A band in excellent form performing for a dynamic crowd - A review of Queensrÿche's Mindcrime at the Moore

Aside from some semi-amateurish cuts from the early years, Queensrÿche hasn't released any live material in a decade and a half which is surprising with its significant line-up change on the vocals. Mindcrime at the Moore is already fourteen years old as I'm writing these lines and it's still a very special release in Queensrÿche large discography. Released on CD, DVD and Blu-ray, this concert recorded in the band's hometown of Seattle features both Operation: Mindcrime records played in their entirey, plus an encore consisting of two tunes. This makes for nearly two and a half hours of entertainment. The DVD and Blu-ray versions even include a tour documentary and some other extras that are really only interesting for avid collectors and fans.

There are many positive elements to mention about this release. The production is very good with crystal clear vocals, energetic guitar sound, powerful bass guitar lines, tight drums and an audible audience. The band is in great form and plays the songs very well from start to finish. The track list offers energetic cuts such as ''Revolution Calling'', catchier tunes such as ''I Don't Believe in Love'' and cinematic, conceptual and progressive songs like ''Suite Sister Mary''. The closing encore ''Jet City Woman'' convinces with excellent atmosphere and is celebrated by band and fans alike.

On the negative side, the second instalment of the Operation: Mindrime duology has a few lengths in the middle section. However, the diverse songwriting and the passionate guest vocalists manage to keep this section of the concert from mediocrity. The live versions of said album are certainly more dynamic than the studio versions.

At the end of the day, Queensrÿche's Mindcrime at the Moore is a very good to great live album with thirty-four songs and almost two hours and a half of great to excellent heavy, power and progressive metal performed by a band in excellent shape in front of a crowd that participated very well. I would suggest purchasing this gem rather than the second Operation: Mindcrime studio album. This concert could also serve as an appropriate introduction to the band. Moreover, this is not only Queensrÿche's last convincing release with original singer Geoff Tate but the band's last truly outstanding release altogether to this day.

Final rating: 85%