Like a lot of people I lost interest in 'Queensrÿche' following 'Empire', I just didn't like their new approach, but I couldn't resist the temptation of purchasing this, the long awaited follow-up to the pioneering concept album 'Operation Mindcrime'. As most of you will have predicted this isn't a patch on the original masterpiece, but in all honesty it's better than I envisaged, more up-tempo than expected and nicely penned. The concept follows on from the first part excellently and the vocals of 'Geoff Tate' are especially strong, while the album also benefits from a cameo by 'Ronnie James Dio'. On a more sour note, I feel the absence of 'Chris DeGarmo' is evident and despite a strong start and body to the album, the end trails off insipidly to leaves an unsatisfactory conclusion to the album. Production wise I feel the sound could have been more “in your face” to match the urgency of the concept, as it stands it would suit their previous couple of outings but seems a little lacking here.

The instrumental pairing of 'Freiheit Ouverture' and 'Convict' sets the scene for the full opening track 'I'm American' a good solid rocker, pretty brisk and at times reminiscent of 'Iron Maiden's' 'The Prisoner', 'Geoff Tate' sings with plenty of conviction, albeit at times he's a little unevenly in the mix- good opener though. The grooving 'One foot in Hell' succeeds in solid fashion and highlights plenty of decent backing vocals that give the track another facet, while there's some deft fret work along the way. The tempo falls for the splendidly penned and executed 'Hostage', 'Tate' turns in another convincing performance and is well supported throughout. 'The Hands' ensues and sees a return to the classic sound of the first 'Operation Mindcrime', especially that of the spoken intro, musically this is again impressive and lyrically another winner. Less inspiring is 'Speed of Light' which contrary to the title is a fairly listless piece, while improvements are quickly made with 'Signs Say Go' a more energetic number, that comes complete with a fine guitar solo. Better still is one of the finest rockers present 'Re-arrange You', a more simplistic cut which sees 'Tate' really hitting the high notes, the chorus is also catchy and well implemented, while the use of keyboards is fitting. The next track 'The Chase' see 'Ronnie James Dio' taking on the roll of Dr. X and trading vocals with 'Geoff Tate', it makes for a good contrast and is further enhanced by a fine driving melody. Heavier still is the pulsating 'Murderer' a more modern sounding rocker, while the mainly instrumental 'Circles' is very atmospheric but ultimately fairly throwaway and longwinded. Sadly the album begins to loose direction with the amount of duets between 'Tate' and 'Pamela Moor' (Sister Mary) far exceeding my interests, the first of which is 'If I Could Change it All' which seems stuck in a mid tempo no-mans-land and while not a poor song, it feel too drawn-out. Some progress is made with the oddly titled 'An International Confrontation', the highlight for me being the shredding guitar solo, while a 'A Junkies Blues' moves the concept on nicely but perhaps lacks a little as a standalone track. 'Fear City Slide' is the last rockier effort and more in the older classic 'Queensrÿche' style, haunting in places, but still plenty edge, while being nicely penned. The original 'Mindcrime' bowed out with the stunning 'Eyes of a Stranger', the concluding track here is 'All the Promises', an effort that's not really in the same league, more languid duets and overall sluggish and not the ending I was looking for.

It was always going to be a difficult task with the legacy of the predecessor being so monumental and I give respect to 'Queensrÿche' as in parts they have achieved a respectable follow-up. Ultimately I found myself losing interest towards the end, something that would never happen with the first instalment of 'Operation Mindcrime' and the rating has taking this into account.