Didn't have much time to listen to new albums this past month, but I did start to get into one long awaited sequel. The expansion of the New releases section I announced a few months ago has been put on hold since it was too time consuming.


Queensrÿche - Operation: Mindcrime II
Don't try to compare it to the original Mindcrime album. It doesn't come anywhere near it. The album is lacking immediately strong melodies and the story fails to grip me, but I will give it 5 more chances before declaring it completely unnecessary. The one thing that hit me hard is how much Geoff Tate has lost the edge in his voice over the years. There are many obvious and not so obvious hints at the Mindcrime I album which are fun to find. But things like the drums at the beginning of "I'm American" (Spreading the disease), the mood at the beginning of "The Hands" (Eyes of a stranger) or the ending to "If I could change it all" (Suite Sister Mary) are too obvious and make the album feel sort of uninspired. On a positive note the album grows with each listen and I have a feeling that it will take between 10-20 listens to make it really open up, I'm getting there slowly. The best thing about the album so far: The Dio duet.

Primal Fear - Seven Seals
Proving to be a long lasting and still thrilling Metallic ride.

Ray Wilson - An Audience and...
Fantastic live album.

Thin Lizzy - Jailbreak
After the impressive concert at Train I had to check Thin Lizzy out. I often find myself humming the melodies from several songs of this great album.

Blind Guardian - Fly (Single)
Ambitious arrangements, but the music is lacking that unique power of their older songs.


CD Purchases of the month

Queensrÿche - Operation: Mindcrime II
Thin Lizzy - Jailbreak
Blind Guardian - Fly (Single)

Written by Steen
Wednesday, May 17, 2006