United Abominations

by

Megadeth

Edit

This album is awesome. I haven't been listening to Meagdeth for too long, but I have all of their albums from Killing Is My Business through Youthanasia, and The System Has Failed. For me though, I gravitate more toward 80's Magdeth, the real thrash sound, basically their first 4 albums. I was somewhat disappointed with Countdown to Extinction and Youthanasia, because they weren't really thrash, but they grew on me. The System Has Failed was a relief to me because they sort of went back to their thrash roots. But, this album blows it away. Thrash Megadeth is back! I've always loved how Megadeth has multiple solos throughout their songs. This album is a total solo-fest. Solos everywhere. This album is heavy, loud, and fast. It's a very political album, obviously, but Dave tells it like it is. If you like Megadeth you will love this album. If you like metal in general, you'll love it. It does not disappoint. Highlights for me are Washington Is Next!, United Abominations, Gears of War, A Tout Le Monde (Set Me Free), Play For Blood, and Burnt Ice. Burnt Ice has blazing solos. The whole second half of the song is basically a solo. I was rattling my goddamn head so much I got dizzy. Hell yeah. Nowadays, Metallica only wishes they can make an album like this, considering their last effort had no solos whatsoever. Megadeth's bringing the thrash back. Rock on!

Ive been a Megadeth fan since day one, Dave has always stood out and came across sincere in his anger and vision, ive always expected and gotten well crafted music and highly skilled musicians at the top of their game.

That being said, I understand some of the positive reviews here, this album isnt horrible...but statements like "the best album ive ever heard"? You have to be kidding. On its own its ok, but it is not the Megadeth most of us 80s teenagers grew up loving, and if you missed the 80s and the birth of thrash then go back and start there....not here.

I agree with Marty's absence being felt. Drover is a fine guitar player, but his solo's do not enhance the tunes anywhere close to the way Marty's did. (contrast him to Dave as well....not even close)

Theres some GREAT guitar playing here, and some killer riffs. My biggest complaint is the vocal melodies and arrangements. They just feel tired to me. Some of these tunes sound like they are rough tracks or first takes on the vocals. Theres no hook, no catch...just blah blah change the syllables and make it fit....very un-creative sounding. Almost amatuerish in nature. The content is the content...if you don't like Dave's politics dont buy a Megadeth album. But I do expect catchy, heavy, well done tunes. Overall i'm just not feeling it. Blessed Are The Dead in particular starts out good, begins to build a killer tension and you just feel the crusher coming....but nope....the vocal melody comes in and ruins it..."nation will rise against nation"...etc. Next. Gears Of War and Burnt Ice are much the same. Although Sleepwalker has the spit and anger I like about Megadeth.

And NOONE has mentioned this Jack Bauer thing on the sleeve???? Are you kidding me? Jack Bauer...a cheesy TV show character? Are you serious Dave? I realize even Vic is a fictional character...but this? If theres anything Megadeth NEVER stood for...it was the mainstream. This turns ANY relevancy the lyrics or the cover art has into a joke. Im amazed the man who concieved Peace Sells or Rust In Peace would use such a stupid shameless thing and actually feel its cool. Absolutely amazing.

But back to the music. Im not sad I bought it and i'll buy their next one the day it comes out too. Buy it, listen to it, but dont expect it to change your world or to be Rust In Peace.