
One of the best known, and most successful thrash metal bands, and one of the Big 4. Dave Mustaine formed the band in 1983, after being kicked out of Metallica. Numerous line-up changes, and even style-changes, have occurred, but Megadeth are still a driving force in the metal circuits. The band was put on ice in April, 2002, after Dave suffered a hand injury. But luckily he recovered against all odds, and returned to glory in 2004!

Chris Poland, Dave Mustaine, Gar Samuleson, David Ellefson
KILLING
IS MY BUSINESS... AND BUSINESS IS GOOD! (1985) COMBAT RECORDS
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Line-up: Dave Mustaine - Lead Guitar, Vocals, Piano Chris Poland - Lead Guitar David Ellefson - Bass Guitar, Back Up Vocals Gar Samuelson - Drums, Tympani (Rattlehead) |
Megadeth's first release is considered a thrash metal classic. And this first edition, is out-of-print. The music is not that different from what Metallica sounded like, when Dave was with them. The song "Mechanix" is actually the same song as Metallica's "The Four Horsemen", but with different lyrics. It was of course written before he was sacked, and the 2 bands recorded different versions. But the sound-quality on this record is a bit dated nowadays. So this is not a favorite of mine. Cool cover, witch introduces Megadeth's cover-pet, Vic Rattlehead! As of February 2002 this album gets re-released in a remixed version, with new artwork.
Killer tracks: Mechanix
PEACE
SELLS... BUT WHO'S BUYING? (1986, 2004) (Remixed & Remastered) CAPITOL
RECORDS
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Line-up: Dave Mustaine - Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Vocals Chris Poland - Lead & Rhythm Guitars David Ellefson - Bass Guitar, Background Vocals Gar Samuelson - Drums
* = bonus tracks |
If you ask me what thrash metal is all about, there are four albums I would tell you to listen to: Metallica's 'Kill 'em All', Exodus' 'Bonded By Blood', Anthrax' 'Spreading The Disease' and Megadeth's 'Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?'! Originally produced and mixed by Randy Burns, but remixed by Paul Lani after Capitol Records signed them, this album was the one that broke Megadeth out into the mainstream. The production is ten times better on this, the bands first major label album. And the songwriting is also a step up. It was just bound to become a classic! Fast paced riffs, thundering rhythm section and angry, groveling vocals; it's the recipe for thrash metal! Dave also continues to show us what a competent artist he is, writing and playing stuff that is very complex, yet without coming across as a particularly progressive band. Everything from the stomping rhythms in "Wake Up Dead" to the doomy parts in "Good Mourning/Black Friday", to the almost pop-song structure in "My Last Words". 'I Ain't Superstitious' is something as obscure as a Willie Dixon cover. This blues-song, here revved up beyond recognition, was made famous by Howlin' Wolf! Dave's lyrics took a political turn, and set the new standard for Megadeth from now on. His wit and intelligence is showing in phrases such as "What do you mean I don't support your system?/ I go to court when I have to!". No one can be sarcastic, and deliver it with a more convincing sneer, then Dave Mustaine! And let's not forget the legendary artwork by the now renowned Ed Repka. A thrash metal platter is not the same without something from this guys pen nowadays, it seems. But this was his first major work. What it all boils down to is that 'Peace Sells... But Who's Buying' is an essential thrash metal masterpiece!
I own the 2004 remastered and remixed reissue of this CD. And one can definitely hear some major differenced between this product, and the original version I am so familiar with. Sadly I'm not sure it is all for the better. The title track for instance sounds somewhat tamer with the "improved" mix. And I am so used to the original sound, I'm not sure I like the cleaned up versions. Even some of the vocals are re-recorded, I believe. Also present on this reissue are 4 bonus tracks. These are from the original Randy Burns mix, and hasn't been available anywhere but on the test pressings of the album, that was sent to Capitol Records, and in turn made the record company decide to remix it before releasing it. back in 1986. These demos are much more raw, and reminds me more of the originals I'm used to.
