Tate has written in many a year. With the success of “The Fall,” it just about keeps you interested to hear the second installment of the trilogy when it comes along.
However, when part 2 does come along, it will have to be a lot better than The Key, because although Geoff Tate is still a great songwriter, most of this album has been played way too safe, and only time will tell what happens next.
Genre: Progressive Metal, Heavy Metal
Band:
Geoff Tate- Vocals
Kelly Gray- Guitar
Scott Moughton- Guitar
John Moyer- Bass
Randy Gane- Keys
Simon Wright- Drums
Brian Tichy- Drums
Track Listing:
1. Choices
2. Burn
3. Re-Inventing The Future
4. Ready To Fly
5. Discussions In a Smoke Filled Room
6. Life Or Death
7. The Stranger
8. Hearing Voices
9. On Queue
10. An Ambush Of Sadness
11. Kicking In The Door
12. The Fall
Record Label: Frontiers Records
Website: www.operationmindcrime.com
Hardrock Haven Rating: 6.5/10
