Operation: Mindcrime (band)

Operation: Mindcrime (also known as: Geoff Tate's Operation: Mindcrime) is a progressive metal band that is fronted by the former lead singer of Queensrÿche, Geoff Tate. It is named after Queensrÿche's 1988 album of the same name. 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. The third and final album of the trilogy, The New Reality, was released on December 1, 2017.[1]

Operation: Mindcrime
Operation: Mindcrime in 2016.
Background information
OriginUnited States
Genres
Years active2012–2014 (as Queensrÿche)
2014–present
LabelsFrontiers Records
Associated actsQueensrÿche
Websiteoperationmindcrime.com
Members
  • Geoff Tate
  • Scott Moughton
  • Kieran Robertson
  • Jack Ross
  • Josh Watts
  • Bruno Sa
Past members

History
Singer-songwriter Geoff Tate is pictured here in 2004 in Düsseldorf, Germany.

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.[2] 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.[3][4]

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'.[4] 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.[3][4] 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.[5]

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.

The third and final album of the trilogy, The New Reality, was released on December 1, 2017. During promotion of the album, Tate announced that the album would be the last for the band, saying "This group of musicians was put together specifically for this project...this is the last album of the trilogy and the last album for Operation: Mindcrime."[6]

Discography

As "Queensrÿche"

As "Operation: Mindcrime

Band members

Current
  • Geoff Tate - Vocals, Keyboards, Saxophone (2012–present)
  • Scott Moughton - Guitars, Vocals (2015–present)
  • Kieran Robertson - Guitars, Vocals (2018–present)
  • Jack Ross - Bass Guitar (2018–present)
  • Josh Watts - Drums (2018–present)
  • Bruno Sa - Keyboards (2018–present)

Touring
  • Walter Cianciusi - Guitars (2019)
  • Dario Parente - Guitars (2019)
  • Felix Bohnke - Drums (2019)

Former

As "Queensrÿche Starring Geoff Tate the Original Voice"

As "Operation: Mindcrime"

See also

References
  1. "Geoff Tate's Operation: Mindcrime Signs With Frontiers Music". Blabbermouth.net. December 2, 2014. Retrieved December 9, 2014.
  2. "Geoff Tate Wins Court Ruling to Continue Using Queensryche Name". Loudwire.com. October 20, 2012. Retrieved December 7, 2014.
  3. "Geoff Tate's QueensrŸche To Forge Ahead As Operation: Mindcrime". Blabbermouth.net. July 30, 2014. Retrieved December 7, 2014.
  4. "QueensrŸche: More Settlement Details Revealed In Dispute Over Ownership Of Name". Blabbermouth.net. May 5, 2014. Retrieved December 7, 2014.
  5. "Geoff Tate's Operation: Mindcrime Detail Their Debut Album, 'The Key'". Music Enthusiast Magazine. July 2, 2015. Retrieved July 2, 2015.
  6. "Geoff Tate: 'A New Reality' Is Operation: Mindcrime's Last Album". Loudwire. November 27, 2017. Retrieved February 20, 2018.
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