Megadeth - Dystopia (2016)

After listening to their entire discography, I have learned a few things about the thrash metal legends Megadeth. One is that Dave Mustaine musically is a very complicated man. Not that he writes 10+ minute epics or so, but he has a nasty habit of making complete u-turns when it comes to the style and sound from album to album, especially in his later years. Even if "Th1rt3en" was far from an awful record, how could anyone expect that the next step from that was "Super Collider"? I know that I did not want to believe how bad that album was, but I could not hide away from the ugly truth. And now, three years later, he has made an even bigger change for this, the band's 15th studio album. Fortunately for us, it is for the better.

The most obvious change is in the personnel. Gone are Shawn Drover and Chris Broderick, and in comes the Angra guitarist Kiko Loureiro to bring some power into the band. I really wondered if Kiko was the right choice since he comes from a different type of genre, but it turns out that he did a fantastic job on the record, and it also seems like he has made a great connection with Dave, which is crucial if you want to stay. What about the drums? For "Dystopia", the Lamb of God drummer Chris Adler was hired in to do the work, but for now, Megadeth has no official drummer, and I think it is a shame that Adler is not in the band, because he fits right in the mold, but I also understand that he wants to fully focus on Lamb of God, so I am okay with it.

Back to the album, a very, VERY beautiful album. Seriously, that album cover is the exact opposite to the one on "Super Collider", and here is why. 1. it is not a cheap Photoshop version of an previously existing photo, 2. it looks metal as fuck, and most importantly 3. Vic Rattlehead is on it! This is without a doubt the best cover since "Peace Sells...". Oh what? I need to start talking about the music? Okay, okay, I am on it.

It is a good thing I mentioned "Peace Sells..." before, because that is the exact album I thought of while listening to "Dystopia". This album is more of the classic Megadeth, which is more or less what the fans always want. Now, I do not think Dave made this album for the fans, because it still has some of the more modern Megadeth in it, but something has hit the thrash nerve in Dave, and I bet it was Kiko.

Just take "Fatal Illusion" for example. It is textbook "Peace Sells..." material right there, starting off carefully, luring the listener in with its heavy riffs, just to catch him off guard with a tempo change that takes everyone for a frantic ride. This really takes me back to the good old days (well, it would if I was actually born back in those days).

Even if "Dystopia" is filled with old time references, it still feels modern and fresh, like a continuation of "Endgame". Songs like "The Threat Is Real", "The Emperor" and "Death From Within" would fit right in that album. What also glads me is that Dave is pissed, and has let out his social critical opinions again. You may not always agree with the man, but hot damn, he is a lot more fun when he is mad.

In the end though, I feel like "Dystopia" falls a bit short at the end of the album, delivering mixed results that feels like filler material. Still, "Dystopia" is a great thrash piece, and it feels like the member changes has given the band a much needed face lift. It may not hold all the way, but it sure feels good that the band is back on track, doing what they do best, thrashing it away with lots of riffs, solos, and anger. However, knowing how unstable Dave can be, one should not relax and think that they will stay like this forever, it can change anytime, even in the next album. Let us hope that he does not.

Songs worthy of recognition: Fatal Illusion, The Threat Is Real, Death From Within

Rating: 7,5/10 Post American Worlds

Best of Megadeth

Another discography review is done, and boy, this one was a wild ride. Ups and downs, lefts and rights, glories and shits, this discography offered quite a lot. Megadeth has sure had an incredible career, but how incredible is it really? Well, let us find out, here is the best of Megadeth.

Best album

3. Endgame
This mix of speedy thrash and modern metal was the tip of the iceberg that was Megadeth's second golden age. It is a fantastic album that mixes extreme fury, awesome riffs and solos, and sweet song writing. If you lost faith in Megadeth in the 90's and have not dared to get back into the band, get this one now. I promise that you will not regret it.

2. Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?
The album that launched Megadeth's career, a tightly packed thrash sandwich that just consists of great songs, endless solos and riffs, and a weird, but fun, cover. Definitely more attractive than peace.

1. Rust In Peace
Easily, one of the most ground breaking records of all times. A album filled with solos, riffs, beats and melodies that never seems to end. This thrash orgasm is something every metal head should listen to in their life at least once... or twice... ah, fuck it, at least one hundred times. A time less classic.

Worst album

Risk
I think any commentary here is unnecessary, you probably get why I chose this as the worst. If you don't, then consider yourself lucky to have not heard this album.

Best song

5. Hangar 18
This song consists only of 16 lines of lyrical material, which leaves lots of room for the twin guitars going ham at each other. Some may think that "Hangar 18" got too much of the good stuff, I say that I only want more. An amazing barrage of riffs and solos that just hits you hard and fast multiple times.

4. A Tout Le Monde
Still feels incredibly weird to hear such a heavy band play this fragile ballad, but it is still a perfect, beautiful piece that shows that Dave is more than riffs and solos. Just do not listen to the remake that came out in "United Abominations", it is not worthy of your time.

3. Holy Wars... The Punishment Due
The opening riff gets you hooked and banging at full speed, but it is the excellent song writing and the smooth structure that keeps you along for the full ride. This song starts of one of the mightiest albums ever created and sets the bar for the rest of the tracks. An instant classic.

2. In My Darkest Hour
Starting off beautifully and slow, this track from "So Far, So Good... So What!" lures the listener into a false sense that this could be a ballad of some sorts. But when Dave starts singing darker and deeper, and the guitars starts to pick up some speed, the song completely changes personality. One of the most versatile tracks I have ever heard.

1. Good Mourning/Black Friday
If someone would get the crazy idea of making a horror film based on a Megadeth song, I would suggest them this one as an inspiration source. "Good Mourning/Black Friday" is a dark experience that picks up speed along the way, attacking the listener with riffs, solos, aggressive drums and lyrics about a manic butcher. A magical song that gives you the feeling that it could go on forever, and you would not mind at all. It doesn't get more thrash than this.

