Originally published by The Birmingham Mail. June 2008.

With two critically acclaimed albums to play in one night, you could be forgiven for thinking the task was going to prove itself too difficult to recreate live. However, Queenscryche relished such a challenge and even topped it.

Opening the night with the first Operation Mindcrime album, the crow was presented with a theatrical stage gig mixing the live band performance with actors and a stunning animated/live action screen show which provided a dynamic  backdrop to the set.

Tracks such as Speak , Spreading the Disease and the edgy anti-drugs plea The Needle Lies were played at such a relentless pace it was hard to catch your breath and keep up.

After a short interval the band came out for the sequel, Operation Mindcrime 2.  Vocalist Geoff Tate rampaged through the set with its more rock/opera feel with considerable ease.

Returning to the stage to huge applause, Queensryche finished off an impressive night with Jet City Woman, the politically prophetic Empire and Silent Lucidity, resulting in a standing ovation  which the band had worked relentlessly for.

Ian D. Hall