Killer tracks: Wake Up Dead, Peace Sells, Devils Island, My Last Words

Chuck Behler, David Ellefson, Jeff Young, Dave Mustaine
SO
FAR, SO GOOD... SO WHAT? (1988, 2004) CAPITOL RECORDS (Remixed & Remastered)
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Line-up: Dave Mustaine - Lead Vocals, Lead, Rhythm & Acoustic Guitars Jeff Young - Lead, Rhythm & Acoustic Guitars David Ellefson - Bass Guitar, Background Vocals Chuck Behler - Drums & Percussion
* = bonus tracks |
Chris Poland (guitar) and Gar Samuelson (drums) were replaced by Jeff Young and Chuck Behler, and Megadeth continued their winning streak with yet another stellar platter. Sure, 'So Far, So Good... So What?' will always pale in comparison with the 2 albums surrounding it. But that does not mean that it is a bad record. I guess it all comes down to the impossible task of following a monumental album. Still, there are plenty of choice cuts here as well. From the nice instrumental opener, to the mid-paced "Set The World Afire", through a fine cover of the Sex Pistols classic, "Anarchy In The U.K." and with classics like "Mary Jane" and "In My Darkest Hour" (one of the bands best songs ever, written as a tribute to the late Cliff Burton), this album is at least in the top 5 Megadeth releases. It might not be as technical as it's predecessor, but it show us that even though Dave replaced half the line-up, he was still able to maintain the now trademarked Megadeth sound. I must admit that Chuck was probably the least successful drummer for the band. But Jeff Young does a fine job as the second guitarist. The cover art is probably the worst this band ever did though.....
The 2004 version comes with 4 bonus tracks. All 4 are song from the album, but these are the Paul Lani mixes of the songs. After the success of "Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?" it was a no-brainer for Dave to bring in Paul once more. But he was not pleased with Paul's mix, so he eventually brought in Michael Wagener to finish the album. So here we get a glimpse of what could have been. The sound on the original mix is very "spacey". It sounds like the songs were recorded in a big hangar. Especially the drums sound like he is sitting alone in a huge room, banging along to the song.
Fun facts: Chuck Behler was Gar Samuleson's drum tech before he joined as a member of Megadeth. He would eventually loose his place in the band to his own drum tech, Nick Menza!
Killer tracks: Set The World Afire, Mary Jane, In My Darkest Hour, Liar

David Ellefson, Marty Friedman, Dave Mustaine, Nick Menza
RUST
IN PEACE (1990, 2004) CAPITOL RECORDS (Remixed & Remastered)
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Line-up: Dave Mustaine - Lead Guitar, Vocals Marty Friedman - Lead Guitar David Ellefson - Bass Guitar, Back-up Vocals Nick Menza - Drums, Back-up Vocals Additional musicians: Chris Poland - Guitar on 11, 12, 13
* = bonus tracks |
"Another low for the 'deth boys. I can't find one song on this that I truly dig. I know "Hangar 18" is considered a classic, but I can't hear what the fuss is all about. Jeff and Chuck was replaced by Marty Friedman and Nick Menza, a line-up that was consistent for many years. The artwork, courtesy of legendary Ed Repka, is very cool though! I know this is like cussing in church, but for me better things were to come."
October, 2008: I've gotten many comments on my initial write-up for 'Rust In Peace'. So I'm gonna leave it here to remind myself how big of a mistake I originally made. I can't believe it took me close to 20 years to really get into this album, being the thrash metal lover I am and all. Nevertheless, I pulled this album out again, and have since traded in the original version for the 2004 remastered and remixed version. I know many people feel that Dave did a very unnecessary job in remixing it, and in some cases even re-recording bits and peaces. After all, you don't fix what isn't broke. But for me personally, that might be what helped this classic to finally grow on me. Because this is of course a classic! 'Rust In Peace' is a thrash and speed metal monster, that sets the tones and standards for what this genre is all about. Already from get go Megadeth is assaulting your senses with some killer riffs from Dave. Add Marty's melodic thrash metal guitar touches, and you've instantly got magic. 'Rust In Peace' was the first 'deth album to have the now classic line-up of Dave, David, Marty and Nick. The liner-notes, written by Mustaine, tells us how he struggled to find a replacement for Jeff Young, and how pleased he was when he finally found Marty Friedman, after listening to his first solo album, 'Dragon's Kiss'. Nick Menza was already onboard, previously working as Chuck Behlers drum tech. 'Rust In Peace' brought them all together, and the rest is thrash metal history. Megadeth have always been singing about relevant topics, rather then just your average hail Satan, and other occult crap. The title track is another political stance from Dave and company. And it deals with the cold war, and the constant threat the world was under during the weapons race between NATO and the Russian federation. Come to think of it, we are still facing this thread even today. It's just not so much talked about after the Glasnost and Perestroika days. "Hangar 18" deals with the possibilities of UFO landings, and the USA government hiding it. But for me it's the music that counts. And, as I've already tried to say, this is a very solid effort. It's just very well structured and written. The guys are playing fast, but also precise, and with a lot of variation. Never overly technical, but with a perfect sense of harmony. I'm still not saying that this is Megadeth's shining moment for me. But it's not the snooze-fest I initially made it out to be at all.
