Anand Venkitachalam
New Delhi, Jan 30 (.) One of the biggest names in heavy metal, Megadeth are a pioneering force in the genre, and unquestionably one of the most important bands in the genre.
The US thrash metal titans are known for their technical compositions, mind-boggling guitar solos, and the never-ending blaze of shreds. The final album in their catalogue, their eponymous studio album marks the end of a four-decade long journey, as the legends put an end to a musical journey which has been one for the ages.
With all that said ‘Megadeth’ marks the 17th studio album by Megadeth, and it is perhaps best described as a jolly big round of cheese, full of some great shredding guitars, and chunky riffs, which is both good fun and kind of boring at the same time.
It has a strong start with singles like ‘Tipping Point’ and ‘I Don’t Care’, though quickly descends into mediocrity and predictability with tracks like ‘Let there be Shred’ – though that is not really a bad thing, all things considered, because it’s still a great deal of fun, and reminds you a lot of ‘Peace Sells…But Who’s Buying?’ or their debut ‘Killing is my Business…And Business is Good’ with its punk styled composition.
‘Hey God’ goes a bit more mellow and mid-paced, harkening back to their ‘Countdown To Extinction’ and ‘Youthanasia’ years, and one of the more serious tracks here, while ‘Puppet Parade’ is where things really become excellent, and reminds why Megadeth are the titans of metal as they are.
Then diving down into further predictability with ‘Made To Kill’ or ‘Obey The Call’, we see that this album has literally one thing going for it – the never ending barrage of catchy shreds, which is both equal parts fun, but equal parts repetitive and mundane.
But the album closer: technically speaking because there is an unanticipated bonus track here which was really…well…something. ‘The Last Note’ really is a true final note, because it is so genuinely emotional and brings back all those great moments of the band, as it skips back to today, with founder, lead vocalist, guitarist and songwriter Dave Mustaine marking the end of his journey by hitting you with a true sense of finality. As though, this is it, we are done, my journey is over at 64, we had our time, and now I’m done, content — it’s like this is what Dave is saying.
But then, behold, we hear a cover of ‘Ride The Lightning’ by Metallica, Dave’s previous band!
From one legend to another. It’s like Dave, who has had a long and bitter history with his peers and fellow metal titans, after being fired from Metallica way back in 1983 due to substance abuse, is finally coming full circle.
For those unaware, Megadeth was formed by Dave to be heavier, faster, and a technical rival of his previous band, of which he was a founding member, and served as one of the primary songwriters in Metallica’s debut ‘Kill ‘Em All’, as well as writing some early material for their 1984 album ‘Ride The Lightning’, for which Metallica did not really credit him, creating years of bad blood, before both rivals put to bed their animosity.
Now, how does the cover serve? Well, it’s middling, and nothing special, contrary to expectations, even being quite goofy. But it is what it is, and it’s Dave’s way of letting all old hostilities and harboured resentments die.
To be fair, there is nothing here that is really bad, though in comparison to its predecessor LP ‘The Sick, The Dying, and The Dead’, it’s not going to leave you in awe, staring in disbelief at the grandeur of what you listened to, when it ends.
‘Megadeth’ is less about being another ‘Endgame’ or ‘Rust in Peace’, and serves more like a statement, where the band is paying a tribute to all their years, and the different sounds they have experimented around with, giving you a statement of finality. So, the surety in this album is definitely a strong point.
But, still, when we fly so high, regardless of what the band was trying to say or do, this album can best be termed as, unfortunately, quite a disappointment.
There is simply just nothing much to be found here, because near half of this album is complete filler — for all its great moments. And while it doesn’t lack heart or soul, it lacks substance.
So, it may not be quite the swansong we were hoping for. Though as a fellow Megadeth fan I’m sure happy, because the band did what they set out to do well, have a great time, and give the listeners a fun metal ride full of blazing solos and beefy riffs.
So, in that sense, it has everything. Certainly not a masterpiece, but not a disaster either. The band may be lacking ideas, but at their closing chapter, ‘Megadeth’ are able to serve one last nice dessert, which is fun, if lacking in memorability or creativity.
Nothing serious, and truly while nothing special, the final chapter Megadeth sure gives you a nice time regardless of whether you are a fan or not.
Rating: 7/10
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