Megadeth - Endgame |
Published September 11 2009
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Dialectic Chaos (Instrumental) |
| Genre | Speed Metal |
Dave Mustaine
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Vocals
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| Tracks | 11 |
Dave Mustaine
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Guitar
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| Runningtime | 45 Min. |
Chris Broderick
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Guitar
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| Label | Roadrunner Records |
James Lomenzo
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Bass
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| Release | 15 September 2009 |
Shawn Drover
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Drums
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| Country | USA |
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Keyboard
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| Similar artists | MD.45, Swashbuckle, Memorain | ||
September 15th marks a major reckoning day for underground thrash. The new, recently reviewed Shadows Fall album - 'Retribution' - will be released, as will the highly anticipated - 'Endgame' - the 12th studio, and almost honest attempt from Vic and His Victory Band Of Rattleheads.
Ten tried and true years after the disbanding of his classic 'Rust In Peace' line-up, tour addled, soul survivor; Dave Mustaine took an awful risk in trying to keep some semblance of Megadeth still alive, and well...vital. So far, so good...so wait...
In the last five years, since this awesome comeback attempt, Dave's almost irreparable hand injury, and the release of - 'The System Has Failed', as well as the success of all those GiganTours, Megadeth has accomplished the impossible, and reinstated themselves as the elite in American Metal.
This mettle brood re-awakening, is conjuring up a new fan base for the ever active: 'Big Four", all led by an undying devotion to the Four Horseman, perhaps much to Dave's dismay, even after all these years of bitterness and jealousy. However, his recipe for hate has been the fuel to his fire and passion, which I admire.
After Metallica's truimpant return to thrash over a year ago, their induction into the Rock 'N' Roll Hall Of Fame served to make the southern Deth's style even more magnetic to a whole host of youth, anaesthetized by the lure of the '80's speed metal sound, so prominent back in the day.
It was also in 2004, when Megadeth released those controversial Capitol Records remasters of their back catalogue, with bonus tracks, and some remixes. Some critics recapped this as fool punishment, or a simple ruse just to make a fast buck; but I purchased everyone of those CDs, in order to complete the secret puzzle, and owing to the fact that I am such a loyal fan.
I even secured the MD. 45 which was entirely re-recorded with Dave's vocals, when the original Fear vocalist: Lee Ving's sound recording were unfortunately misplaced, thus making - 'The Craving' - more Dethlike, and less punk-inspired, than the original.
As much as I really enjoyed their debut for Roadrunner Records. - 'United Abominations' - it was all Dave's soapbox dynamics which sullied an otherwise promising release. I really dug those hidden treasures on - 'The System Has Failed', too, but lucklessly, Dave has a tendency too often to grind those gears of worst case scenarios, and bite the hand that feeds. Like Testament, for once I would like to see him practice what he preaches.
Perhaps, he has learnt his lesson in violence all to well, and 'Endgame' is his all out war gesture, and retaliatory strike. However, as much as this is a true Megadeth accomplishment, with solos - a - plenty, and some killer creations, the album, overall is not without its limitations, and as Dave echoes so well on - "Sweating Bullets", borrowing from Dirty Harry himself, "Man has got to know his limitations.!" However, this is not how the story ends...
'Endgame', thus is the worthy successor to the marching mechanix of Deth; another quality contender for the Deth achives. This also marks the debut album for ex-Jag Panzer / Nevermore axeslinger: Chris Broderick , after Glen Drover's unexpected departure, to pursue other interests. Chris brings a new level to the Deth clocked-in sound, with his classical training, ornate arpeggios, and fret board gymnastics. James Lomenzo and Glen's brother: Shawn Drover return to the fold, as able bodies, not left behind.
I will forever miss David "Jr" Ellefson, who brought Megadeth to the forefront, despite Mustaine's many addictions. I am grateful that "Jr" is content playing with F5, along with fellow compatriot, and drummer: Jimmy DeGrasso, because everyone needs a hero in this world.
To begin playing the 'Endgame' roll the liar's dice, and prepare for the razor wrist cut - "Dialectic Chaos". This breathless instrumental will sink beneath the skin, as it singes with a skull spiraling downward approach, straight out of "The Lungs Of Hell". All sleepwalkers will wake up dead, aware, and angry again.
The patriotic, Sun Tzu - "Art Of War" inspired and all encompassing - "This Day We Fight" - rings true, and ascends with an admirable alacrity. This philosophical mastermind persuasion in more inspirational that Dave's new found faith and so-called world order.
The episodic newsworthy retelling of events for - "44 Minutes" - barks with a dog day afternoonish glow. This account of the North Hollywood bank job, like so many songs on -'Endgame' - is a return to the Classic Deth like stance, where Mr. Mustaine serves as a commentator, without misleading us with his latest religious, or political claptrap, and self-serving lyrical indoctrinations.