Best album cover

Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?

Seeing Vic as a real estate agent trying to sell a UN headquarter that lies in ruins is just candy for the eyes. A picture that fits perfectly with the album title, giving it an iconic cover that is very memorable. This also helped Vic to become what he is today, a iconic mascot for the band.

Total discography verdict

Quality: 6/10
When it is good, it is amazing, but when it is bad, it is out right offensive. The uneven form that Megadeth has shown us during the years is frightening since you do not know what you will get next. Fortunately, there is more good than bad music... for now.

Creativity: 8/10
Dave is known for his experimentation, so he is without a doubt creative, but he has always had a core heart in his music that makes it recognizable as something Megadeth would do. Just listen to his versatility on the riffs and you will see what a creative person he actually is.

Band chemistry: 4/10
Let us be honest here, Megadeth is more or less just an alibi for the Dave Mustaine one man show. He is Megadeth, and the people he has recruited over the years have not had the skills/patience to stay in the band for an essential amount of time (except for Ellefson, but he left one time as well).

Musicality: 6/10
Dave is an amazing guitarist and most of the band members that has been in this journey has put in a certain amount of touch in the Megadeth brand. However, the band, and especially Mustaine, is far from the best live musicians in the world. Also, Dave's voice is far from flattering.

Lyrics: 7/10
Dave is a master of writing some controversial stuff, wheter it be about politics, war, global disasters, you name it, he can turn it into something aggressive in musical form. He can write about other stuff as well, but it is often a hit (like "A Tout Le Monde") or miss (like "Public Enemy No. 1").

Album rating summary

Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good!: 8/10
Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?: 9,5/10
So Far, So Good... So What!: 7/10
Rust In Peace: 10/10
Countdown To Extinction: 6/10
Youthanasia: 8/10
Cryptic Writings: 5/10
Risk: 2/10
The World Needs A Hero: 5,5/10
The System Has Failed: 7,5/10
United Abominations: 8,5/10
Endgame: 9/10
Th1rt3en: 6,5/10
Super Collider: 5,5/10
Dystopia: 7,5/10

Average rating: 7,033333333333333/10

Megadeth - Th1rt3en (2011)

We all know that Megadeth can change their musical and mental mood in a dime, and judging by the cover of the band's 13th album, they turned a couple of other things as well. I mean, why in god's name would you turn around your beloved mascot so that his back is shown on your cover? It just doesn't make sense, and neither does the title. Who in their right set of mind would name their album "Th1rt3en"? Sure, this is album number 13 for the band, but just because your band has reached a impressive goal in your career, it does not mean you can do anything to boast that achievement. This makes Megadeth look like fools, which unfortunately is not the first time.

So it could have been a better start for the return of bassist David Ellefson, and it didn't turn any better when it was discovered that most of the set list in "Th1rt3en" consisted of old songs that has been previously released in deluxe editions, b-sides and video games. For the common man, these songs might be new, but not for the hard core Megadeth fan, which ultimately takes away some of the excitement that comes with a new album.

So let me go through which songs are "old". Both "New World Order" and "Millennium of The Blind" appears as bonus tracks in the 2004 remaster of "Youthanasia" ( "New World Order" is also featured in the Duke Nukem soundtrack from 1999), "Black Swan" was released as a bonus track for those who pre ordered "United Abominations", and "Sudden Death" was originally special written for the game "Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock" (A game that also includes "Holy Wars... The Punishment Due" and "This Day We Fight!", all three songs are incredibly fun and difficult on guitar). Out of these 4 songs I would recommend 2 of them. "Sudden Death" is a fantastic shredding piece that fits perfectly in the game it was written for and the solos are just a blast to listen to (the chorus is pretty wimpy though) and "Black Swan" is a great song with fine musicality and sweet catchiness.

The new songs holds a great variety when it comes to pure quality. Some songs does succeed in standing its ground and delivers a pretty good mix of thrash beats and more commercial melody lines, while others could more or less be described as train wrecks, especially when you look it from a lyrical stand point. The first single, "Public Enemy No. 1", may be a cool catchy tune about Al Capone with a galloping main riff, but I just face palm when I hear Dave trying to find as many words as possible that rimes with one, and why is the band bragging so much in "Guns, Drugs, & Money"? Just why? Then we have the out right weak songs, like "Whose Life [Is It Anyways?]" and "Fast Lane" that just makes you want to hit the skip button as soon as they come up.

Fortunately, "Th1rt3en" is not completely filled with awful songs. I really enjoy the aggressive, but still very melodic "Never Dead" that brings one of the coolest solos the band has made in the 21st century, and the ending "13" is a nice way to end the album with its slow and hauntingly beautiful tempo. These songs together with the old material definitely makes up for some of the inconsistencies that this album is displaying, but it is obvious that the band went a little too experimental with "Th1rt3en", even if it at first sounds like a normal modern Megadeth album. I miss the anger, I miss the fury, and most of all, I miss the guitars that only gets the spotlight in like two and a half out of the thirteen songs.

So yeah, "Th1rt3en" is a step back for the band in a lot of points, but the overall image of the album is still pretty decent, just not fantastic. Several songs in here are good and worthy of giving a listen to, but to each good song in this album, there is at least two bad/mediocre songs to accompany it. It might have been because of that Dave Ellefson is back in the band and influenced the song creating process enough to steer it back into the 90's direction, but I really do not care since it would have been difficult for the band to top "Endgame" anyways. "Th1rt3en" will always be a decent album that just happens to have a really stupid name and a cover that doesn't make sense. Not Megadeth's finest work, but far from their worst.

Songs worthy of recognition: Black Swan, Sudden Death, Never Dead

Rating: 6,5/10 Wreckers

Megadeth - Endgame (2009)

I have said it before, and I say it again, the career of Megadeth can be compared to a roller coaster, where it starts going up until you reach the top, which is "Rust In Peace", then it goes down hill until you hit the bottom, which is "Risk". Now here is the second high point of the Megadeth hell ride, the 12th effort known as "Endgame", a album that took all of the things that made its predecessor "United Abominations" so successful and cranked it up another couple of notches. It was a album that was the main weapon in the Megadeth arsenal to reclaim there place among the thrash gods.

