The “Operation: Mindcrime” deluxe features live audio concerts from London’s Hammersmith Odeon in 1990 and Wisconsin’s Target Center in 1991, plus a DVD that also includes the bonus track “The Making of Operation: Mindcrime” and an “Operation: Mindcrime” TV spot. The “Empire” deluxe version completes the Hammersmith Odeon 1990 concert with the live audio from the non-“Mindcrime” setlist. Geoff Tate, inducted into the 2020 Metal Hall Of Fame, sheds new light on “Operation: Mindcrime” and “Empire” in extended interviews with noted journalist Alex Milas for the liner notes.

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.”

Reaching No. 7 on the Billboard album chart, the follow-up, “Empire”, built upon the success of “Operation: Mindcrime”. Produced, like its predecessor, by Peter Collins (BON JOVI, RUSH, ALICE COOPER),the collection features brilliant and intelligent lyrics and songwriting complemented by incredible musicianship, with songs ranging from beautiful ballads to strong melodic rockers and classic heavy fist-pumpers. A rarity at the time, “Empire” spawned six singles that lit up Billboard’s rock tracks chart with the Top 10 hits “Silent Lucidity” (No. 1),”Jet City Woman” (No. 6),”Another Rainy Night (Without You)” (No. 7) and Top 30 hits “Anybody Listening?” (No. 16),”Empire” (No. 22) and “Best I Can” (No. 28). The power ballad “Silent Lucidity” was the band’s first crossover hit, topping the Billboard rock singles chart and reaching No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Silent Lucidity” also earned a Grammy nomination for “Best Rock Vocal Performance By A Duo Or Group” and received an MTV “Viewer’s Choice” award. RIAA-certified triple-platinum, “Empire” is the band’s most commercially successful album to date.

Progressive metal greats QUEENSRŸCHE emerged from Bellevue, Washington, in 1982 and have sold more than 30 million albums worldwide.

“Operation: Mindcrime” 4CD/1DVD Deluxe Version”