"1,320" has already been released as a teaser on the net, along with 'Head Crusher", and both of these were wise choices, teasing us to believe that 'Engame', commonly touted as - 'Rust In Peace II' by Dave himself - was dawning to be a head crushing experience, ready to patrol the rats, and reset the world afire. This is clearly not the case.
"1,320" - an ode to those nitro fuel funny cars - is a rippin' rocket ride, with engines firing, and pistons bulging. The songwriting is very collaborative, with a strong architecture of aggressive playing, all throughout this high speed dirge. I am instantly reminded of the skullsplitting anthem - "The Disintegrators" - from 'Cryptic Writings'. That was a more commercial based release, but still of the highest caliber, and even more profitable, than the often overlooked - 'Youthanasia'.
'Endgame' - has more in common with these two albums, with hints of 'UA', and 'TSHF'. There is plenty of speed, and intense shredding, but the essence, heart, and core of masterpieces such as: 'Rust', 'Peace Sells', 'Symphony', or 'So Far...' are just not present, and the songs do not maintain that captive honour, they rightfully deserve. Sadly, after many rotations, I am left with the ashes fallen and smoldering, rather than my mouth agape.
"Bite The Hand That Feeds" - is a response to those avaricious fiduciary powerhouses, who reign over the financial world, bleeding us dry, seldom doing anything noble. They are so self-consumed, that they refuse to show any consideration and responsibility to the general public.
"How The Story Ends" - showcases Broderick's amazing guitar capabilities, and is replete with many fret board histrionics, but does not really resonate with much fervour, or ever reach a breakpoint.
"Bodies Left Behind" - is bland and lifeless, and most likely will not be remembered, unlike say, "Bodies On Bodies" by Vio-lence, or even the Sex Pistols song. Another personal assault on Washington is next to be found on the title track. This is a solid song, in the vein of - "Countdown To Extinction", or "Symphony Of Destruction", minus the crunch, and crush 'em mentality, but replete with the necessary nagging and cold bitching, as only Dave Mustaine can do so fervently and abrasively. This may sound odd, but I hear - "Red Sector A" by Rush, with a hint of - "Reckoning Day".
There are some less than spectacular songs on here as well. The ultra wimpy ballad - "The Hardest Part Of Letting Go...Sealed With A Kiss" - is worse than: "À Tout Le Monde (Set Me Free)", or the abominable - "Never Walk Alone...A Call To Arms" - which made for a great video, despite its overt Christian implications. Honestly, I wish Dave would leave all his heartbreak aside, and reserve it for a side-project, after Deth.
When Cliff Burton died all those years ago, Dave was inspired to write - "In My Darkest Hour". That is an awesome song, and I never tire of hearing it, but these other weak songs need to reach their final Deth!
Everyone is entitled to their own private mental repose, and "The Right To Go Insane" attends to this, but did not - "Sweating Bullets" or "Dread And The Fugitive Mind" - already serve as the ultimate anthems to madness? 'Bullets' speaks to me on so many levels, resonating not only as a well-written song, but also a classic cutting-edge video.
Some of those less popular B-sides, Covers, or Classic bonus tracks like - "New World Order", "99 Ways To Die", "One Thing", "Go To Hell", etc. are better songs than most of these newer, too much tremble over, caustic whammy creations.
Overall, this is a Megadeth album, straight forward. Again they have followed the train of consequences, and arrived at their final destination. I am confident that Dave and Roadrunner Records will be pleased to see it sell well, if everyone is buying.
By next Friday, some who dwell in sin may be left with blank expressions, and silent scorn, looking down the cross section, mourning, wondering, "What the fuck is this!" Others will trust in their idols, use their minds, and congratulate Mr. Mustaine. As for me, I am on the killing road, right in between, underneath the ominous black curtains, hovering over the millenium of the blind - 'Endgame'.
Essentially, there are no real surprises here, save the guitar stylings of Mr. Broderick, who Dave has championed over the masterwork of Al Pitrelli, or Chris Poland, as if! It seems that there has been too much widespread misrepresentation for this pending release; which definitely does not live up to all the media hype.
Last year when - 'Death Magnetic' - was released, I was pleasantly surprised, and that became my album of the year, along with Judas Priest's ambitious - 'Nostradamus'. When all is said and done, 'Endgame' will not even factor into my Top 20, but I still whole heartedly support the Deth's heartfelt intentions and metallic creed.
I will always advocate Dave's dire, take no prisoners, hook in mouth - tongue in cheek, kick the chair, hanging on by the skin of this teeth type artistry, integrity, and influence.
See
also review of: Dystopia
, Super
Collider , Th1rt3en
, The System Has
Failed
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Performance
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Originality
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Production
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Vocals
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Songwriting
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7,5 |
7 |
8 |
8 |
7 |
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Summary
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7,5 chalices of 10 - Michael the MettleAngel |
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