THE SYSTEM HAS FAILED
Wow, to say that Dave Mustaine is back is a frigging understatement! This album FAR exceeds any expectations I could have had!
Looks like some time off from some bad nerve damage did the old boy some good, he relearned guitar as soon as he was able to use his hand again and his chops are just as good as they used to be, if not better.
OK, so on to the meat and potatoes of the album. I always said Dave had a big pair of balls, and this album is no exception: The first thing you hear is a fake news report describing Air Force One being shot down over the Middle East. “Blackmail the Universe” is the first song, which uses that news report as an intro, the song seems to be a bit political regarding Dave’s possible feelings for our lovely, wonderful President Bush. The second track “Die Dead Enough” is absolutely incredible! It’s a catchy song that you can’t get out of your head, but it’s one of those songs that you will be glad is stuck in your head…at least for the first few hours. The song is packed with the classic MEGADETH style groove, it’s not the heaviest song Dave’s ever written, but he can’t record “Take No Prisoners” on every album.
The first half of the CD is my favorite, I’ve listened to it 3 times in a row now and there are many memorable moments on this CD, but some major highlights would have to be “Kick The Chair,” “The Scorpion,” Tears in a Vial,” and “Truth Be Told.”
It’s hard to say if the album on a whole has a particular underlying theme or message, but I will say that Dave’s faith plays a pretty noticeable part in his lyrics and his political views are ever so present in both the lyrics and the album artwork. The artwork, done by Mike Learn, is a scene of Washington D.C., pretty much in flames, all hell breaking loose, and Vic handing out money and “Not Guilty” pardons to a long line of politicians. First in line looking to save his ass…George “Dubya” Bush.
I’d have to say that this is Megadeth’s best album since Countdown to Extinction or Youthanasia. I’m partial to both so it’s hard to decide. One thing I will say is that some fans accused Dave of going soft after he released Risk, this album is definitely not Risk, which is good. I actually thought Risk had potential, if only it was released by another band.
Anyway, why are you still reading, why aren’t you clicking some links to buy this bad boy? GO!
