"Some Of The Songs Are 'Super Heavy' And 'Incredibly Technical".
Former QUEENSRŸCHE frontman Geoff Tate has announced that he is currently developing the third and final installment in the band's renowned "Operation: Mindcrime" album series.
First released in May 1988, QUEENSRŸCHE’s third studio album, "Operation: Mindcrime," elevated the band to a new level of success. The album's narrative centers on Nikki, a recovering drug addict disillusioned by a corrupt society, who becomes involved in a revolutionary group led by Dr. X (voiced by the late, esteemed British actor Anthony Valentine). Manipulated into assassinating political figures, Nikki's perspective shifts when his bond with the nun Sister Mary reveals the truth. Hailed as one of metal's greatest concept albums, "Operation: Mindcrime" achieved platinum status in the U.S. by 1991 and was featured in the "Top 100 Metal Albums Of All Time" by Kerrang! and *Billboard*. *Rolling Stone* also placed it on a similar list, noting that, "nearly 30 years after its initial release, 'Mindcrime' feels eerily relevant."
The original "Operation: Mindcrime" album explored themes of religion, drug addiction, and underground, radical politics. In contrast, the 2006 sequel, "Operation: Mindcrime II," was often viewed as an unnecessary addition that, while decent on its own, was perceived by some as diminishing the impact of the original.
In a recent interview with "Rock Of Nations With Dave Kinchen And Shane McEachern," Tate shared insights about "Operation: Mindcrime III." Speaking on the direction of his new solo work, he said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I would say it has more of an early QUEENSRŸCHE feel. [The new songs are] super heavy, and some of 'em are incredibly technical. They're like algebra. [Laughs] You need a calculator when you're listening to the song. [Laughs] And, of course, some of them are very emotional. It's the last chapter in the 'Mindcrime' series. So it's following the exploits of Dr. X and Nikki and Sister Mary, and picks up at a particular point in their story and kind of does the microscope of what is happening at that particular time with them. And I am just in love with it. I am so happy with everything so far, and I can't wait for people to hear it."
When asked if the album would feature "some of those political interplays" within its lyrical themes, Tate responded: "Oh, I think so. Yeah, I think that people will be able to detect little bits of what's happening around them. And it's an interesting time right now — very interesting. Especially next week [after the 2024 U.S. presidential election], it's gonna be really interesting [laughs] what happens. So, we'll see."
When pressed on whether "a familiar voice" will reprise the role of Dr. X in "Operation: Mindcrime III," Tate teased: "I can't tell you, actually. But thanks for asking. [Laughs]"