And holy crap, talk about thrash candy literally everywhere. It is almost like in the good old days, were the typical Megadeth song consisted of 60% riffing, 30% solos and 10% what ever could fit well into the song (lyrics, intro, more riffing, etc.). But it is not like the good old days, 20 years have passed since, the line up is different and the songs have gotten a modern make over, but it is still pretty good since Megadeth evolves, just like almost everything else in this world.

The biggest thrash steak that "Endgame" offers is the war tank known as "This Day We Fight!", a song that contains one of the meanest and fastest riffs Dave Mustaine has ever played on his six string, and together with a speed that matches Sonic The Hedgehog and the motivational skills that would match a hundred William Wallace's (the main character in the movie classic "Braveheart"), this song is a force to be reckoned with, and it works perfect together with the opening intro, "Dialectic Chaos". The first single "Head Crusher" is also a nice thrashy tune that... well, crushes heads. Pretty good for a song that is just about a medieval torture device.

There are also some songs that have more of the modern touch in it, and still works pretty well thanks to good musicianship. Some examples of that is the well composed "How The Story Ends", the slow and interesting title track and the surprisingly melodic and beautiful "The Hardest Part of Letting Go... Sealed With A Kiss". This definitely gives the album more depth and makes the whole record sound like a mix of the old and new Megadeth, without sounding cliche or stupid. The band really hit all the right notes on this album.

But no matter how much I love this album, I cannot stop thinking on how some of the songs could have been much more cooler and tougher if the band would have changed some minor details here and there. The main problem is that some of the choruses are far too weak, like the one to "1,320'". It is a nice, speedy song that really captures the racing mentality perfectly, but the chorus could as well be non existent, because it is so similar to the verse. The same could also be said to "Bite The Hand" and "Bodies", and all of those three comes after each other, which means "Endgame" has a three song long span without a good chorus, which really annoys me. The band knows how to write a great chorus, so why didn't they apply those skills to those songs?

Despite that, "Endgame" is still a fantastic album that is among the top in the Megadeth discography. The speed, riffs and attitude in this album is over flowing into rapids and you do not want to stop it, you just want more and more and more. This is the ultimate sign that Megadeth is back where they belong, playing thrash that just crushes everything in its path. Even with that modern vibe in it, "Endgame" is still a amazing piece that beats out about 90% of the opposition. This is a game that I would not want to end at all.

Songs worthy of recognition: This Day We Fight!, The Hardest Part of Letting Go... Sealed With A Kiss, Head Crusher, How The Story Ends

Rating: 9/10 Bodies

Megadeth - United Abominations (2007)

After the successful comeback to the thrash sound in "The System Has Failed", Dave had gotten himself a complete line up for the new album, the 2007 release "United Abominations". Besides from Dave himself, we have the brothers Glen and Shawn Drover that took care of the guitar and drum work, and also James LoMenzo who became the bassist. We also have a updated Vic Rattlehead in the cover with the hair that resembles of the dub step artist Skrillex. Not the coolest of hair styles, but it was a part of a fan competition to reinvent the mascot and Dave seemed to like it (he chose that one over the actual fan voted winner by the way).

This album takes the band another step forward in making the band sound heavier and it is probably the most provocative record yet written by Mustaine. Songs about the American government, the UN and tons of other stuff, all just to stir the pot up, as Dave himself has said. It is nothing surprising that Dave is doing it since he has always been that kind of guy, and to be honest, some of his best lyrical work comes from him being pissed off, which also goes with the music.

The album starts off in the best way possible, with a fast, thrashing tune that is filled with meaty riffs and solos. That song is "Sleepwalker" and it is one of the best songs Megadeth has done since their original thrash era. It could be that the lyrics about a man that kills people in his sleep has a B-movie stamp all over it, but the music is top notch and catchy. The overall start of "United Abominations" is just fantastic, continuing with the groovy "Washington Is Next!", the provocative title track, and the heavy "Gears of War", a track that was written for the video game with the same name.

I am not saying that the second half of the album is much worse than the first, but it does have more slip ups, the biggest one being the re-recorded version of  the "Youthanasia" song "Á Tout Le Monde". There is no good reason to do this and put it in the standard set list of the album. I could have accepted it as a bonus in some kind of deluxe version, but it is just obvious that Dave and the band's new record company, Roadrunner Records, wanted as much money as possible out of this product. The song itself is slightly faster than the original and it also features a guest appearance by Lacuna Coil singer Cristina Scabbia, who does a decent job, but it is not enough to even get close to the beautiful original.

So besides from that unnecessary re-recording, this album kicks ass. "United Abominations" is the most bad ass Megadeth album in almost 20 years and I would say that they have almost completely made up for the albums that was created in the 90's. With a good, strong line-up that is ready to shred until they bleed and a anger that is more or less unstoppable, Megadeth is ready to enter its second golden age with force and determination.

Songs worthy of recognition: Sleepwalker, Washington Is Next!, United Abominations, Play For Blood

Rating: 8,5/10 Amerikhastans

Megadeth - The System Has Failed (2004)

After years of experimentation and a long hunt for that number one position in the sale lists, it seemed like the metal gods finally had heard all of the prayers from Megadeth fans all around the globe. Because after a short disbanding of the band caused by a injury that could have ended Mustaines guitar playing abilities, Mustaine came back with what he explains as a liberating record since he had a lot more control over it than what he had had in the last couple of albums. Maybe that is why "The System Has Failed" was a return to the Megadeth roots, or maybe it is because it was originally meant to be a solo effort by Mustaine.

