GEOFF TATE – Operation: Mindcrime III

Was a third and final installment of the Operation: Mindcrime series really necessary? Former Queensrÿche vocalist Geoff Tate seems to think so. Operation: Mindcrime (1988), Queensrÿche’s third studio album, tells the story of Nikki, a recovering drug addict frustrated with society’s corruption and what it’s become, who is manipulated by cult leader Dr. X to assassinate political leaders. Along the way, he meets a nun named Sister Mary, who makes him reconsider completing the mission he was assigned. A second installment titled Operation Mindcrime II (2006) revolves around Nikki, who has just been released from prison following his arrest for the murder of Sister Mary, as he plans his revenge against Dr. X for treating him like a puppet. Operation: Mindcrime III (2026) changes things up a bit because the story is told from Dr. X’s perspective. It’s neither a prequel nor a sequel because it takes place at the same time as Operation: Mindcrime. The third installment is a case study on Dr. X, diving into why he did the things that he did and how he ended up in that twisted mindset of his.

From the Evil Eyes

The lineup that plays on Operation: Mindcrime III includes Tate on lead vocals, Rich Baur on drums, John Moyer on bass guitar, Kieran Robertson, Dario Parente, and Amaury Altmayer on guitars; and Tate and Robertson on synths and strings. The album was produced by Moyer. Tate could’ve taken the so-called “easy route” by recording the album with his former Queensrÿche bandmates and releasing it on a record label. But, he chose to record the album with his own band and release it himself, not giving a dang about what’s going to help the album sales for Operation: Mindcrime III. It was a risky move, but props to him for that. For those who don’t have the patience to listen to the first two Operation: Mindcrime albums, Operation: Mindcrime III sounds decent on its own because it’s a fascinating story involving trust, betrayal, and corruption. Tate wanted to take full advantage of modern technology with the album’s production and did just that. Sonically, the album sounds great.

For the sake of listeners who have never heard the first two Operation: Mindcrime albums, this review won’t mention Dr. X, Nikki, or Sister Mary. Instead, Operation: Mindcrime III will be judged as a standalone concept album without any knowledge of the Operation: Mindcrime lore. Also, concept albums are not for everyone. They’re an acquired taste.

“You Know My F*cking Name” perfectly showcases the perspective of an arrogant ruler who will do anything to get what he wants. Helplessly, his peasants obey his commands because they have no choice. The tasteful instrumentation is largely due to the haunting synth melodies and colorful, bluesy guitar work. “The Answer” is a midtempo rocker with a great groove and catchy vocal melodies, though the rapping-like verses are questionable. The dogs barking in the second verse were a nice touch, however. “Do You Still Believe?” is a beautiful ballad that touches upon religion and having a lack of faith. Given the subject matter, the song has a dark and cinematic feel, thanks to the luscious synth melodies. “You Can’t Walk Away Now” is a chilling and suspenseful phone call between a victim and his puppet master. The latter orders his victim to complete one final task or else consequences will arise. Already trapped, the victim reluctantly agrees to complete the task. “A Monster Like Me” is a jazzy, acoustic ballad showcasing the victim reflecting on his sinful ways and mentally playing out how he ended up in this living hell to begin with. The string instrumentation for the song is gorgeous.

Final Assessment

Unfortunately, Operation: Mindcrime III suffers from self-indulgence and boringness. “Vulnerable” has an intricate and melodic bass line, but the ballad is very depressing and sleepy. “I’ll Eat Your Heart Out” is way too long, and it sounds like too many ideas were cooking in the same pot. “Set You Free” is a fun midtempo rocker…until Tate delivers some unsettling vocal melodies during the song’s grand finale. “Power” is very commercial-sounding, which is probably why Tate decided to release it as the album’s first single, but that keyboard riff is annoying, and Tate brainwashing “power” into listeners’ ears repeatedly doesn’t help the song at all. Overall, the story is interesting to follow along with, so let’s leave it at that! For those who are interested in the third and final installment of the Operation: Mindcrime series or those who are just interested in an intriguing heavy metal concept album, give Operation: Mindcrime III a chance!

Album Tracklist

1. The Scene of the Crime
2. You Know My F*cking Name
3. The Answer
4. Vulnerable
5. I’ll Eat Your Heart Out
6. Do You Still Believe?
7. The Devil’s Breath
8. Ascension
9. Set You Free
10. Descension
11. Power
12. You Can’t Walk Away Now
13. A Monster Like Me

Band Lineup

Geoff Tate – lead vocals, synths, and strings
Rich Baur – drums
John Moyer – bass guitar
Kieran Robertson – guitars, synths, and strings
Dario Parente – guitars
Amaury Altmayer – guitars

Check out the lyric video for “The Answer” from Geoff Tate’s Operation: Mindcrime III!