MEGADETH

"Super Collider" (Tradecraft; 2013)

Reviewed by Jeff Rogers

"Super Collider" is the first disc released on Dave Mustaine's label Tradecraft and the fourteenth disc from Megadeth. Since we're all Megadeth fans by now (if you're just discovering the band, welcome to Earth), there really isn't much I can say that you don't already know. A lot of critics spit at this album but I don't think Dave and company give a hoot one way or the other. Fans know that when Dave tunes his guitar and puts on his heavy metal face they are going to get a good dose of thrash metal. "Super Collider" is no different.

Guitarist Chris Broderick, who has been with Megadeth for three albums now, lays down some nasty riffs and super colliding solos with Dave Mustaine. Chris has bent strings for Jag Panzer and Nevermore. Most of the songs on this disc are straight forward with Dave's signature growl and poignant lyrics about life, government and how he's had enough and wants you to wake up from your sleepy little life and get a clue. Dave also has a guest vocalists on "Super Collider," including David Draiman from Disturbed on the track "Dance in the Rain." Draiman does his vocal destruction at the end of the track.

The track, "The Blackest Crow" has some fiddle on it and it sounds really different but in a good way. It's one of those tracks that causes you to lean in just because it's not usually how a Megadeth track sounds. Megadeth cover the Thin Lizzy classic track "Cold Sweat" to close the disc out, unless you've got the deluxe edition then you've got two more Megadeth tracks to jam on.

Megadeth: Dave Mustaine - lead vocals, lead, rhythm, acoustic guitar and slide guitars; David Ellefson - bass guitar and backing vocals; Shawn Drover - drums, percussion; Chris Broderick - lead, rhythm, acoustic guitars and backing vocals.

For more information, check out: http://www.megadeth.com.

"Anthology: Set the World Afire" (Capitol; 2008)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

Just for the moment, let's put aside the glaring question here ("Do we really need another Megadeth anthology?) and instead focus on the content of "Set the World Afire."

The math here is simple: "Set the World Afire" is a two CD or digital set with 35, count 'em, 35 killer Megadeth tracks, running from the band's early days (with "Mechanix") all the way up to "A Tout Le Monde" from the band's most recent "United Abominations." That's a lot of great music, no matter how you look at it, all packed neatly together in one spot. 

The usual arguments apply. Of course there are going to be tracks that you think should have been included and, of course, there are tracks that you think don't belong. That's the case with every "Greatest Hits" or other type of anthology package. You can't please everyone. Still, this collection is pretty tight, siphoning away the many demos and live tracks that made up the band's monster "Warchest" box set and settling instead on (mostly) the studio tracks we all know and love. That being said, "Set the World Afire" does contain a couple of bonus tracks. The first is a previously unreleased demo of "High Speed Dirt," and the second is a live version of "Symphony of Destruction" live at the Cow Palace in 1992. 

The bottom line is really this: If you already have most of these tracks on other collections, "Set the World Afire" probably isn't necessary. However, if your Megadeth collection is a little anemic, then this compilation will give it some much-needed iron.

Now, back to the question about whether we really need another Megadeth anthology -- probably not. The aforementioned "Warchest" box set is probably the definitive Megadeth collection. It's a little costlier, however, and it's more difficult to carry around in your car. There are still other Megadeth compilations, however (see review of "Greatest Hits: Back to the Start" below) and I guess maybe it's a good thing to have plenty of packages to choose from.

For more information, check out http://www.megadeth.com. 

"United Abominations" (Roadrunner; 2007)

Reviewed by Jeff Rogers

One of the great things about writing music reviews for Rough Edge is getting to fill in the gaps that are in between what other reviewers have written. I'm not writing lines of code here but I'm strengthening a metal chain (you can use that line if you want, it's not patented yet). Cue up "United Abominations" and you'll get plenty of Megadeth thrash with tons of political unrest from Dave Mustaine. When asked about the lyrics of the songs many of the band members would refer those questions to Dave. He's savvy about politics. He doesn't lean left or right and he can debate with the best of them because he's well read on the social issues and foreign policies that affect us all.

