{"id":50322,"date":"2015-09-24T09:48:41","date_gmt":"2015-09-24T14:48:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/hardrockhaven.net\/online\/?p=50322"},"modified":"2015-09-24T09:48:41","modified_gmt":"2015-09-24T14:48:41","slug":"operation-mindcrime-the-key-cd-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hardrockhaven.net\/online\/2015\/operation-mindcrime-the-key-cd-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Operation: Mindcrime | The Key<\/em>"},"content":{"rendered":"

by Matt Karpe<\/span>
\n– Senior Columnist —<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"OperationMindcrimeCDCover\"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.
\nThe Key<\/em> 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?<\/p>\n

In all honesty, if you are expecting something earth-shattering to announce that Geoff Tate is \u2018back,\u2019 then you are going to be disappointed, because although there some strong moments on The Key<\/em>, the album as a whole is rather underwhelming.<\/p>\n

The opening \u201cChoices\u201d 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 \u201cBurn,\u201d which really kicks things into gear. Packed with heavy grungy riffs and Tate\u2019s distinctive vocal delivery, followed by a decent chorus and a good guitar solo from Kelly Gray, a small sense of promise starts to build.<\/p>\n

\u201cRe-Inventing The Future\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

From here on, things go south with some meandering Rock that fails to ignite. \u201cReady To Fly\u201d has a modern Pink Floyd feel and drifts along without any oomph, \u201cLife Or Death\u201d is one of the heavier songs with Tate sounding a lot like Trent Reznor and \u201cThe Stranger\u201d has an industrial tinge let down by an ineffective chorus.<\/p>\n

The only other saving grace is the closing \u201cThe Fall.\u201d A near seven minute epic that brings to mind Empire-era Queensryche, it\u2019s 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 \u201cThe Fall,\u201d it just about keeps you interested to hear the second installment of the trilogy when it comes along.<\/p>\n

However, when part 2 does come along, it will have to be a lot better than The Key<\/em>, 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.<\/p>\n

Genre: Progressive Metal, Heavy Metal<\/p>\n

Band:
\nGeoff Tate- Vocals
\nKelly Gray- Guitar
\nScott Moughton- Guitar
\nJohn Moyer- Bass
\nRandy Gane- Keys
\nSimon Wright- Drums
\nBrian Tichy- Drums<\/p>\n

Track Listing:
\n1.\tChoices
\n2.\tBurn
\n3.\tRe-Inventing The Future
\n4.\tReady To Fly
\n5.\tDiscussions In a Smoke Filled Room
\n6.\tLife Or Death
\n7.\tThe Stranger
\n8.\tHearing Voices
\n9.\tOn Queue
\n10.\tAn Ambush Of Sadness
\n11.\tKicking In The Door
\n12.\tThe Fall<\/p>\n

Record Label: Frontiers Records<\/p>\n

Website: www.operationmindcrime.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Hardrock Haven Rating: 6.5\/10<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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