Saturday, May 10, 2008

Megadeth-United Abominations



Record Label: Roadrunner
Year: 2007
Track Listing:
1. Sleepwalker
2. Washington Is Next
3. Never Walk Alone…A Call To Arms
4. United Abominations
5. Gears Of War
6. Blessed Are The Dead
7. Play For Blood
8. A Tout Le Monde (Set Me Free)
9. Amerikhastan10. You’re Dead
11. Burnt Ice


This is the first album for Dave Mustaine, and his new lineup of Megadeth on Road Runner Records, and from the first there is a sound to the band that is reminiscent of their earlier days. The album kicks off with "Sleepwalker", and to be honest it was strange to hear Megadeth with such a heavy sound again. Since Youthasia, the band has had a lighter sound, but it seems that Mustaine has finally remembered that he was a pioneer of 80’s thrash metal and taken it on board.In essence, the band go back to their roots.
The sound is strong, solid, and pure old Megadeth. And more importantly there is attitude.
Mustaine has never been one to shy away from political issues, and you almost expect there to be a political feel to this album. Megadeth don’t disappoint with tracks such as "Washington Is Next", and "Amerikhastan".
Megadeth team up with Lacuna Coil's lead singer, Cristina Scabbia to redo "A Tout Le Monde". The song has been speed up, and while it is a great version, it’s not the original by a long shot. United Abomination’s has catchy lyrics and melodies that are reminiscent of Countdown to Extinction, aggressive guitar solos that don’t just start at the chorus-they’re at the beginning of a song, at the middle and at the very end, and plenty of aggression full stop. There is almost a frantic energy to this album that has been missing on albums such as Youthansia and Risk.
While the album is never going to be like Countdown to Extinction or Peace sells….whose buying, but it’s a step in the right direction.
Fans that have been jaded with Megadeth and their later albums such as Risk may see this as redemption.
Tracks not to miss: "Washington Is Next", "Gears of War", "Never Walk Alone…A Call To Arms", and "A Tout Le Monde".
Rating: HHHHH

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