No matter what, "The System Has Failed" is a kick ass record that brings Megadeth back to the thrash universe in impeccable style. I can guarantee that you have not heard the band sound like this since the 1990 classic "Rust In Peace". But what about the more mainstream rock Megadeth you ask? That part of Megadeth is almost non existent in this album, mostly thanks to the aggression that Mustaine and the session musicians in this album brings. A aggression that is very welcome to all of the thrash fans of the world. Sure, the mainstream stamp is not completely washed off in this album thanks to tracks like "The Scorpion" and "Die Dead Enough", but those songs still have more balls than about 85% of the material in the last 5 Megadeth albums.

If you do not believe me that Megadeth has found their old groove again, then let me hand you some hardcore evidence. First off, "Kick The Chair" kicks your ass with a groove that is very much alike the one in "Rust In Peace... Polaris", which instantly spells success. We also have the opener "Blackmail The Universe" who shows aggression in both musical and lyrical form, and the nice old school "Back In The Day" shows influences from bands like Judas Priest and Motörhead, but it still contains that thrash vein that makes the track all Megadeth and not sound like a cover, something that has been a problem for the band in the last couple of efforts.

The most interesting song though is actually "Something That I'm Not", a song that contains lyrics that could have several meanings. It could be a statement to the "non-thrash" Dave that have been a little too much of a control freak lately, or it could be sort of a revenge song towards Mustaine's former band, Metallica, whom also went through a mainstream period around the same time as Megadeth. No matter what, it is a stellar song that definitely makes the album a little bit more special.

In the end, this album is a showing that Megadeth is back in good form. "The System Has Failed" may not be as thrilling as any of the first 4 Megadeth albums, but it sure is a exciting ride to come along on. With a good variety and a nice big amount of aggression, Megadeth, and especially Mustaine, shows that they are far from done in the music business, that they still can deliver some fantastic music. This album does fall short thanks to some mediocre songs and a couple of unnecessary short tunes, but the quality is there, and that is something that cannot be taken away from the band. Megadeth has rebooted, and the system is back online, up and running smoothly. Let us hope that this system does not fail again.

Songs worthy of recognition: Kick The Chair, Blackmail The Universe, Something That I'm Not

Rating: 7,5/10 Shadows of Deth

Megadeth - The World Needs A Hero (2001)

A new millennium had come, the world had survived the so called Y2K, but still faced a lot of various problems. So to say that the world needed a hero was more or less an understatement. The only hero that seemingly could save Megadeth now after the horrific "Risk" was their almost forgotten mascot Vic Rattlehead, whom makes his first album cover appearance for Megadeth since the 1990 classic "Rust In Peace". Okay, so Vic cannot really save Megadeth and make them create good music again, but just the clear sight of him gave at least some hope to the few Megadeth fans that was still out there. Could this be a turning point for the band?

Even if "The World Needs A Hero" is continuing on the same style that Megadeth has developed during the 90's, it is something different with this album. It is still mainstream hard rock that dominates the album, but it contains a little more bite, it is a little angrier. The music still has a groovy and catchy factor to it, but it feels more heavy metal than before, which is just what the band needed after the meltdown that happened 2 years before.

I would not go as far as saying that "The World Needs A Hero" is a fantastic album, because it is not, but compared to its predecessor, it is a very big improvement. There are still some mediocre and bad songs that I do not think holds up very well, and also some decisions are just weird, like the "phone call" parts in both the title track and "1000 Times Goodbye", but the overall quality is actually decent. "Moto Psycho" has a sweet groove and some nice riffs, while the opener "Disconnect" impress me with its solos. There are also some song in this album that has small thrash vibes, but still holds a good hard rock foundation to mix the old and new Megadeth in a good way, like "Dread And The Fugitive Mind" and "Recipe For Hate... Warhorse".

The only thing that "The World Needs A Hero" and "Risk" have in common is the feeling that Megadeth sometimes acts like a cover band. Even if "Return To Hangar" is a great track and one of the thrashier ones the band has done in ages, it is more or less the same as "Hangar 18", which is of course intended since it is a sequel to the track, but I feel like they could have been a little more imaginative about with it (at least put in more elaborate lyrics in). What is an even bigger rip off is the final song "When", which is more or less a complete replica of the Diamond Head classic "Am I Evil?", but with different lyrics. I think it is a disgrace to this classic song and a big middle finger to Diamond Head from Megadeth. I know that Dave have done covers before and altered some lyrics, but he is just stealing here and labels it as his own product. The worst part is that it is not even a good pirated copy. It is like one of those Iphone replicas from China. Might look decent on the outside, but is complete shit compared to the original.

This is a huge step forward for Megadeth and a glimpse of hope that the band might bounce back towards the top of the metal chain once again. "The World Needs A Hero" is not an amazing album that will go to the history as one of Megadeth's finest, but it is a album that at least shows that "Risk" was a one time thing, and nothing more. So if the band gets rid of the non-covers covers and brings a little more anger to the music, we might look at a really interesting future for the band.

Songs worthy of recognition: Return To Hangar, Recipe For Hate... Warhorse, Dread And The Fugitive Mind

Rating: 5,5/10 Moto Psychos

Megadeth - Risk (1999)

This is such a fitting title, because this album single handedly put Megadeth's dignity and credibility at great risk. This album has become so infamous, so notorious and so hated that fans around the world would not wish their mortal enemies to hear this album. It is a album that no one dares to speak off, little less want to hear off. This album is called "Risk", and was released in 1999 as Megadeth's 8th studio album and it was another obvious evidence of the band's blind quest on finding mainstream success.

So what it is with this album that has made it so hated? Well, besides the obvious and douchey "this is not thrash metal" answer, the music in "Risk" reeks of weird decision making and it leaves a confused feeling over the whole product. From the grunge vibes in "Prince of Darkness" to the soft country rock in "Breadline", this album is a complete gumbo of music styles that does not add up. Only a few genres has been left out and thrash is unfortunately one of those, sealing the break up between thrash and Megadeth that has gone on for more than half a decade. Probably a big reason to why Nick Menza left the band before the release of "Risk" (he was replaced by Jimmy DeGrasso).