My 2004 reissue comes with a new extensive booklet, containing liner-notes, lyrics and new photos. The CD also come with 4 bonus tracks. 3 of them are demo version of album tracks, featuring Chris Poland on guitar. You can also hear the bass much better on these demo versions. The 4th one, "My Creation", is a previously unreleased song, if I am not mistaken. "Take No Prisoners" features re-recorded vocals.
Fun facts: This album was nominated for a "Best Metal Performance" Grammy in 1990, but lost to Metallica's cover of Queen's "Stone Cold Crazy."
Killer tracks: Holy Wars... The Punishment Due, Hangar 18, Lucretia, Tornado Of Souls
COUNTDOWN
TO EXTINCTION (1992, 2004) CAPITOL RECORDS (Remixed & Remastered)
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Line-up: Dave Mustaine - Lead & Rhythm Guitar, Lead Vocals Marty Friedman - Lead, Rhythm & Acoustic Guitar, Backing Vocals David Ellefson - Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals Nick Menza - Drums, Backing Vocals
* = bonus tracks |
'Countdown To Extinction' was to become the biggest selling record for Megadeth. The fans cried sell-out as soon as MTV put "Symphony Of Destruction" in rotation. Others claimed Dave was trying to follow the success gained by his ex-band members in Metallica, by creating a softer sound for Megadeth, just as Metallica had done with their multi-million selling, self titled "black" album. Be that as it may, I still say 'Countdown To Extinction' is nothing less than a thrash/speed metal masterpiece.
What first hits me when listening to this CD is that the production is much clearer this time around. Whereas Metallica brought in Bon Jovi's regular producer, MegaDave brought in Max Norman, mostly known for his work with Ozzy Osbourne, Loudness and Y&T. The result was beyond expectations. The upgraded production compliments the sharp sound of both the guitars, and Dave's signature voice. All the while David's bass is lying there as a massive backdrop, together with Nick's dynamic drums. Every band member is shining on this release. And even though Dave's toned it down a bit on some of the songs, and created a much more varied album, it is still a 100% metal effort, crowned with some of the best written material of his career. There's more structure here, as opposed to the full-on thrash on the bands earlier albums. This allows for more variety, creativity and songs that "breathes" more. And I think it works great for Megadeth. This is not wimpy or even mainstream. It's just well written metal!
I am not deaf, so I can definitely understand how long time fans were somewhat let down by the apparent changes. I'm just glad that I was able to listen with my mind and ears open, and not tainted with any preconceived notions of how they were supposed to sound. To me good music is what I like, and what moves me. Thus, 'Countdown To Extinction' has been my favorite Megadeth' album since it's interception.
The 2004 remixed and remastered edition of the album comes with 4 bonus tracks. 3 of these are demo takes of songs from the album. Some of them are quite different than the finished songs. It's also always fun to read the liner notes written by Dave himself.
Killer tracks: Skin O' My Teeth, Symphony Of Destruction, Foreclosure Of A Dream, This Was My Life, Countdown To Extinction
YOUTHANASIA
(1994, 2004) CAPITOL RECORDS (Remixed & Remastered)
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Line-up: Dave Mustaine - Lead Guitar, Vocals Marty Friedman - Lead Guitar David Ellefson - Bass Guitar Nick Menza - Drums
* bonus tracks |
Despite the success of 'Countdown To Extinction', all Dave could see was that it "only" reached number 2 at the US charts, beaten only by Billy Ray Cyrus. So he set out to create a new crowd pleaser to grab that #1 spot. The band's battles and inner turmoil, plus problems with finding a suitable recording studio might all have colored the final result. And I'm sure the changes in the musical climate all over the globe was a contributing factor as well. Still, 'Youthanasia', entitled as pun on euthanasia, implying that society is euthanizing its youth, became another killer record from Megadeth, and another commercial success. It reached #4 o the Billboard chart.....