I've always been about the music with Megadeth but sometimes the message breaks its way through. You'll hear plenty of disdain from Mustaine about the government that was in power at the time. The guitar fights -- I'd call them solos but they sound angrier than that -- are hardcore. Dave and Glen Drover kill their respective instruments in a violent clash track after track. Megadeth also update the recognizable song, "A Tout le Mond (Set Me Free)" on this disc and Dave has Cristina Scabbia of Lacuna Coil singing backup.

The music on "United Abominations" is top notch. Each cut has a great riff, killer dual solos and a rhythm section that just pounds away at your head. The track "Gears of War" was used on the game of the same name. This was also the first disc to introduce an updated version of Vic Rattlehead, the Megadeth mascot. He's shown with the Angel of Deth. All around, this is one solid effort from Megadeth and it's worth a spin once a week just so you can get your aggressions out.

Megadeth: Dave Mustaine - vocals, lead, rhythm and acoustic guitars, production; Glen Drover - lead, rhythm, acoustic guitars and backing vocals; James LoMenzo - bass and backing vocals; Shawn Drover - drums, percussion and backing vocals.

For more information check out http://megadeth.com.

"Greatest Hits: Back to the Start" (Capitol; 2005)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

Let's get the obvious out of the way: If you own Megadeth's previous "greatest hits" compilation, "Capitol Punishment," then you don't really need this CD. Like too many legendary metal bands, Megadeth appears destined to continue re-releasing their material in newly re-packaged editions, tweaking the track listing here and there and hoping fans are rabid enough to buy stuff they already own. Hey, it works well enough for everyone else out there. But the fact is that "Capitol Punishment" has more of the songs fan know best and, although "Greatest Hits" does bring out some rarer stuff, it's really not as much a greatest hits package as "Capitol Punishment."

All that being said, however, "Greatest Hits" is 80-minutes of damn good Megadeth. Like all greatest hits packages, chances are it's not the songs that you would pick if Dave Mustaine asked you to put together a collection of the band's best, but it's solid enough and, with seventeen tracks and nearly 80 minutes running time, it's a lot of 'deth for your money. And, if you spring for the extra five bucks or so for the Limited Edition, you'll also get a bonus DVD.

Not a required CD for any collection but an adequate compilation for hardcore fans and casual fans alike.

For more information, check out http://www.megadeth.com. 

"The System Has Failed" (Sanctuary; 2004)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

Although it doesn't quite get there, "The System Has Failed" comes closer to capturing that classic Megadeth magic than the other more recent Megadeth albums. And you know what? That's good enough for me.

"The System Has Failed" earns a three guitarsaw rating from me only because it doesn't quite earn a 3.5 and we don't have a 3.25 rating. But I do think it's slightly better than "The World Needs a Hero" and "Risk" and that's no faint praise considering that I liked both of those CDs as well.

What sets "The System Has Failed" apart from those CDs is a number of things. First, Dave Mustaine took a number of years to get "System" written, recorded and released. That extra time has given the songs on the CD a fuller, more mature sound and it's apparent from the very first track.

Second, the lyrics are intelligent, poignant, biting and devastatingly scathing. Dave's obviously had a lot on his mind during the few years that he took to recover and, again, the lyrical content of "The System Has Failed" is complex and involving.

Third, and perhaps most important, is that Dave Poland is back in the Megadeth mix. Poland's solos are crisp, sharp and fast and give the songs they enhance an additional, and much appreciated edge. Of course, Mustaine's solos don't suck either and the combination of the two brings together a great sound.

We may never get another "Rust in Peace" from Dave Mustaine and crew, but as long as they keep pumping out CDs as strong as "The System Has Failed" we'll have plenty to keep us entertained.

For more information, check out http://www.megadeth.com. 

"Rude Awakening" DVD (Capitol; 2002)

Reviewed by TBJ

I can't help but feel a little sad when reviewing this disc, mainly because Megadeth have been an integral part of my metal life since "Rust In Peace" came out. I remember being so blown away when "Go to Hell" from the Bill & Ted soundtrack came out and I thought, "Damn, this devil's music kicks MC Hammer's ass so bad!" (yes I was an MC Hammer and Milli Vanilli fan back then, but who wasn't?)!!!