The positives are extremely few in this records and none of those does not exactly make you jump up and down with joy. The scary groove in "Insomnia" is pretty decent and it is the song that has the hardest sound and best guitar solo, making it an instant winner among tons of losers. And despite its grunge vibes, the second track "Prince of Darkness" is still a decent, dark track with simple, effective riffing and a nice flowing chorus. After that, all hell literally breaks lose, and not in a good way.

The first single of the album, "Crush 'Em" is an obvious choice for that goal, but it is just such a bland song that you do not care for it one bit. It does have a stellar opening intro for it though called "Enter The Arena", but the cut off between the tracks is just stupid and does not fit at all. Another thing I do not fully understand is why Megadeth is trying to sound like a cover band for various bands, like in "Wanderlust", which is more or less a bad copy of "Wanted Dead Or Alive" by Bon Jovi, and in "I'll Be There", which could might as well have been a Dream Theater ballad. The weirdest part however is that they sing about all these dangerous things, like the seven deadly sins and ecstasy, with songs that are as harmful as a kitten. It is so mind boggling that I cannot comprehend it all, or rather do not want to comprehend it all. I just want to leave "Risk" be and let it rot somewhere far away.

Megadeth certainly took a lot of risks with this record, but none of those really paid off. This face palm of a record was supposed to further build the main stream success that the band had gotten, but the reaction became the opposite because of one, very simple reason. The music sucks! The band wanted to create something that would make everyone think "why didn't we think of this", but instead, the other bands think "thank god we did not think of this". This is the ultimate low point of Megadeth, and I just pray to god that this is the start of a turning point for the band, so that they can start making music that actually matters again. I am not talking about a full regression to the band's early days, just hoping that the band puts a stop to their urge to reach main stream success. No wonder why people believed that the world would end before the strike of the new millennium.

Song worthy of recognition: Insomnia

Rating: 2/10 Breadlines

Megadeth - Cryptic Writings (1997)

Dude, I just have to say, that is one cruddy album cover. Looks like a doodle I could have made. It is supposed to be a veve, some kind of a voodoo sign, but all I see is a very, very, very, VERY early blue print of a compass, possibly from the year 400. Hell, the band did not even bother to implement their trademark logo on. And for the third album in a row, I am left wondering "where the hell is Vic Rattlehead?". Good god, if I judged a album only for its cover, this one would have gotten a big F instantly, but luckily for Megadeth, I do not.

The 7th Megadeth album "Cryptic Writings" continues on the same track on which "Countdown To Extinction" and "Youthanasia" have been on, more main stream hard rock than thrash metal. And while both albums had some glimpses of greatness, it still left me longing for the good old Megadeth that thrashed my mind with riffs and solos. Not saying that I do not approve of Megadeth evolving their sound, just think that they were better back in the day.

But more talk about "Cryptic Writings", it starts off in good fashion with "Trust", a good, steady song with smooth riffing and catchy drum beats. A nice, groovy start in which Megadeth shows just how good they can be without the use of thrash melodies. Even if it is a strong start to the album, the band can not seem to really live up to "Trust" in the rest of the album. Because the rest of the album is a mish mash of bland ideas that simply does not work. It is not really any song that I hate, but there is too much mediocrity in this album for me too handle. Songs like "I'll Get Even" and "Use The Man" are just so boring and predictable that I want to do something unexpected myself to get rid of the boredom, like cooking a three course dinner (for the record, I am not a good cook).

The band is definitely performing well, holding the standard they have held since the line up was created, and the riffs and solos are some what interesting, but there is something holding it all back, and I am sure that something is Mustaine. His musical structures in this album is so ordinary, so bland that it does not matter how good you play or perform, it will still sound bland to the listener. Not even speedy tracks like "The Disintegrators" and "She-Wolf" takes off properly in this syrup of an album.

I believe that "Cryptic Writings" could have been a pretty decent album that would have continued on the track that "Youthanasia" paved way for, but instead, the band decided to slow down and take a much safer route that leaves their fans sleeping. "Cryptic Writings" is not a bad album, it is just so ordinary and bland that it makes it look bad. I would just get this album out of my existence if it was not for "Trust", the only thing in this album that really is worth mentioning. It is definitely the worst Megadeth album up to date and I can imagine that the fans wanted the band to bounce back with something more feisty for the next album. Little did they know what the future would hold for this former thrash super power.

Songs worthy of recognition: Trust, She-Wolf, FFF

Rating: 5/10 Sins

Megadeth - Youthanasia (1994)

With the release of "Youthanasia", Megadeth continued their transforming journey from one of the founders of thrash to something more mainstream, a transformation that saddened the thrash loving side of myself. To see a band that made some of the greatest thrash metal albums of all time making completely different music feels weird. But thanks to "Youthanasia", that weird feeling is now a positive one, instead of negative.

Just like "Countdown To Extinction", I would not count "Youthanasia" as a pure thrash release, but the album still has small hints of thrash in it, which of course makes it easier for the common Megadeth fan to listen to the album, but it is not only the small thrash injections that make "Youthanasia" a good album. The songs in the album feels more well thought through, having nice flowing structures and is a cohesive unit that is standing strong. Hell, even the ballad "A Tout Le Monde" (French for "To All The World") sounds good even if you are not used to hear such a slow and beautiful Megadeth song. This album really shows how much Mustaine has grown as a song writer.

For those of you who are only in it for the old school Megadeth sound, let me lead you to the solo in "The Killing Road", the heavy drive in "Reckoning Day", and the sweet groove in "Victory" that is obviously borrowed from "Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?". However, I do advice that you also check out the other tracks in the album since most of them are fine heavy metal pieces that together builds a sturdy record with a very interesting artwork (even if it misses good ol' Vic).

