The Geoff Tate-fronted QUEENSRŸCHE are currently mixing their upcoming album with Jason Slater. Guitarist Craig Locicero (FORBIDDEN, SPIRALARMS) has just revealed that he and drummer Paul Bostaph (SLAYER, TESTAMENT, EXODUS, Forbidden) "have played most of the music" on the album that will also feature bassist Rudy Sarzo (OZZY OSBOURNE, WHITESNAKE), guitarist Kelly Gray (Queensrÿche 1998 - 2001), keyboardist Randy Gane, guitarist Robert Sarzo (QUIET RIOT, HURRICANE), drummer Simon Wright (AC/DC, DIO) and guest appearances by K.K. Downing (ex-JUDAS PRIEST), Brad Gillis (NIGHT RANGER), Dave Meniketti (Y&T;), Ty Tabor (KING'S X) and Bobby Blotzer (RATT).

Locicero says that the album "is WAY HEAVIER then most anyone is expecting!

Geoff and Jason have been nothing but awesome to us and it gave Paul and I (pictured below) a chance to contribute together on a metal record once again. I was working on it for a few weeks and play on every song. There are kick ass solo contributions from Dave Meniketti, Ty Tabor, Brad Gillis, KK Downing and Chris Cannella. As well as bass played by Rudy Sarzo and more drums from Simon Write. It's some great company to be around and it was an honor to be a part of it.

I know what the perception of the Queensrÿche camp is and I really don't give a fuck. QR was one of my favorite bands from the EP through Operation Mindcrime. When I was approached about doing the record I did contemplate all of the turmoil, but I love a challenge. I accepted the challenge and think Geoff has a kick ass record to deliver the fans...in spite of what some may expect. The songs are cool, classy and in some cases stupidly heavy!

So there you have it. I am not IN Queensrÿche, SpiralArms is still my baby with a killer record to be released very soon. So Geoff has a touring line-up ready to go this Summer. I'm simply stoked to have put some my riff-age in the mix with once of heavy metal's most recognizable and classic voices."

The Geoff-Tate-fronted Queensrÿche will release the full-length via Cleopatra Records later this year.

The Operation: Mindcrime 25th Anniversary tour is slated to begin in April (see below) with the new line-up. The performance will cover all fifteen songs from the album including such fan favorites as 'Revolution Calling', 'Operation: Mindcrime', 'I Don't Believe in Love', and the closing track, 'Eyes of a Stranger'. It will also feature other selections from the Queensrÿche catalog including songs from Operation: Mindcrime II.

25th Anniversary Operation: Mindcrime Tour 2013

April

6 - Peppermill Casino in West Wendover, Nevada
11 - Paramount Theatre in Denver, Colorado
12 - Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Albuquerque, New Mexico
13 - Chrome in Las Vegas, Nevada
14 - Marquee Theater in Tempe, Arizona
16 - Rialto Theatre in Tucson, Arizona
18 - The Canyon Club in Agoura, California
19 - 4th & B in San Diego, California
20 - Club Nokia in Los Angeles, California
21 - Fillmore in San Francisco, California

More dates to be announced.