Review MEGADETH “Megadeth”

While the news of Megadeth‘s final album was perhaps not entirely unexpected, it was still shocking. Founded in 1983 by Dave Mustaine, the band is one of the pioneers of thrash metal. The band’s career is now coming to an end, and they have released 16 albums, including classics like “Peace Sells…But Who’s Buying”, “Countdown to Extinction” and “Youthanasia”, which are gems when it comes to sophisticated thrash metal.

Mustaine worked on the final Megadeth album with Teemu Mäntysaari (lead, rhythm and acoustic guitars), James LoMenzo (bass guitar) and Dirk Verbeuren (drums), with the opener “Tipping Point” also serving as the lead single. It is a classic Megadeth song with a fast, galloping beat, great leads, and Mustaine’s iconic vocals. His style of singing has become synonymous with the Megadeth sound, and it goes without saying that Mustaine is an excellent guitarist too. “Tipping Point” is the perfect introduction to the new album, followed by “I Don’t Care”.

This song showcases the punk influences in Megadeth’s metallic sound and serves as a lyrical summary of Mustaine’s musical journey. He did what he thought was right, following his own musical vision regardless of surrounding circumstances. His own musical vision resonates throughout all the songs on “Megadeth”.

This also led to a new version of “Ride the Lightning” — one of the most epic thrash metal anthems of all time. Mustaine wrote the song with James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, and the legendary Cliff Burton. The song that gave Metallica’s second album its name is a metal milestone, and Mustaine’s vocals on this new version show how much of him is embedded in “Ride the Lightning”. There are some parallels with what would later end up on “Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying”, and adding the song to the album was a great idea.

Another single is called “Let There Be Shred”. The title, probably inspired by AC/DC’s “Let There Be Rock”, clearly indicates what to expect. It is an up-tempo song in which Mustaine’s guitar playing takes centre stage. The combination of heaviness and musical finesse defines “Let There Be Shred”.

Following all these thunderous metal blasts, it is “Puppet Parade” that demands time and effort. It is a multifaceted song with a chorus that does not reveal its brilliance immediately. After such a complex excursion, Megadeth return to their rock influences with “Another Bad Day”. There is no doubt that it is a typical Megadeth song, characterised by a blistering solo. At the same time, the tune has a rocking vibe from start to finish and is followed by the aggressive “Made to Kill”.

The latter features all of the trademarks that you would expect from Megadeth. Furious riffs, a hard-hitting rhythm section and devilish vocals represent the essence of thrash metal.

Megadeth has always stayed true to its roots, and Mustaine has never really adjusted his musical compass. However, Megadeth also embraced small adjustments and twists that made each album a distinct musical experience. “Obey the Call” is a song that differs slightly from the main formula. Like “Puppet Parade”, “Obey the Call” requires several listens to reveal its full potential and still remains one of the weaker spots on the album.

“I Am War” is something of a counterpart. It is a straightforward song without any unexpected layers, whereas “The Last Note” clearly signals the end of an impressive career. Melancholic yet also unleashing the thrash metal beast one last time, it is a bittersweet finale. The song is a salute to 43 years of Megadeth and a touching goodbye. It’s almost unimaginable that this is the last tune from Megadeth, a band whose music I’ve followed from their debut until now.

One of the trailblazers of thrash metal has released a superb final album entitled “Megadeth”. It is heavy, intricate, aggressive and emotional. It is both an ode to thrash metal and an emotional farewell. Thank you, Megadeth, for the great music and metal classics that will resound forever.