This one doesn't pack the same punch as their previous 3-4 albums. It's more heavy metal based rather than thrash metal and the riffs aren't as catchy as 1992's 'Countdown to Extinction' but they're still good! It's just not so fantastic as the previous they seemed to get more seller out than anything else. But let's enjoy the Marty Friedman era of Megadeth. The riffs could've been better but still they're decent. The leads are alright, too! Dave Mustaine seems to be a little bit whinier as well. I don't think anything could surpassed Dave on their previous. Or even on 'Rust in Peace' and 'Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?'.

It's definitely milder than previous Megadeth releases. But that doesn't take away from the great guitar riffs and succinct leads by Dave and Marty. They both kick ass and it's to be this era of Megadeth to be the better. I'm not as familiar as the more modern playing of this band, I just know that I like the first two almost decades of the bands. Dave is always seeming to be in Metallica's shadow, or at least jealous of their success over Megadeth's. He definitely wanted a band that was heavier than Metallica but of course we know that Metallica took precedence over Megadeth unfortunately. Maybe James's rhythms are catchier than Dave's, could be it why they're favored?

The sound quality was definitely good, just like 'Countdown to Extinction', about the same. Just the music isn't as catchy as that album. But I still think it's worth a "B" rating, definitely. Some songs were really catchy and noteworthy. It's a step down from 'Countdown...' but Dave shows that they still have it going strong. I always liked his songwriting. Even in Metallica some of his riffs like in 'Jump in the Fire' and 'Phantom Lord' were some wicked riffs on those tracks. And on 'Peace Sells...' he came up with some amazingly catchy licks that are some of the best in the history of Megadeth.

For Megadeth fans, this isn't a disappointment. This is showing a somewhat milder more heavy metal type of gig than thrash metal. But they're still catchy with the songwriting and worth checking out if you haven't already. This is a way old album, but as you can see I'm just getting around to writing about it. It's how far gone I am in Megadeth's discography. But this is because I only recently decided to give the band a fair shake which I've done. And I've found them to be among the greats. Look upon this as a victory for the band, not so much of a failure that Dave may think.

Rating: 8½ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Death8699
08/22/2021 09:37