I Don’t Believe In Love / Waiting For 22

The Zoo Crew is spinning the haunting tracks "I Don’t Believe In Love" and "Waiting For 22" by Queensrÿche from their seminal 1988 album Operation: Mindcrime, a concept album that’s a cornerstone of progressive metal. "I Don’t Believe In Love" is a fan favorite, nominated for a Grammy in 1990 for Best Metal Performance, and has been performed live by the band 895 times as of March 2017, making it their sixth most-played song. Its raw emotion, driven by lyrics like “I awoke on impact / Under surveillance from the camera eye,” captures the disillusionment of the album’s protagonist, Nikki, a drug addict turned assassin grappling with betrayal and loss. The song’s D minor key adds to its brooding intensity, blending power ballad elements with Queensrÿche’s signature melodic heft. Social media buzz, like a 2024 Reddit thread on r/ClassicRock, praises its enduring relevance and killer bassline, with fans calling Operation: Mindcrime one of the greatest concept albums ever.

"Waiting For 22," a short instrumental penned by guitarist Chris DeGarmo, serves as a bittersweet interlude in the album’s narrative. In a 2007 interview with Anarchy Music, vocalist Geoff Tate revealed its title reflects Nikki’s longing for a better year—his 22nd—after a brutal one. Tate envisioned it as a lament, setting a melancholic tone for the story’s next chapter. Fans on X, like @doomedparade in a 2022 post, rave about how the album sustains near-perfection through its final tracks, with "Waiting For 22" amplifying the emotional weight of Nikki’s journey. The instrumental’s delicate guitar melody and soloing create a reflective pause, showcasing Queensrÿche’s knack for weaving intricate musical segues into their storytelling.

Queensrÿche formed in 1980 in Bellevue, Washington, evolving from a local band called The Mob. The original lineup—vocalist Geoff Tate, guitarists Chris DeGarmo and Michael Wilton, bassist Eddie Jackson, and drummer Scott Rockenfield—honed their craft in the early ’80s, drawing inspiration from heavy metal giants like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest while infusing progressive rock elements akin to Pink Floyd and Rush. Their 1983 self-titled EP, featuring tracks like “Queen of the Reich,” caught the attention of EMI Records, leading to a deal and their debut album, The Warning, in 1984. By 1988’s Operation: Mindcrime, Queensrÿche had refined their “thinking quận’t believe in love,” a Grammy-nominated hit that helped the album go platinum in 1991. With over 20 million albums sold worldwide, including 6 million in the U.S., Queensrÿche remains a progressive metal titan.

Stay connected with Queensrÿche through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for the latest tour dates and releases. Fans can dive deeper into the band’s legacy on dedicated sites like Queensrÿche Forum or join discussions in Facebook groups such as Queensrÿche Fans, where Zoo Freaks can share their love for Operation: Mindcrime and beyond.