Seriously, Dave Mustaine has been my personal idol for so long I can't even remember, and what he has produced here is sheer live brilliance, (which isn't to say that David, Al and Jimmy didn't do anything, but we all know who's the boss). This DVD is the best-sounding, best-filmed music DVD I have seen yet. You have to play it in a surround sound environment to fully appreciate this. I mean, everything is crystal clear: the visuals, the sound. The way this DVD was programmed was for you to feel like you are in the middle of the crowd, and it damn sure feels like it. 

The choice of songs was kinda odd, but there are no duds here. I thought they couldn't pull "Train of Consequences" off, but they sure did, and in style. Another gem that I didn't expect was "Ashes in Your Mouth," the best track on "Countdown," and those double leads and solos littered throughout the concert were just amazing. Megadeth took the whole Iron Maiden twin lead idea and blew it to pieces with this double-axe shred-fest. 

There are so many standouts I can't really pinpoint them all, but the ones I can remember are "She-Wolf" (wicked improvisation), "Hangar 18," of course, and "Return to Hangar" (playing them back to back makes so much sense now), "Burning Bridges," "Devil's Island," and the grandaddy "Holy Wars." The only song I really missed was "Go to Hell" for obvious reasons but there is enough Megadeth here to satisfy all types of fans. All of Megadeth's albums are greatly represented here with the exception of "Risk" (who knew?). 

I wait anxiously to hear some news from the Megadeth camp after the split-up, but for now, all Megadeth fans - and metal fans in general - will find something to love in this DVD. This is the real shit, folks - no fireworks, no monsters, no blood-spewing; just four guys kicking serious metal ass.  

Megadeth: Dave Mustaine - vocals, guitar, Al Pitrelli - guitar, David Ellefson - bass, Jimmy De Grasso - drums.

For more information, check out http://www.megadeth.com. 

"The World Needs a Hero" (Sanctuary; 2001)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

After the unfairly maligned "Risk," is seemed a natural that Megadeth would return to what they were best at: kicking us square in our metal ass. In fact, that's what the band promised their debut for Sanctuary Records would be. 

Well, almost.

"The World Needs a Hero" doesn't have the rough-edged power of "Cryptic Writings," but it is more angled toward the traditional Megadeth sound than "Risk." That means that "Hero" doesn't rock nearly as hard as "Cryptic" and it doesn't have near as much of that originality that the band explored with "Risk."

Still, despite its somewhat more relaxed sound, "The World Needs A Hero" isn't a bad record by any stretch of the imagination. It's got some great Megadeth riffs, Mustaine is in fine form vocally and the songwriting - although it doesn't approach the "Rust In Peace" days - is still pretty damn good. 

The single, "Moto Psycho," is probably the CD's best cut. "1000 Times Goodbye" is an interesting track as well, mixing sharp riffage with a sharp, hook-laden chorus and a different type of lyric than one might expect. "Promises, "believe it or not, sounds a little like the Beatles-meets-Megadeth. "Recipe for Hate" is an Alice-Cooper influenced story-song with Dave doing a sometimes passable Cooper impression. The instrumental "Silent Scorn" is an interesting piece, combining singing guitar with a spaghetti western soundtrack (horn and military drums). The most anticipated track in my opinion, is "Return to Hangar" which is a sequel of sorts to the "Rust In Peace" classic "Hangar 18." "Return" isn't bad, but it doesn't hold up to the original. 

Overall, I think most Megadeth fans will be pleased but not thrilled with "The World Needs a Hero." What the world really needs, you see, is another Megadeth album of the caliber of "Rust In Peace" or "So Far, So Good ... So What!"

Megadeth is: Dave Mustaine - guitar, vocals; David Ellefson - bass; Jimmy DeGrasso - drums; Al Pitrelli - guitar.

For more information, downloads and merchandise, visit the band's website at http://www.megadeth.com. Or visit Megadeth Arizona at http://www.megadetharizona.com.

