Megadeth's 'Megadeth' review: A fiery farewell from the pioneers of thrash
Megadeth, the trailblazers of the thrash metal genre, have been a force to be reckoned with since their inception in 1983. With their 17th and final album, they've once again delivered a fiery farewell, staying true to their signature sound. But is it a fitting end to their illustrious career? Let's dive in and explore.
A Tried-and-Tested Formula
Megadeth's unwavering commitment to their signature blend of chugging riffs, angst-filled vocals, and shreddy-guitar solos is evident throughout the album. The opening tracks, 'Tipping Point' and 'I Am War', showcase the band's ability to deliver their tried-and-tested formula with a new sense of vigour. However, some tracks, like 'Let There Be Shred' and 'Puppet Parade', seem to fall flat, sticking too rigidly to the most predictable choices.
A Tongue-in-Cheek Approach
The album's 'I Don't Care' is another track that falls into this trap, with uninspired lyrics like 'I don't care if I'm not your class / I don't care, you can kiss my ass'. While it nods to their heyday, it feels borderline gimmicky. However, you can't fully rebuke the band for leaning into this tongue-in-cheek approach. As frontman Dave Mustaine explained, it's time to call it quits while it's still 'on their own terms'.
A Full-Circle Moment
Despite the same balls-to-the-wall approach, there are hints of something deeper going on this time. The tracks 'Hey God!' and 'The Last Note' showcase an older and wiser Mustaine looking back at the path that brought him to this very moment. The unexpected cover of Metallica's 'Ride The Lightning' (co-written by Mustaine in the early '80s) adds a gratifying, full-circle moment to the album.
A Final Bow
Whether you're a lifelong Megadeth fan or new to the world of thrash, there's no denying that this is a band throwing everything but the kitchen sink at new music before they take a final bow. With a record label of BlkIIBlk Records and a release date of January 23, 2025, Megadeth's 'Megadeth' is a fiery farewell that will leave a lasting impression on fans and newcomers alike.