I have read many reviews stating that this is a disappointing 'deth album, but I disagree. It's a more melodic product, but I think that suits them well. It follows the successful formula already used on 'Countdown To Extinction'. And with Max Norman back at the helm as the producer, 'Youthanasia' is a logical next step for Megadeth. The thrash metal is toned way down, and one might say that this is more hard rock than metal in places. "Addicted To Chaos", "Elysian Fields" and the ballad, "A Tout Le Monde" are definitely showing a different side of Megadeth. There are some good old thrash metal left though. Just check out "Reckoning Day" and "Black Curtains". "Victory" is another cool tune that is actually kind of a tribute to themselves as the lyrics contains 20 Megadeth song titles. 'Youthanasia' is a pretty dark effort. The fact that it is the only Megadeth album recorded in E-flat guitar tuning (guitar strings tuned down half a step) might have something to do with it. The politically laden lyrics are also for the most part replaced with more personal material. So it's safe to say that a transformation had definitely occurred. I believe that Dave was wrestling his inner demons, and had to get some of it out lyrically, on this album.
Megadeth has always been about cool riffs and memorable choruses, and that is what we get on 'Youthanasia' as well. It's just so much more happening here. Every time I listen to it I hear new stuff I enjoy, and I change favorite tracks all the time. This is by far the strongest effort from Dave & company, but it is a strong release of itself nonetheless. It's a testimony to the songwriting abilities of Dave Mustaine.
As with all of the 2004 reissues, 'Youthanasia' was also remixed and remastered. Of the 4 bonus tracks, 2 were previously unreleased. The last 2 are demo track, and 1 of those were previously unreleased in the US. The liner notes were again written by Dave himself.
Killer tracks: Train Of Consequences, Addicted To Chaos, A Tout Le Monde, Family Tree, Youthanasia, I Thought I Knew It All, Victory
HIDDEN
TREASURES (1995) CAPITOL RECORDS (EP)
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This is a killer EP (can you really call it an EP when it includes 8 songs?) containing many of the bands rare tracks, appearing on various soundtrack albums etc. "No More Mr. Nice Guy" is an excellent Alice Cooper cover, which first appeared on the soundtrack to the movie 'Shocker'. I believe Alice Cooper even appears in a split second in the music-video made for this track. "Breakpoint" originally appeared on the soundtrack for the 'Super Mario Bros.' movie. "Go To Hell" is from the 'Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey' soundtrack. "Angry Again", my favorite track here, also appeared on the excellent 'Last Action Hero' soundtrack. "99 Ways To Die" is from the 'The Beavis & Butthead Experience' soundtrack. "Paranoid" is of course a Black Sabbath, which also can be found on the 'Nativity In Black - A Tribute To Black Sabbath' album. "Diadems" is taken from the soundtrack to the horror-movie 'Tales From The Crypt's Demon Night'. "Problems" is a track exclusive to this compilation. 'Hidden Treasure' was also released in a Japanese edition, with even more songs on it.
CRYPTIC
WRITINGS (1997, 2004) CAPITOL RECORDS (Remixed & Remastered)
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Line-up: Dave Mustaine - Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Lead Vocals Marty Friedman - Lead, Rhythm & Acoustic Guitars, Backing Vocals David Ellefson - Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals Nick Menza - Drums, Backing Vocals
* = bonus tracks
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original artwork |
It would take 3 years for Megadeth to release the follow up to 'Youthanasia'. Most of the band members had in the meantime relocated to Phoenix, and they had also changed managements. Internal struggles within the band were putting marks on the bands sound. However, it might have taken the band 3 years to finish this album, still it sounds like a logical step further from the last album.
Yes, this was yet again a more commercial product from the band, and with Dann Huff (White Heart, Giant) producing 'Cryptic Writings' that was pretty much expected. The new management, with A&R director Bud Prager of ESP at the helm, were responsible for Foreigner's success, and Dave figured they could help him get that #1 song he had craved after for so many years. Thus he let Bud and Dann's creative ideas overrun his own, and even changed the lyrics for several songs to suit the bosses. This never bother me though, because the majority of the songs were still very good! This is certainly a more melodic record, and the thrash metal leanings are nearly gone. There are some hints of aggression in songs like "The Disintegrators" and "Vortex". But for the first time in Megadeth's history the angrier songs were not the most memorable ones. And again the lyrics critical of government and politics are abandoned in favor of more personal songs. "Use The Man" deals with Dave's drug past, and "Trust" is about his relationship with a woman.
