Megadeth. The name alone conjures piss & vinegar (maybe something else?). Dave Mustaine, founding member, vocalist and lead and rhythm guitarist stated last year that this would be their final album. Their 17th album, which defies longevity, is simply stated, ‘Megadeth’. From start to finish it’s undeniably unapologetic. Bassist James Lomenzo and drummer Dirk Vereuren who both performed on The Sick, The Dying & The Dead return. A welcomed addition to the band is former Wintersun lead guitarist, Teemu Mantysaari. His gifted & precise soloing elevates this album well beyond the bands’ last couple of releases.

The rhythm playing is more than up to snuff as Mustaine is laser focused to write his last array of devastating chugging rhythms. Something vital to bring up is the delivery & sound of Dave’s voice. He might sound better than he did on the masterful Dystopia. Mustaine is in complete control & it shows. He sounded strained on Megadeth’s last album which is a large reason it took me a while to come around to it. Let’s forge ahead to the album.

It would appear that Mustaine visited the fountain of youth for inspiration. His guitar rhythms on the album display nimbleness (there are plenty of single notes mixed with palm-muting), thunderous chugging, and slick key changes at will!

You wouldn’t make a mistake by first spinning the third single off the album, called Let There Be Shred. It’s an uptempo tune which has all of the juicy soloing, vocal hooks & attitude to spare! Arguably, the most punishing riffage on the album enters right before the glorious main solo (one of the finest on this release I might add).

Puppet Parade & Hey God?! have some of the most melodic choruses. The melodies & Mustaine’s lyrics will bounce around your brain for hours on end (a good thing I might add). Tipping Point offers plenty of down picking & energy. Mantysaari’s jaw-dropping solo which features some ascending tapping is an immediate highlight. Mustaine’s voice sounds spot on for this tune. He nails the chorus! The tempo changes add interest to an already interesting song.

Made To Kill is the most primal track! It could be my top selection thanks to the excellent rhythm guitar composition by Dave. The soloing and relentless power demand that you come back for more! There’s no reading between the lines on The Last Note. Mustaine recalls the wear & tear from the road. Dave ruled…now he will disappear…

Unfortunately, Ride The Lightning, the only song that I can’t comment on, won’t be released until January 23rd.

Overall, Dave has done a magnificent job balancing thrashy riffing along with some of his most catchy vocals to date! Thankfully, his sneer hasn’t left (; The rhythm section is impactful throughout the album. Teemu’s blistering & melodic leads compliment Mustaine’s unhinged style. Megadeth will go out with a bang. You will find out soon enough!! I can’t wait to catch them on tour this September with metal icons, Iron Maiden \m/