Operation: Mindcrime II is a rock album by Queensrÿche, which serves as a sequel to the band's 1988 concept album, Operation: Mindcrime. Released on March 31, 2006, it features Ronnie James Dio providing the vocals for the character Dr. X, a significant figure in the storyline that continues from the original album.
The predecessor, Operation: Mindcrime, narrated the tale of a man named Nikki, brainwashed into becoming a political assassin by an underground movement. Drawn into a web of murder and intrigue, Nikki is manipulated by the clandestine Dr. X and the sordid Sister Mary. In Operation: Mindcrime II, the story resumes with Nikki released from incarceration after 18 years, and his hunt for revenge against Dr. X commences.
The album reached the 14th position on the Billboard 200 and got generally positive reviews from critics. Key tracks on the album include “I'm American," “Fear City Slide," “A Murderer?" and the Grammy-nominated "Hostage". Musically, the album extends the hard rock and heavy metal style of the original album, while lyrically it deals with themes such as revenge, power, corruption, and manipulation.
In terms of the band's line-up for this album, it features Geoff Tate on lead vocals, Michael Wilton on guitars, Eddie Jackson on bass, Mike Stone on guitars, and Scott Rockenfield on drums. Producer Jason Slater also played a significant role in the creation of Operation: Mindcrime II's sound and structure.