'Cryptic Writings' is in my opinion the most underrated Megadeth album! It is by no means my favorite, but it is certainly not as bad as most fans make it out to be either. It's just different, and the personal aspect of it appeals to me.
The 2004 remastered and remixed reissue has 4 bonus tracks. 2 of them were songs that Bud Prager rejected because of the lyrics, and an alternate version of "Vortex" is also presented. The final bonus track is an alternate version of "Trust" with Spanish lyrics.
Trivia: This is
the first, and so far only, album where Vic Rattlehead does not appear at all in
any tangible form, save for a limited edition collectable card advertising the
Megadeth comic distributed by Chaos! Comics, which shows Vic in Hell
reading a scroll.
Killer tracks: Trust, Almost Honest, Use The
Man, A Secret Place, She-Wolf

David Ellefson, Jimmy DeGrasso, Dave Mustaine, Marty Friedman
RISK (1999, 2004) CAPITOL RECORDS (Remixed & Remastered)
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Line-up: Dave Mustaine - Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Lead Vocals Marty Friedman - Lead, Rhythm, Acoustic Guitars, Backing Vocals David Ellefson - Bass Guitar, Bacing Vocals Jimmy DeGrasso - Drums Additional musicians: David Huff - Drums on 13 Jimmy Sloas - Bass on 13
* = bonus tracks |
original artwork |
Internal problems, drug addiction, Lars Ulrich, egos, selling out; the list of reasons as to why 'Risk', Megadeth's 8th studio album, ended up sounding the way it did are many. The only thing people agree on is that this album stinks!
It just had to come: the BIG disappointment! Every band with a career spanning for more then a decade seem to always end up releasing at least 1 turd. Usually they chalk it up to a desire to think outside of the box, or trying to be more creative. And on as many occasions the fans chalk it up to a desire to appeal to the mainstream masses. Dave Mustaine has claimed that 'Risk' was a result of his other band members, and especially David Ellefson's, wish to do a more alternative, modern rock album. Be that as it may, this is still a metal experiment gone BAD! I can't for the life of me understand how this pseudo industrial, modern pop/rock sounding piece of crap could appeal to a larger audience. The fans certainly didn't like it, so why should anyone else bother to check it out? There are very few redeeming qualities on this album. But if you can somehow forget that the album says Megadeth, you might like a song or 2 here. Granted they have nothing to do with metal, "Breadline" and "I'll Be There For You" are both decent stabs at writing catchy pop songs. The latter is a very personal song for Dave, according to the liner notes of my reissue of the album.
As with all of the reissues, 'Risk' has also been remixed and remastered. 'Risk' also sports all new artwork. I think parts of the album has been rerecorded. At least I remember the song "Crush 'em" to be a lot heavier on the original version. The song first appeared on the soundtrack to 'Universal Soldier: The Return' in July 1999 and debuted as the third most added track on alternative rock stations on July 5. Intended as a hockey anthem, "Crush 'Em" has become associated with sporting events and was used by professional wrestler, Bill Goldberg, as his entrance song.
On 'Risk' Jimmy DeGrasso had taken over as the drummer for Megadeth. He had replaced Nick Menza on the last tour, due to Nick having to undergo surgery. At first this was only meant to be temporary, but Nick was never allowed to return to Megadeth, as Dave claimed Nick had lied about having cancer!
Killer tracks: Breadline, I'll Be There For You
CAPITOL
PUNISHMENT (2000) CAPITOL
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Megadeth finishes their contract with Capitol Records, by releasing a best-of affair. 2 new tracks are recorded for it, and that makes it worth having (although one of the songs "Dread & The..." appears on their next album, as well). The CD includes material from all of 'deth's Capitol records, and the songs are in reversed chronological order. There's even a hidden track, that starts about a minute after the last track ends. It's just many riffs and stuff from several 'deth songs, mixed together, and screwed around with.

