I’ve had this audiophile reissue of Queensryche’s classic disc for a while. I just decided to review it as I didn’t even have a turntable when I bought it. I’d say that the sound of the record isn’t really enhanced from the CD. That said, it sounds every bit as good as the CD. That, along with the power of the album itself, makes this well worth having. I should add that, since I already reviewed the CD, and the music is exactly the same here, I’m going to use that original review here with some minor modification for the sake of consistency. And, with no further introduction, here is that review:

This album is a definite masterpiece, and certainly (thus far) the peak of Queensryche`s career artistically. Although definitely a heavy metal album, in many ways Operation: Mindcrime is so much more than that. This is really a rock opera telling a story of murder, conspiracy, corruption, and betrayal. This story is definitely a tragedy. Using lots of Pink Floydish spoken word/sound bits, this record tells a very large, but still human, story. This work fairly seamlessly combines heavy metal and progressive rock, in many places having definite elements of both at the same time. Operation: Mindcrime is certainly best taken as an entire work, the whole certainly being more than the sum of the parts.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2014  Volume 2 at lulu.com/strangesound.

This very dramatic piece is an instrumental introduction to the next song. It is definitely heavy metal, but with some serious progressive rock leanings. The break which leads into “Revolution Calling” is very interesting.

This one also is definitely a heavy metal song, musically not overly interesting, but well done none-the-less. The lyrics and vocals are the stand out portions of this song, including some rather unique backing vocals.

This piece has a nice bass-driven feel to it, and is actually a rather quirky piece of music. Even though it is certainly heavy metal, it is far from generic.

The most remarkable elements to this song are again the vocals and lyrics, but some of the arrangement is quite unique. I really like the drum sound on this one.

Lyrically this song contains some very interesting ways to relate very gritty subject matter. Containing some excellent dark imagery, this one also has a very nice percussion/vocal break.

Starting as a very pretty and poignant ballad, “The Mission” contains some powerful and sad vocals and lyrics. It jumps into a definite metal mode, while utilizing some rather progressive changes and arrangements. This song contains a fairly pretty and strong instrumental break. This is a standout cut on a standout album, and really proves just what can be done within the heavy metal medium.)

Although this one is one of the more blatantly heavy metal tracks on the disc, it is very emotionally strong, and contains a clever musical twist or two.

A nice mood piece, “Electric Requiem” is a short and haunting song.

Containing some interesting arrangements, this piece is another which is more of a blatant metal tune in many places. It is another very emotional piece.

This one contains some more wonderful lyrical imagery, and a great bass sound. There is a very interesting transition between “I Don’t Believe in Love” and “Waiting for 22.”

This short instrumental is a very moody track----not quite progressive, not quite metal.

A very powerful and haunting song, “My Empty Room” contains more interesting lyrical imagery. The transition into the final song of the album is certainly a musical quote from Pink Floyd`s The Wall, as the main character in this story is in much the same situation as Old Pink was in that tale.

Another song which is basically a heavy metal tune, this one also contains some strong emotional content. Although it makes for a dramatic and satisfying ending, what it does not provide is a happy ending.