Megadeth - Dystopia

****

Metal’s most inconsistent band return triumphant

With their last album being universally lauded and having two major line-up changes all eyes are on MegaDave to see if he yet again can deliver an album that is at least on par with the band’s glory days. After a dodgy few years following 1999’s 'Risk' the band built up good momentum with a trilogy of albums starting with 2007’s 'United Abominations' which was followed by the bands later day masterpiece 2009’s 'Endgame'. 2011’s 'Th1rt3en' was a solid enough effort and it looked like Megadeth were not only back but were staying on fine form. With the backlash of 'Super Collider' and the addition of guitarist Kiko Loureiro (Angra) and Lamb of God drummer Chris Adler it’s an understatement to say the pressure is on!.

It’s with great relief to tell you that 'Dystopia' is a great album with plenty for Megadeth fans to enjoy. It retains the technicality of 'Rust in Peace' and 'Peace sells... but who's Buying' and the melody and hooks of 'Countdown to Extinction' and 'Youthanasia', which is balance many of us have been wanting for many a year, while they haven’t struck a complete bull’s-eye it’s a far cry from the bands biggest balls ups!.

Opener 'The Threat is Real' is a standard affair, it introduces the album well but when the title track kicks in you know Megadeth are back!!!, if they released this as a single all doubts would have been shattered much earlier. It captures everything great about Megadeth, a great leading riff, a big memorable chorus this is bound to be a regular in future live sets. The real gold in this album reveals itself as the album goes on. 'Death from Within' is another with a blistering solo, but there is a three track run from 'Bullet to the Brain' through to 'Poisonous Shadows' these songs are dark, brooding and atmospheric...We’re even treated to a bit of piano!.

It’s like the album goes in sections, it begins fast and Thrashy with a few mid paced melodic tracks and you get this three songs section that’s slow and atmospheric. It’s great! later on in the album you get a killer filler track 'The Emperor' which see's Megadeth the at their most punk, it’s a straight to the point song that’s brings the album to a slightly lighter hearted climax before finishing with a pretty decent cover of Fear’s 'Foreign Policy'. It feels the later section of the album the band just let loose and have fun.

All in all this is a varied mix of  songs and it’s everything thing you want from a Megadeth album, it’s when Dave Mustaine tries to calculate and second guess is when things fall down but for now all is well in the Megadeth camp. It see's the band is back on track, and is another great addition to anyone's Megadeth collection.

Review by Joe Denby

Check Out! the Video for 'The Threat is Real' Below...