Al Pitrelli, Jimy DeGrasso, David Ellefson, Dave Mustaine
THE
WORLD NEEDS A HERO (2001) METAL-IS
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Line-up: Dave Mustaine - Guitar, Vocals Al Pitrelli - Lead Guitar David Ellefson - Bass Jimmy DeGrasso - Drums |
Dave Mustaine have said that if this album does not brake it for Megadeth, he will quit! Well, if I had anything to say, I'd tell him to keep it up regardless. 'Cause although this is a return to the heavier 'deth, it lacks the cool songs. It reminds me a bit of 'Rust In Peace', it even has a songs called "Return To The Hangar", which is like "Hangar 18" continued. But I seriously doubt that this can match the success of 'Countdown To Extinction'. Al Pitrelli (Savatage, Asia, Widowmaker) replaces Marty Friedman. Maybe next time, Dave!
Killer tracks: None in particular
THE
SYSTEM HAS FAILED (2004) SANCTUARY
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Line-up: Dave Mustaine - Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Lead Vocals Chris Poland - Lead Guitars Jimmie Lee Sloas - Bass Vinnie Colaiuta - Drums Add. musicians: Eric Darken - Percussion Tim Akers, Charlie Judge - Keyboards Chris Rodriguez - Background Vocals Jonathan Yudkin - Strings, Banjo |
After announcing his retirement, due to a hand-injury in 2002, Dave's comeback was pretty unexpected for me. Then when rumors had it that Dave was planning to resurrect the 'Rust In Piece' line up for a new record, most of us fans heavily awaited the result. Now the album is here, and it's called 'The System Has Failed'. The 'Rust In Piece' line-up is not present, but Dave managed to bring in Chris Poland to do the guitar-work. And the result is phenomenal! Gone are the alternative flirts, and the attempted radio-friendly tunes. This new album is razor-sharp, and true to Megadeth form. Imagine a mix of the really old thrash/speed 'deth and the more melodic approach of his 90's era albums. You can say that you get the best of both Megadeth's worlds. I guess getting rid of all the naysayers around Dave did him real good. He has not written better tunes since 'Cryptic Writings'. And in my opinion, this is his best effort since 'Youthanasia'. Just check out the pure thrash in a tune like "Back In The Day", and enjoy the melodic sentiments of the brilliant "The Scorpion". Add to that Dave's new dedication to his Christian faith, very audio able in "Shadow Of Death", a nearly instrumental tune where the only lyrics are a narration of Psalm 23. Dave also shows his usual self by givin' a kick to Lars Ulrich in "Something That I'm Not", and a senator in "I Know Jack". Welcome back, Dave! I totally dig this album!
Killer tracks: Blackmail The Universe, Die Dead Enough, Kick The Chair, The Scorpion, Back In The Day, Of Mice And Men, Shadow Of Death

Shawn Drover, Dave Mustaine, Glen Drover, James MacDonough

Glen Drover, Dave Mustaine, James LoMenzo, Shawn Drover
UNITED ABOMINATIONS (2007) ROADRUNNER
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Line-up: Dave Mustaine - Vocals, Lead, Rhythm and Acoustic Guitars Glen Drover - Lead, Rhythm, Acoustic Guitars and Background Vocals James LoMenzo - Bass Guitar and Background Vocals Shawn Drover - Drums, Percussion and Background Vocals Add. musicians: Chris Rodriguez - Background Vocals Axel Mackenrott - Keyboards Christina Scabbia - Duet Vocals on 8 Brett Caldas-Lima and Marie Soler - French Voices on 4 |
I'd never thought I'd say this about anything released on Roadrunner records in 2007, but this album friggin' kicks a**!! After the great album Dave released in 2004, I knew he had it in him. But as much as I love 'The System' Has Failed', I never found it to be as good as the classics Megadeth recorded during the 80's. That is all changed now! 'United Abominations' is classic and newer Megadeth put into one. There are plenty of good melodies present, but no one can deny that tracks like "Washington Is Next", "Gears Of War" and "You're Dead" are pure thrash metal. Getting the Drover brothers in the band was a stroke of genius. I have for a long time stated their band, Eidolon, sounded more like Megadeth then Dave and the guys did during the late 90's/early new millennium. And what a shredder Glen is! I think I read somewhere that either Charlie Benante or Dan Spitz of Anthrax fame told Dave once that he needed to get pissed again. And boy did he follow that advise! He's taking pot shots at the UN and the US government. And no real Megadeth album would be complete without the multiple songs of war, right? "Blessed Are The Dead" once again shown the man's Faith. To top it all off, we have the rerecorded version of "À Tout Le Monde", with Christina Scabbia from Lacuna Coil on guest vocals. All in all I find this album very enjoyable, and I can't see why any fan of the bands should not like it. It will most definitely make my top 20 list of 2007 releases. One last note: Is it only me, or is Dave ripping off the riff to Iron Maiden's "Aces High" in "Washington Is Next!"?
