FORMER QUEENSRŸCHE FRONTMAN GEOFF TATE RELEASES “POWER,” FIRST SINGLE FROM HIS UPCOMING “OPERATION: MINDCRIME III” ALBUM, DUE MAY 3RD

Ex-Queensrÿche singer Geoff Tate will release the third chapter in the band’s classic Operation: Mindcrime album series, Operation: Mindcrime III, on May 3rd. The LP’s first single, Power, can now be heard below.

Power was written by Tate and his guitarist/producer Kieran Robertson. It features vocals by Tate, drums b yRich Baur, bass by Disturbed bassist and Operation: Mindcrime III co-producer John Moyer, guitar by Dario Parenteand Amaury Altmayer, and synths and strings by Tate and Robertson. It was mixed and mastered by Juan Urteaga at Trident Studios in Pacheco, California.

Released under Geoff Tate‘s own name and not under the Queensrÿche banner, Operation: Mindcrime III is once again a concept album with a storyline following Nikki, a drug addict-turned-assassin manipulated by a shadowy figure known as Dr. X. However, unlike the first two installments, Operation: Mindcrime III will tell the tale from the perspective of Dr. X, “how the story happened from his point of view,” according to Geoff. “Which is kind of interesting, I think, because we’ve only heard it from Nikki‘s point of view, and he’s been sort of this victim throughout the whole story,” Tate previously explained. “And Dr. X‘s perspective is completely different, ’cause he’s not the victim at all. So it’s very aggressive.”

Operation: Mindcrime III track listing:

1. The Scene Of The Crime
2. You Know My Fu@king 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

Originally released in May 1988, Queensrÿche‘s third studio album, Operation: Mindcrime took the quintet to an entirely new level. The concept, revealed through the songs, revolves around the character of Nikki, a recovering drug addict disillusioned with a corrupt society. Drawn into a cult-like revolutionary group headed by Dr. X (voiced by the late and beloved British actor Anthony Valentine), Nikki is manipulated to assassinate political leaders until his friendship with nun Sister Mary finally opens his eyes to the truth. Regarded as one of the greatest concept metal albums of all time, Operation: Mindcrime was certified platinum in 1991 in the U.S. and was ranked in the “Top 100 Metal Albums Of All Time” by both Kerrang! and Billboard magazines. Rolling Stone included it on a similar list, noting that “nearly 30 years after its initial release, ‘Mindcrime’ feels eerily relevant.”

The original Operation: Mindcrime album weaved themes of religion, drug abuse and underground, radical politics. By contrast, 2006’s Operation: Mindcrime II was regarded as an unnecessary sequel that many felt cheapened the original album, despite being a decent record in its own right.

11 Responses

  1. Absolutely the WORST “vocalist” ever! Always hated Queensryche and especially Tate’s voice! Boring, flat, annoying, etc… just like Queensryche!

    2. Nope! Never liked anything Tate or Queensryche have ever done! I’d rather have another dental implant than listen to them! Ugh!

    3. Bro Doug R., what is it about Queensryche that you don’t like? Personally, I think Geoff Tate has a great voice. It’s unique and iconic. I think Tate is a douche as a person, but that’s a different conversation…..

    4. Rattle, everything! Starting with Tate’s voice! Can’t emphasize enough the irritation, I’ve heard some bad voices before, but in my opinion Tate is at the top of the list! Besides being a big asshole, as far as singing goes there’s nothing there. Never liked the music either, zero interest!

  2. Rage of Order is one of my favorite all time metal albums!! I would have to listen to this whole cd which I definitely will! This article was very well written and let’s not forget some of our great singers of rock from younger days!!

    1. George, I agree that “Rage for Order” is a great metal album. It’s my favorite Queensryche album. I saw the tour when it came to San Diego. I think the first Queensryche EP and their first three albums through “Operation Mindcrime” are great. I started to tune out beginning with the “Empire” album, and then lost all interest in the band when Chris DeGarmo left the band. He was a primary songwriter of the band, and the band wasn’t the same with his departure.

    2. That must’ve been an awesome show. I missed seeing them in the 80’s and early 90’s. I especially wish I’d seen them when they toured again in ’04-’06 on the Operation: Mindcrime I & II bill. I was living outside Pittsburgh and had a chance to catch them but I didn’t go. I think 10 years ago they were doing the County Fair circuit w/out Geoff or maybe it was Geoff doing OM. Time, and a clear memory…where does it go?! ;]===

  3. I loved Operation Mind Crime & Empire. Scot Rockenfield was a great drummer. Solid band back then. Grunge era sure did sidelined many an 80’s metal band. Geoff was the man for a while.

  5. Wow, rattle you are very lucky to have seen that tour! I have everything they put out except the latest and Frequence! Great stuff. Tate is amazing singer! I have Operation Mindcrime 3 releases! Great stuff! I just listened to the whole Rage of Order with 24 bit remastering on my cd last night with my expensive headphones! Great great cd!!!!!

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