Queensrÿche

Although thinking-man's metal band Queensrÿche has a respectable catalogue of albums under its belt -- including classics such as Empire and Rage for Order -- its legacy was cemented by 1988's Operation: Mindcrime, one of the greatest and most successful rock operas ever made. Mindcrime wove a tale of a junkie-turned-assassin named Niki being manipulated by the diabolical Dr. X. And like any good story, the album ended with unanswered questions, leaving the door open for a sequel. Nearly two decades later, the band dutifully obliged with Operation: Mindcrime II, released this past spring. The act brings the epic saga to life on this tour with performances of both albums in their entirety, backed by a feast of images in classic Queensrÿche style. While there's no live cameo by Ronnie James Dio -- who provided the voice of Dr. X on the new disc -- the show should prove to be a better ticket than most this year.