As usual when it comes to works made by Mustaine, it comes with a pinch of controversial lyrics in it. "A Tout Le Monde" could easily be mistaken as a song about suicide, something that made MTV ban its music video from airing and has been connected to the Dawson College shooting in 2006. I find the lyrics in it beautiful, but I had to admit that I also thought it was about suicide, but it is still a fantastic song. I also like the lyrics in "Blood of Heroes", which acts as a response to those who believed that the band was sell outs, and the title track's lyrics about the lost generation is pretty nice as well.

Even if this album was created by the desire of that number one spot on the selling lists, it still feels like a album that comes from the heart. Mustaine shows a lot of maturity in "Youthanasia", something he did not show in "Countdown To Extinction". It is a nice little album that may easily get dismissed, just because it is another catchy and melodic effort by the thrash legends. So do not miss out on this album, because I do not want this album to end up to the album equivalent of Youthanasia and let it be forgotten among Megadeth's discography. Also, it is true, that heroes never dies, they just fade away from time to time.

Songs worthy of recognition: A Tout Le Monde, Reckoning Day, Blood of Heroes

Rating: 8/10 Family Trees

Megadeth - Countdown To Extinction (1992)

My first encounter with the song "Sweating Bullets" from Megadeth's 5th album "Countdown To Extinction" was in the video game Guitar Hero 5. After seeing songs like "Hangar 18" and "Peace Sells" going through the same medium, I was underwhelmed with the surprisingly simple guitar track, and I just thought to myself that this was the wimpiest Megadeth song that I have ever heard.

I cannot help but thinking that the exact same feeling probably came to a lot of Megadeth fans in 1992 when "Countdown To Extinction" came out. Following thrash filled albums such as "Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good!" and "Rust In Peace", "Countdown To Extinction" is kind of a weird Megadeth album, being slower and containing less riffs and solos. I would not even consider this to be a thrash album, it is more like a generic hard rock album. The lack of speed and frenzy could potentially chock the common Megadeth fan, so I find it strange that it does not have a warning label on the album addressing that.

I can definitely understand that Dave Mustaine wants to evolve his song writing since he seems to be that kind of guy who do not want to do the same thing over and over again, but his musical direction took a humongous leap towards something that did not seem to be fully thought-out. The album still does have some nice moments in it though. The main riff to the most well known song in the album, "Symphony of Destruction", is an all time classic, being very simple, but also containing a nice force in it, the title track shows how good this type of music can be with its groovy tempo and sweet solo, "Architecture of Aggression" does have some bite to it, and after hearing the other songs in the album, "Sweating Bullets" does not seem so bad after all with its psychotic dialogue and big drum sound.

Unfortunately, the mediocre and bad songs overpower the good songs almost completely, mostly because there are so many of them. I mean, what in the hell is hick songs like "High Speed Dirt" and "Foreclosure of A Dream" doing here? They don't fit in the Megadeth discography, nor this album. Then we also have the fact that none of the songs here could be classified as a thrash song, which I guess is good since it would mix up this album too much, but it almost feels like the band has left everything of what made them famous in the first place behind.

Ultimately, "Countdown To Extinction" does have some neat ideas when it comes to stable hard rock, but I feel like it was the wrong time for Dave and Co. to present this album to the public. A sort of middle album between "Rust In Peace" and this one would have made the musical transition much smoother and not make the band seem like such a big sell out. This record is decent, but I think we can all agree on that the band is a lot better when they are just bombarding the listener with riffs instead of slow grooves.

Songs worthy of recognition: Symphony of Destruction, Sweating Bullets, Countdown To Extinction

Rating: 6/10 Psychotrons

Megadeth - Rust In Peace (1990)

Out of all the 14 Megadeth albums in their discography, this particular album released in 1990 is the most critically acclaimed one, often mentioned when one discusses over which album is the best one ever released. And I totally understand why it is so. Ever since I first heard the whole album, around the time it was released in Rock Band as DLC, I was hooked with those fast guitars, the endless amount of solos and the insane bass lines. It was a blast to play these songs, but even more fun to listen to them.

So I am already well known with "Rust In Peace" before this review, so I am mostly going with what it was like the first time I heard it. And to be honest, it was the same feeling that I still have over this album, that it is a thrash masterpiece. The band has written 9 + 1 killer songs that takes up various discussions in the lyrics, such as religious wars, alien life forms, nuclear warfare, and more. Dave Mustaine and co. has really stepped up their game after the half experimental "So Far, So Good... So What!".

We got two new additions to the band in this album, two members that would put a huge mark on the band forever. Guitarist Marty Friedmann and drummer Nick Menza joined the band after Mustaine fired Jeff Young and Chuck Behler, and to say that they made a mark on "Rust In Peace" is more or less an understatement. Menza's drum beats contains a power that is almost unstoppable, giving the songs bigger playroom, while Friedmann comes in as the perfect playmate for Mustaine, matching him in both riffs and solos.

And believe me when I say that there are a lot of riffs and solos in this album. In "Hangar 18" itself, I count up to a total of 11 solos in this 5 minute song, but then again, this song has very little singing in it, almost making it an instrumental track. The guitar attacks keeps on coming in several other songs. Just listen to the great trademark Megadeth riffing in the start of "Take No Prisoners", the frenetic finish in "Five Magics", the catchy groove in "Tornado of Souls", and the steady march in "Rust In Peace... Polaris". But the biggest assault comes in the beginning with the classic track "Holy Wars... The Punishment Due", a amazing track about the religious conflict in Northern Ireland that mixes frenetic riffing with slower, darker melody loops, making the song look like the Batman villain Two-Face. A very versatile track that should not be missed up on by any metal fan in the world.

But "Rust In Peace" is of course more than a big riff off between Mustaine and Friedmann, Ellefson also gets his share of the spotlight with his fantastic bass lines. He especially takes the centre stage in the slow and dark "Dawn Patrol", the first Megadeth song that does not contain any guitars. Yes, you read that right, no guitars at all. Feels weird to hear a Megadeth song without any six strings, but it helps to bring some diversity to the album. Ellefson also shines with a insane lick in "Take No Prisoners".

