Megadeth Megarocks
When a band becomes a revolving lineup of musicians it spells musical doom. However, this isn’t the case so far for Megadeth. Even though the band has seen several lineup changes, they’ve recently released one of their strongest albums in years. Frontman Dave Mustaine has managed to stage a come back that started with 2004’s The System Has Failed, comparable to the miraculous second comings of bands like AC/DC and Aerosmith. While The System Has Failed was good, Megadeth’s latest, United Abominations is just plain excellent.United Abominations is a solid record and combines all the elements that make Megadeth one of the most formidable thrash bands on the planet. Mustaine flexes his guitar skills with more flair than he’s shown in years and his lyrical sarcasm and condemnations of the powers that be are stronger than ever.
The album starts out swinging with the one two punch of “Sleepwalker,” which assails internet rumormongers, and the political dirge “Washington is Next,” which sets the stage for the album’s frequent political commentary. Title song, “United Abominations,” is easily one of Megadeth’s most melodic and sensitive tracks in years and proves to be the most political on the album with lines like, “The Victim, I fear will be us, sisters and brothers.”
The album has the same lean, dark feel of their 1988 political masterwork, So Far, So Good… So What! It’s so strong that it’s surprising that Mustaine & Co. chose to release their remake of “A Tout Le Monde (Set Me Free),” as the first single. The original version is featured on the band’s underrated classic Youthanasia. The only weak track on the album is “Gears of War,” and even it rocks at times.
United Abominations is a long overdue return to form for Megadeth and is a prime example of what real metal music is all about. This album is true, honest, consistent, and solid, and is one of the most creative metal masterminded works in recent memory.
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