Neha Patil (Editor)

Operation: Mindcrime (band)

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Years active
  
2014–present

Website
  
operationmindcrime.com

Associated acts
  
Queensrÿche

Albums
  
Resurrection, The Key

Operation: Mindcrime (band) assetsblabbermouthnets3amazonawscommediaope

Genres
  
Progressive metal alternative metal

Members
  
Geoff Tate Kelly Gray John Moyer Simon Wright Randy Gane Brian Tichy Tim Fernley Scott Moughton

Profiles

Operation: Mindcrime is a progressive metal band that is fronted by the former lead singer of Queensrÿche, Geoff Tate. Various musicians have contributed to the band, both live and in studio and it features members such as John Moyer (also known for being in Disturbed) and Simon Wright (also known for his work with AC/DC and Ronnie James Dio). The group signed a worldwide deal in December 2014 with Frontiers Music Srl for its coming releases. Their debut album, The Key, which is part one of a trilogy, was released on September 18, 2015. The second, Resurrection was released on September 23, 2016.

Contents

History

Tate was fired from Queensrÿche in 2012, as his relationship with the rest of the band had deteriorated. The acrimonious split caused a considerable amount of discord among fans and major lawsuits began. Tate filed suit for wrongful termination while the band counter-sued citing what it alleged as violent behavior by Tate. With an ongoing court case over the rights to use the name 'Queensrÿche' going on, Tate announced his own line-up under the name, leading to two bands using the name while actively touring at the same time. Tate's group released the album Frequency Unknown, produced and mixed by Jason Slater, on April 23, 2013 in the U.S. Although selling well, the release picked up mixed reviews from music critics and somewhat of a fan backlash.

Following a settlement, Tate was granted the exclusive performance rights to the band's concept albums Operation: Mindcrime (1988), and Operation: Mindcrime II (2006). Those two releases garnered both critical praise and widespread commercial success for the group, with Tate then serving as its frontman. In return, musicians Michael Wilton, Scott Rockenfield, Todd La Torre, and Eddie Jackson retained all rights to the 'Queensrÿche' brand.

Tate was allowed, according to the settlement, to perform with his own line-up under the name 'Queensrÿche' until his tour concluded on August 31, 2014, after which his group announced to adopt the official name 'Operation: Mindcrime'. The La Torre-fronted Queensrÿche has retained the right to perform material coming from and related to the two Operation: Mindcrime albums live. This legal set-up is somewhat similar to that of Pink Floyd and their former bandmate Roger Waters, in which both artists have performed songs from The Wall live.

About the group, Tate has said, "It is so refreshing to be able to concentrate on the many stories and ideas that I have been working on with no boundaries or restrictions." He's also remarked, "I think fans will continue to enjoy the music we create and perform together and hope they share this new musical journey with us."

In late 2014, Tate began working on a new concept album. Planned as a trilogy of albums, he has claimed it as one of his most ambitious works to date. The band signed a worldwide deal with Frontiers Music Srl for its coming releases in December 2014.

In 2015, John Moyer, Brian Tichy, and Scott Moughton became members after the departures of Rudy Sarzo and Robert Sarzo.

Their debut album and first of the trilogy, The Key, was released on September 18, 2015. The album features a guest appearance from Megadeth bassist David Ellefson.

The second album in the trilogy, Resurrection, was released on September 23, 2016 and features guest appearances by Blaze Bayley and Tim "Ripper" Owens, among others.

Discography

  • The Key (2015)
  • Resurrection (2016)
  • Band members

  • Geoff Tate - Vocals, Keyboards, Saxophone
  • Tim Fernley - Bass,Upright Bass
  • John Moyer - Bass, Vocals
  • Simon Wright - Drums
  • Brian Tichy - Drums
  • Kelly Gray - Guitars, Vocals
  • Scott Moughton - Guitars, Vocals
  • Randy Gane - Keyboards
  • Songs

    Re-Inventing the FutureThe Key · 2015
    An Ambush of SadnessThe Key · 2015
    Discussions in a Smoke Filled RoomThe Key · 2015

    References

    Operation: Mindcrime (band) Wikipedia