"Risk" (Capitol; 1999) (Remastered; 2004)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

When I originally reviewed "Risk" back in 1999, I got more than a few e-mails from Megadeth fans telling me that I was crazy. Not only did they say that "Risk" didn't deserve the three guitarsaw rating I originally awarded it, they claimed that this was Megadeth's worst album ever. Interestingly, I have yet to get a single e-mail telling me that I was right on and that "Risk" deserved the rather high rating I originally gave it.

All that being said, I am once again awarding "Risk" a three guitarsaw rating, this time based on the 2004 re-mastered version of the CD. For the most part, my review as posted in 1999 stands. Apparently unlike many other fans, I thought "Risk" was an interesting and gutsy experiment on Dave Mustaine's part and, as I listen to the re-mastered version, I still do. Was it the right thing to do at the time? That I can't tell you. "Risk" wasn't exactly one of the band's best-selling CDs and a quick Google for reviews of the CD find that it's still one of the most aligned Megadeth CDs. 

I will say this: Even with the re-mastered sound here, and the addition of three "bonus tracks," I do detect a strange lack of energy on this CD that I didn't really pick up on the first time through. Maybe the experimental side of Megadeth just hasn't aged well, maybe the re-mastering hurt this album rather than helped it or maybe the others were right and "Risk" just isn't that great of a CD. But I can pop it into my CD player and run it all the way through without getting bored and that tells me that "Risk" isn't a complete waste.

The three "bonus tracks" here are pretty unnecessary. All are re-mixes, the first being a Jeff Balding mix of "Insomnia," the second a Jack Joseph Puig mix of "Breadline" and the last is a "Jock Mix" of "Crush 'Em." The first two re-mixes are so subtle that one hardly notices them; the third just sounds stripped down and odd.

In addition, the cover art on this CD is the only art that was changed when the re-masters were issued in 2004. Dave Mustaine sort of explains why in his liner notes which also contains a lot of explanation / excuses for the lack of success of "Risk."

I've been told that "Risk" is one of those "love-it-or-hate-it" CDs but I'm on neither extreme. I just kinda like it, and that's good enough for me.

Megadeth is: Dave Mustaine, Marty Friedman, David Ellefson and Jimmy DeGrasso.

For more information, downloads and merchandise, visit the band's website at http://www.megadeth.com. Or visit Megadeth Arizona at http://www.megadetharizona.com.

"Risk" (Capitol; 1999)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

After the long-lasting and genre-surprising success of "Cryptic Writings," it seemed logical that Megadeth would do with "Risk" what they did with "Cryptic Writings" - that is stick close to their metal roots but add a twist that would make the CD stand out from the work of others.

And, with the appropriately entitled "Risk," they've done just that. But they've gone even further than might be expected. Long-time fans, don't let that scare you: Megadeth still kicks ass with the best of them. But they continue to add an edge of originality that allows their music to truly progress.

Take, for example, the screaming violin in the album's opening track, "Insomnia." It fits the rest of the song perfectly. Megadeth and violins? you might ask. Trust us - it works.

Next up is the darker "Prince of Darkness," a song that explores all forms of evil. Following next are two songs written with pro wrestling in mind: "Enter the Arena" (really a 52-second intro) and "Crush 'Em," a song as smooth and commercial as the pro-wrestling it's tied to.

But "Breadline," which follows is a unique Megadeth tune, with Dave Mustaine's unique crooning used to best measure in a song that somehow brings to mind the old ballad days of KISS. (Don't get pissed off at me; listen to "Mainline" off of "Hotter and Hell" and "Breadline" and see if you don't see the similarities).

The sinister "The Doctor is Calling" is up next, and it begins with a slow build and driving riff that builds into a steady rhythm that keeps delivering.

"I'll Be There" and "Wanderlust" seem to be joined at the hip; one song morphing into the next. The difference is a haunting riff in "Wanderlust" that grips at the edges of your mind until the song explodes with heavy chords and its powerful chorus.

"Ecstasy" begins with easy guitars and a lazy beat but builds to a driving chord-powered chorus.

"Seven" is next and is one of the lesser tunes on the CD. It's a weak track that doesn't quite reach the "filler" level but could have been easily deleted.

