by Thom JurekThis was inevitable. In 2006, Seattle's proto-'80s and '90s metal rockers Queensrÿche released a sequel to their critical and commercial classic Operation: Mindcrime, entitled, appropriately enough, Operation: Mindcrime II, recorded by using the same technology they'd used to do the original in 1988. Far from being cheesy, the experiment worked: the story picked up where the original left off, with Nikki out of prison and seeking revenge for the killing of his beloved former prostitute turned nun, Sister Mary. There were screaming guitars, Geoff Tate's disciplined roaring vocals filled with drama and conviction, and a guest spot by Ronnie James Dio as Dr. X. During the same year, the band brought both volumes -- i.e., the entire saga -- out to the Moore Theater in Seattle for three nights and recorded everything with a slew of guests, and the results cover the two discs here. Pamela Moore returned as Sister Mary, and the host of backing vocalists as the jury include Miranda and Susan Tate. The other big surprise is the inclusion of the entire Seattle Seahawks drumline! The recording is pristine and flawless, the performance is truly inspired, and the interaction with the audience pushes the energy level over the top. It is pointless to go into this track by track. The reason? This is the true culmination of a rock & roll classic that gives the name "heavy metal" a great name. Guitarist Mike Stone, who joined the band as a permanent member in 2005, is fully integrated with his counterpart, guitarist Michael Wilton. The rhythm section, both original members in bassist Eddie Jackson and drummer Scott Rockenfield, simply gels and pushes Tate to the very height of his ability as a lead vocalist. ... Read More...