Killer tracks: Sleepwalker, Washington Is Next!, Never Walk Alone... A Call to Arms, Gears Of War, Blessed Are The Dead, À Tout Le Monde, You're Dead

Chris Broderick, Dave Mustaine, Shawn Drover, James LoMenzo
ENDGAME (2009) ROADRUNNER RECORDS
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Line-up: Dave Mustaine - Vocals, Lead, Rhythm and Acoustic Guitars, Piano Chris Broderick - Lead, Rhythm & Acoustic Guitars James LoMenzo - Bass Guitar Shawn Drover - Drums & Percussion Add. musicians: Chris Rodriguez - Background Vocals Chris Clancy - Background Vocals Mark Newby Ronson - Keyboards on 8 |
Every time Dave gives us a new Megadeth album, his fans seem divided. Half of them loves the newest effort, and hails it as a return to form, while the rest hates it, and claims Megadeth is dead and forgotten. Yes, this band evokes strong feelings. And with 'Endgame' the carousel is bound to start spinning again.
To me this album is a natural follow up to 'United Abominations'. It's the same blend of all the styles from the different periods of the band. And with Andy Sneap behind the mixing table, you know the production is to notch. The albums opens with a rather long intro, or an instrumental, whichever way you want to see it. Then the wonderful "This Day We Fight" kicks in, in all it's fast and furious glory. And if anything is different on this CD, it must be that the tuff has become tougher! Dave delivers his trademark sneering vocals, and spits out his hatred towards just about anything. But on the opposite side of the spectrum, you'll find the brother part of "The Hardest Part Is Letting Go... Sealed With A Kiss", an orchestrated ballad. Still, for the most part 'Endgame' consists of stuff that is a mixture of both. The melodies are put in the high seat, even in the speedier numbers. I must admit that I didn't think I would notice much of a difference with Chris Broderick on guitars, rather then Glen Dover. But the fact is that Chris is seasoning every song with cool solos and licks. He is probably the best match for Megadeth, since Marty Friedman left.
'Endgame' is classic Megadeth, the way we all love 'em! It doesn't matter if you're a fan of 'Rust In Peace, or 'Youthanasia'; everyone should find something to enjoy on this album. I'm not sure that it is a stronger album than 'United Abominations', but it is definitely just as strong. Another high entry for my best of 2009 list?
Killer tracks: This Day We Fight, 44 Minutes, Bodies, Endgame, Head Crusher, The Right To Go Insane

Shawn Drover, David Ellefson, Dave Mustaine, Chris Broderick

Megadeth guest appearances:
V/A - 'Nativity In Black - A Tribute To Black Sabbath' tribute album
V/A - 'The Last Action Hero' soundtrack
Dave Mustaine guest appearances:
Sanctuary - 'Refuge Denied' (also as producer)
Marty Friedman guest appearances:
Shout - 'In Your Face'
Laudamus - 'Lost In Vain'
Tourniquet - 'Where Moth and Rust Destroy'
Firewind - 'Forged By Fire'
V/A - 'Spacewalk - A Tribute To Ace Frehley'
David Ellefson guest appearances:
Helstar - 'Multiples Of Black' (as producer)
Seven Witches - 'Year Of The Witch' (as songwriter)
Chris Poland guest appearances:
Pharaoh - 'The Longest Night'
Glen Drover guest appearances:
Pagan's Mind - 'Infinity Divine' 2004
7th Reign - '7th Reign'
Chris Caffery - 'House Of Insanity'
Al Pitrelli guest appearances:
V/A - 'Metallic Assault - A Tribute To Metallica'
Related artists:
Metallica, Savatage, Widowmaker, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Alice Cooper, Cacophony, Eidolon, Avian, White Lion, King Diamond