Ever wonder what Megadeth would sound like if it were people with John Lennon instead of Dave Mustaine. You get your chance with the second-to-last tune, "Time: The Beginning," an acoustic guitar number with swimming choruses and spacey verses. But don't worry - the band kicks into high gear with the final track, "Time: The End" a chunky electric-guitar driven song with Mustaine digging deeper into his Megadeth-style vocals.

Will "Risk" reach the stratospheric success of "Cryptic Writings"? Probably not. The album doesn't have the same proximity to the classic Megadeth sounds that the previous album did. However - it was the college set that made "Cryptic Writings" a long-term smash and they are a more forgiving bunch than the headbangers who grew up with the band. In the end, only time will tell. Regardless of the album's success, however, this much is certain: Megadeth is definitely a band that has earned the right to call themselves one of the world's best metal bands; a band that continues to push the envelope of what is considered heavy metal while, at the same time, never abandoning their roots.

The CD also includes a short video segment with the band that explains through interviews their thoughts and ideas regarding "Risk." With this particular disk, this is practically required viewing.

Megadeth is: Dave Mustaine, Marty Friedman, David Ellefson and Jimmy DeGrasso.

For more information, downloads and merchandise, visit the band's website at http://www.megadeth.com. Or visit Megadeth Arizona at http://www.megadetharizona.com.

"Cryptic Writings" (Capitol; 1997 / 2004)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

"Cryptic Writings" was more of a commercial recording than earlier Megadeth releases and, while that's not a bad thing, it did turn off fans who wanted the band to sound like they did in their "Rust in Peace" days.

Still, "Cryptic Writings" had its successes: According to liner notes by Dave Mustaine, "Trust" was the band's first ever Number One track on Rock Radio in America, and two or three other songs made it into the Top Ten. Mustaine admits that none of that chart success translated into sales success.

Putting the band's earlier works in the back of your mind, however, finds "Cryptic Writings" to be an entertaining, if not engrossing, album. Listening to "Trust," it's easy to see why it became so popular on rock radio, and most of the other tracks on the CD are closer to standard metal sound than the thrash / speed metal Megadeth was best known for. Those new to the band (see Snidermann's review below) will no doubt find it far more listenable than the rabid Megadeth fan.

This newly re-mastered edition sounds a little clearer than the original (which didn't sound bad to begin with) and features four previously unreleased bonus tracks: A partly Spanish-language version of "Trust," an lower caliber alternate version of "Vortex," and two additional tracks, the somewhat standard "Evil That's Within" and the more energetic "Bullprick."

Perhaps not the best Megadeth album but still worth a listen nonetheless, "Cryptic Writings" may not hold you by the throat throughout but it certainly won't have you reaching for the "Eject" button either.

Megadeth: Dave Mustaine - lead vocals, lead and rhythm guitars; David Ellefson - bass guitar and backing vocals; Marty Friedman - Lead, rhythm, acoustic guitars and backing vocals; Nick Menza - drums, backing vocals.

For more information, check out http://www.megadeth.com. 

"Cryptic Writings" (Capitol; 1997)

Reviewed by Snidermann

I know three things about Megadeth: 1) They've always had bitchin' album covers and t-shirt art; 2) They've been around for years; and 3) They had a hit that got a shitload of airplay on MTV a few years back (can't quite remember the name of the tune). That aside (because of that, actually - Ed.), I was given the assignment of reviewing a Megadeth CD for Rough Edge. I really didn't know what to expect, so I went in the usual way: head first. What I experienced was nothing short of fantastic! If "Cryptic Warnings" is any indication of what Megadeth is about, I think it's high time I start taking more notice of this killer band.

"Cryptic Writings" is the latest Megadeth release and let me tell you this CD has it all: kick ass metal, dark, twisted lyrics; thundering instruments and, the most important ingredient of all, attitude. The thing I like best about "Cryptic Writings" is the CD's overall effect, combining great songwriting, top notch musicianship, and all the things I mentioned before and turning it into one of the best heavy metal releases I have heard in a long time. Rock on Megadeth!

For more information, check out the band's official website at http://www.megadeth.net.

Megadeth: Dave Mustaine; David Ellefson; Marty Friedman and Nick Menza.

