Many Queensryche fans already have both of the albums that make up this story. To hose people I say that it remains damn near vital for you to add this to your collection. This is the only album where you can actually experience the death of Sister Mary as it happens. Also, "Electric Requiem" has been re-written and become one of the most powerful emotional moments in the entire epic. There are many other musical interludes and new vocal arrangements that add depth to the story as well. If that isn't enough to sell you on it, the bonus encore of "Walk In The Shadows" and "Jet City Woman" should seal the deal.

Musically, the band is in top form. Geoff Tate hasn't lost a step, and the guest vocals of Pamela Moore as Sister Mary compliment him perfectly. The band is every bit as tight as you'd expect them to be after all of the time and attention they spent making sure taht they brought you the perfect live representation of the albums. Also, while many still miss former guitarist Chris Degarmo, the addition of Mike Stone has added a contemporary feel and the necessary aggression that 'mindcrime: 2" demands. Even the crowd contributes to the story. Live albums often suffer due to crowd noise, but given the concept of an underground revelutionary organization, the shouts of thousands of people in unison just makes the movement seem even larger, like an army.

I don't really have to talk about the songs do I?the first 'mindcrime' is considered by many to be the greatest concept album of all time. Every song on it is a prog metal classic. As mentioned above, the second album amps up the anger and intensity, which is really the only way to successfully follow up such a classic.Where the first chapter deals mostly with the situations that the lead characters find themselves in and tells a heartbreaking story, the second gives a more global perspective, showing a larger view of the conspiracy and America's role in the world today. Though certain musical elements carry over, the shift in tone was a stroke of genius. Most bands would have simply tried to recreate the same story as opposed to taking the characters into new directions (I'm talking to YOU Savatage!).

If you are not yet a Queensryche fan, then you have some catching up to do. I reccomend that you check out the original classic 'Operation: mindcrime" and then buy the subsequent chapters after you realize how good the band really is. For old-school Queensryche fans, this is simply a must-own item. Most live albums are not very important to a bands catalog and can be skipped. This is not one of those albums. Join the revolution one last time, you won't regret it.