This album finished the process of making Megadeth a world class band, mixing amazing song writing with impeccable performance. "Rust In Peace" does not contain a single weak track, not even the bonus track "My Creation" fails to impress me. Mustaine has finally found a good, stable line-up that is ready to keep the Megadeth legacy at its top. A real thrash master piece that also aspires to be the absolute best album ever created in all of metal.

Songs worthy of recognition: Holy Wars... The Punishment Due, Hangar 18, Five Magics, Tornado of Souls, Rust In Peace... Polaris

Rating: 10/10 Lucretias

Megadeth - So Far, So Good... So What! (1988)

Between the all time classics "Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?" and "Rust In Peace" lies the close to forgotten album "So Far, So Good... So What!". It is not easily over looked because it is bad, but because it is squeezed between two albums that are much, much better. Still, this album helped the band continue their journey from being a underground band to one of the biggest bands in the business.

The reasons to why this album does not quite reach the same heights as its predecessors are many. First off, there were two new band members since last album, Chuck Behler on the drums and guitarist Jeff Young, two guys that were not long lived in Megadeth, leaving the band before the end of 1988. Then the production is far from perfect since there were some struggles within when it comes to the mixing. The third reason is the quality of the music. While not being bad per se, the overall quality of the song writing in the album is not in the same standard as the music in the two previous Megadeth album.

However, the biggest reason to why this album failed to reach the same level of greatness is the obligatory cover. This time, the band covered the classic The Sex  Pistols song "Anarchy In The UK". A great punk song that was literally slaughtered by Megadeth. There is almost no speed what so ever in it, and the overall mood is way closer to being hippie happy than anarchy angry. This is by far the worst cover so far by the band and it drags the album so far into the dirt.

But I have bitched enough for today, The fact of the matter is that "So Far, So Good... So What!" is a pretty good album that is easily overshadowed because of its slower and darker sound. It is a slightly more mature album with more variety, but less of the best parts, which is the riffs and the speed. So it is just natural to initially get disappointed over this record, but the more you listen to it, the more you will enjoy it.

The clear star of the show is "In My Darkest Hour", one of the best songs in the entire Megadeth discography. It is not only a beautiful song about loneliness and death wishes, but also contains a second half that just thrashes the shit out of you. The solo in this song is just amazing and Dave does some of his best vocal performances in this track. A must hear for every metal head. "Mary Jane" uses similar techniques as "In My Darkest Hour", but without the thrashy speed in the end. It is still a good listen, just like the groovy "Hook In Mouth".

So what if this album is not as good as "Peace Sells"? It is still a good album that gives the listener some fine quality thrash music. It may contain a shitty cover and a lackluster production, but the band gives it their all and performs like the professionals they are. I can definitely see why some people could forget... what's the name of this album again? Oh yes, "So Far, So Good... So What!". Anyway, check out this album, it is a good little gem that will surely put a smile on your face.

Songs worthy of recognition: In My Darkest Hour, Mary Jane, Hook In Mouth

Rating: 7/10 Liars

Megadeth - Peace Sells... But Who's Buying? (1986)

The year 1986 is one of the finest years in metal, especially when it comes to the sub genre thrash metal. It was in this year both Slayer released "Reign In Blood" and Metallica released "Master of Puppets", two of the greatest metal albums of all time. Besides them, we also have the Dark Angel release "Darkness Descends", Kreator's "Pleasure To Kill" and the Flotsam & Jetsam release "Doomsday For The Deciever". It was also on this year Megadeth got their big true breakthrough with the album "Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?".

The title has an interesting story behind it. Apparently, Mustaine came up with it while searching for food at a place he had crashed on (should be noted that he and the rest of the band was homeless and broke at the time), and he stumbled upon a Readers Digest magazine that discussed over peace, saying that it is good and all, but nobody wanted to buy the concept of it. The album itself has a lot of both social and political awareness in its lyrics, which is also reflective in the album cover where we see the band's mascot Vic Rattlehead as a realtor, trying to sell a UN building that lies in ruins. It is a side of Mustaine that is both good and bad.

When it comes to the music, it is a continuation on what the band did on "Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good!", times 3. The riffs are faster and tougher, the speed is insane and the cover (this time the Willie Dixon song "I Ain't Superstitious") is once again filled with alternated lyrics that would enrage all fans of the original artist. Dave and co. thrashes like there is no tomorrow, but does it with such precision that would make surgeons jealous.

All of the songs have a red string going through them, all starting off pretty slowly, but is steadily accelerating in speed further into the song. You would think that it would make the album monotonous, but there is no lack of variety thanks to the instrumentation in the songs. That would not have mattered very much anyway, because Dave have written 7 killer songs that are all magnificent in their own way. From the catchy title track and groovy "Devils Island" to the seemingly never ending "Good Mourning/Black Friday", "Peace Sells" is over filled with great thrash tunes, making the album an instant classic.

Unlike Peace, this album both sells and is bought by others. It is really no coincidence why this album lunched the career of Megadeth. "Peace Sells" is an amazing masterpiece that still holds up very good, 28 years after its release. If it was not for that questionable cover and the short play time, I would rate this album as one of the all time best, all categories. 1986 was indeed the finest year for thrash metal, and this album is just another proof for that fact.

Songs worthy of recognition: Good Mourning/Black Friday, Wake Up Dead, Peace Sells, Devils Island, My Last Words

Rating: 9,5/10 Bad Omens

Megadeth - Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good! (1985)

What do you do if you get kicked out of a band, just before they get their breakthrough and releases a groundbreaking record? Dave Mustaine probably asked himself the exact same question when he got sacked by the rest of Metallica, and he came up with a genius answer. He started a new band, just to get even with his former band mates, and challenged them to a ultimate match between two of the first and biggest thrash metal bands in existence.