"Hidden Treasures" (Capitol; 1995)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

This 1995 release was an attempt to gather together some of the more rare Megadeth tracks of the time; tracks that came from motion picture soundtracks, theme collections and/or tribute albums.

There are three covers contained herein: Megadeth's versions of Alice Cooper's "No More Mr. Nice Guy," Black Sabbath's "Paranoid" and the Sex Pistols' "Problems" are all executed quite efficiently here, especially "Paranoid." Mustaine's voice doesn't carry the Sex Pistols sound on "Problems" as well as, say, Lemmy might have - but it still works out okay.

The remaining tracks are originals, including "Breakpoint," "Go to Hell," "Angry Again," "99 Ways to Die" and "Diadems." The original songs are all very Megadeth and all are pretty good. They certainly fit well enough with their original projects (respectively, the "Super Mario Bros." soundtrack, the "Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey" soundtrack, the "Last Action Hero" soundtrack, "The Beavis and Butthead Experience" CD and the "Tales From the Crypt Present Demon Knight" soundtrack). 

As a collection of tunes from different eras and different producers, "Hidden Treasures" doesn't really flow very well. Then again, that's not what it was designed to do. Its job was to give Megadeth fans access to tracks they could only have found elsewhere before. As that type of collection, "Hidden Treasures" is pretty cool.

"Hidden Treasures" is apparently no longer available domestically,  but an import version with additional tracks ("A Tout Le Monde," "Symphony Of Destruction Demo," "Architecture Of Aggression Demo" and "New World Order Demo") is.

"Rust In Peace" (Capitol; 1990)

Reviewed by TBJ

Dave Mustaine is a genius. And he may even tell you so himself! (After all, he’s well known for his pompous attitude). 

After years of lurking under the gigantic shadow of what is called Metallica, Mustaine invented the term "technical speed metal," or at least the music that this term represents. Megadeth’s debut "Killing is my Business …" didn't raise many eyebrows. The good songwriting and smart lyrics were there, but the production and vocal delivery left much to be desired. 

Things changed after Megadeth’s sophomore effort, "Peace Sells …" From the album’s cover art, to the anthemic title song, to the signature Mustaine riffs, "Peace Sells ..." proved that Megadeth was indeed a force to be reckoned with. Knowing this, and perhaps taking too much for granted the aptly titled "So Far … So Good … So What" was released. This album clearly represented the turmoil that was going on the Megadeth camp. Drugs, alcohol and personal problems led to what some say is Megadeth’s least inspired disc. 

But next came what some call Megadeth’s best offering yet "Rust in Peace."

Dave Mustaine, Dave Ellefson, and newfound members Marty Friedman and Nick Menza recaptured, and perhaps surpassed "Peace Sells…" in musicality, songwriting, and even vocals. "RIP" is perhaps Megadeth’s fastest, heaviest, and most technically perfect album to date. Dave set out to prove that he could still kick ass without the drugs and booze, and he did not disappoint.

Most of the songs on this CD have become classics in not only the Megadeth world, but in the whole metal spectrum. "Holy Wars," "Hangar 18," "Lucretia" are all jam-packed with riffs that’ll make your fingers bleed from just air-guitaring to them. Plus the mix of anti-war, anti-establishment, and just plain fun lyrics doesn’t hurt either.

Mustaine found new ways to use his limited vocal ability by using effects, and singing in comfortable keys. Ellefson’s basslines are ever-present and fresh. Menza’s drumming is jazz-influenced and complex as hell. Guitar virtuoso Marty Friedman’s solos are frenzied but melodic at the same time, almost making them as memorable as the lyrics themselves.

This disc shows where metal was in the early 90s, where it only counted how well thought-out your songs were, and not how much airplay they got. Oh, well. No matter how some bands have changed with the years, there’s always albums like these that remind us never to lose faith in that beast we all call Metal.

Megadeth is: Dave Mustaine - vocals, guitars; Marty Friedman - guitars; Dave Ellefson - bass; Nick Menza - drums.

For more info visit: www.megadeth.com. 

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

Back to CD Reviews Home

Back to RoughEdge.com Home

Copyright © 2016 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.