And his first strike with this new band was the 1985 album "Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good!", which Dave created together with bassist David Ellefson, guitarist Christopher Poland, and drummer Gar Samuelson. The goal for the album was to make it faster and heavier than whatever Metallica was doing. Did Dave succeed with his plan? I would say yes and no. This album is indeed faster than both "Kill 'em All" and "Ride The Lightning", but it is not really as heavy as them. You can however not deny that it is a strong punch that Dave delivers towards his former band mates.

The thing that really drives "Killing Is My Business..." forward is the excellent guitar work. The riffs and solos are bone crushing and the album is overfilled with them. Megadeth just crams them down through your ears one by one, and you do not want them to stop, you just want more of the same, great thing. One thing that is not so great though is Dave's singing voice. I will say that his voice fits the music, but it is far from the finest voice in metal. Apparently, Dave spent six months in searching for a singer before he decided to take the job himself. I can only help but wonder if nobody could meet Dave's high standards or if it was that nobody could handle Dave's personality that forced the decision.

The main problem with this album is production. Sure, it is raw and some people might even enjoy the lack of production value, but I feel like the music would have been even better with a professional production. This album has some sweet thrash gems in it, like the title track, "Rattlehead", "Last Rites/Loved To Deth", "Mechanix" and "The Skull Beneath The Skin", so the album itself is fantastic, but it is dragged down thanks to the production.

We also have the Nancy Sinatra cover "These Boots", which has some altered lyrics, something the original writer of the song, Lee Hazlewood, was not very fond of. He even threatened the band to get rid of the cover since he felt the lyrics was wild and offensive. That is why the song in the re-released version from 2002 have those lyrics bleeped, making the song sound dirtier than what it really is. Otherwise it is an interesting cover with an amazing bass line, and the new lyrics are quite humorous.

For a debut album, "Killing Is My Business.." is far from a bad one. The speed and riffing in the album is pure thrash candy for your ears and a good display on how good of a guitarist both Mustaine and Poland is. But there are still some things the band needs to work on to make their product perfect, like the production. None the less, this statement from Dave Mustaine is a strong one, and a good showing on what a fantastic career he would accomplish with this band. So take a listen to this album, and rattle your god damn head.

Songs worthy of recognition: Rattlehead, Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good!, The Skull Beneath The Skin

Rating: 8/10 Chosen Ones

Megadeth - Super Collider (2013)

To describe Megadeth's career you can take a roller coaster as a example. It started in a high point with the classics "Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?", "Rust In Peace" and "Countdown To Extinction" just to later fall down in a 90 degree angle with albums like "Risk" and "Cryptic Writings". But lately, Megadeth has earned back their fan's respect album by album, and with the release of "ENDGAME", they were back on top. And even though "Th1rt3en" was not a horrible album, I had the feeling that it was the starting point for another downhill ride for the band. And when the title track for their 14th album was presented, I got terrible shivers down my spine that told me "Super Collider" could much well be a new "Risk".

Well, at least the band started off strong with the groovy "Kingmaker". This song is probably the only song in "Super Collider" that I would label as thrash metal since it has a heavy riff, intoxicating drum beats and an acceptable speed. I could also complain about Dave's singing in this (and every other) song, but you probably already know that his voice is more or less shitty, so I will not bitch about it in this review.

As stated before, "Kingmaker" is the only song in "Super Collider" that is worthy with the label "thrash metal song". The rest of the songs are either acceptable songs that is just in a different style or just trash. This is not a metal album, this is just a album where Dave is trying out new styles and shit. Take the title track for example. I mean, what the fuck did Dave think of when he created that steaming pile of doo doo? It is slow, boring and probably worst of all, it has hints of southern American rock. In other words, this is hillbilly music with some refined lyrics. I guess the solo is good, but the rest is not. So I will just slap Dave on his fingers and say "No, bad Dave. Never do that again".

The rest of the songs are not purely bad, but they give me mixed signals. "The Blackest Crow" is actually a cool song, but the weird guitar picking sound (not sure what instrument it is) is just out of place. "Forget To Remember" has some good performance work, but I think that you would agree when I say that it is closer too pop than metal. "Burn!" has a great verse, but the boring chorus kills the song completely. And finally, "Cold Sweat" sounds great even though there is one problem with that song... IT IS A GOD DAMN COVER ON THE THIN LIZZY SONG WITH THE SAME NAME! I will never understand why big bands makes covers. Just put it in a special edition of the album, let the true die hard fans listen to it and move on. I want to hear original material, not interpretations of other bands work.

There is, however, times in this album where I would congratulate Dave and the rest of the band on doing a great job. One of those parts are the quire part in "Built For War" which gives the track a exciting edge to the otherwise ordinary and repetitive song structure. Then I also have to give some praise to Shawn Drover who once again does a excellent job behind the drum kit. When the day that he leaves the band comes, I will  definitely appreciate Megadeth's future work a little less. Besides the great drumming, the guitars are also good and helps to make the album a little more intriguing. One perfect example on when the guitars is used correctly is in "Dance In The Rain". At first, the song seems like a ordinary Megadeth ballad, but at the end, the guitars brings up the tempo and throw a bunch of great riffs that makes this song one of the best in the album (and by the way, Dave's voice is actually sounding pretty good in the second half of that song. No wait, that was David Draiman's voice. My bad.). I also have to make a shout for the excellent closing track "Don't Turn Your Back.." that wraps up this album in a awesome way with its groovy rhythm.

If you are scared that this album is "Risk 2.0", then let me calm your nerves with these words. "Super Collider" is not a new "Risk", but it is certainly not a future classic. "Super Collider" was better then I expected it to be, but the lack of metal in this album is frustrating and the quality of the overall song writing is uneven, but thanks to great drumming by Shawn Drover and some sweet guitar licks, "Super Collider" shows a different Megadeth and succeeds to keep its head just above the water. But if I got the chance, I would drown it and instead fish up something more thrashy.

Songs worthy of recognition: Kingmaker, Built For War, Dance In The Rain

Rating: 5,5/10 Blackest Crows