CD Review: Megadeth - United Abominations

Megadeth has been around for a long time. United Abominations is their eleventh studio album, although it may be more accurate to call it Dave Mustaine's eleventh studio album, considering the revolving door that the other positions have been over the years. Seriously, there was only a span of three albums in the midst of their run that had the same lineup for consecutive releases. Don't take that as a negative, while the faces have changed, Mustaine has always seemed to surround himself with musicians that are up to his demanding standards. That holds true here, as United Abominations shows a reinvigorated Megadeth, quite possibly the most focused since their run in the early to mid 90's.

It would be unfair to try and compare this release to such classics as Rust in Peace or Countdown to Extinction, so I won't. I will, however, say that this is probably the best album since those days. Filled with heavy rhythms, blistering solos, politcally charged lyrics, and Mustaine's trademark sneer filled voice, the album is adrenaline charged metal from start to finish. A fine debut for their new home on Roadrunner Records.

Megadeth climbed the metal world in the mid 1980's affirming their status with Peace Sells... Bu Who's Buying. That was followed by a masterful trifecta beginning with Rust in Peace and ending with Youthanasia. It was at this point that they began to slip a little with Cryptic Writings and Risk, both had a few good songs, but they were clearly a step below what had come before. Then The World Needs a Hero, in 2001, was a step up, but still not a return to earlier form. Three years later, we get a Dave Mustaine who seemed reaffirmed with new purpose, after his nerve injury that almost ended his career, he came back with a new lineup and album, The System Has Failed. This album was heavier, more raw, more Megadeth than the preceeding few. The trend continues here.

United Abominations is clearly a finely polished album, but there is something about it that harkens back to the glory years. There is a strong focus, a will to reassert Megadeth as a relevant force to be reckoned within the modern metal world. I must admit to being impressed with this album. It isn't quite as catchy as the classics, but it definitely has a way of getting into your head and rattling around.

Joining Dave Mustaine on this album are brothers Glenn and Shawn Drover, on drums and guitar, respectively, the duo have been with Dave for the past few years, following the The System Has Failed era. They have previously appeared on the One Live Night DVD release. Joining on bass is James Lomenzo, formerly of White Lion and Black Label Society, he replaces James MacDonough (ex-Iced Earth). They don't quite match the Ellefson/Friedman/Menza years, but this lineup is very good. Shawn can match Mustaine's solo dexterity, Glenn is more then capable of keeping up on the drums, offering up some inventive fills and solid rhythms, and Lomenzo puts his long experience to great use.

With all of the excellent cuts to choose from, the chosen lead single is a remake of a song that first appeared on Youthanasia, "A Tout Le Monde (Set Me Free)." Frankly, I was kind of surprised to see that on the album, I didn't expect remake to be included on a new release, still, this is an excellent version that may outdo the original. This version features a duet between Mustaine and Cristina Scabbia of Lacuna Coil, and they sound good together.

The album gets off to a thrashy start with "Sleepwalker," a high energy gut punch that kicks in after lulling you with the mellow intro. That leads directly into "Washington is Next!" another speedy tune featuring some of Mustaine's most overtly political statements since Peace Sells. It doesn't stop there, just take a listen to the title track, or "Play for Blood," or "Amerikhastan."

Beyond any lyrical content, which I do not care to analyze, Mustaine's voice has not sounded better in years. The emotion is back, you can hear the biting sneer on his face, feel the glaring eyes behind the long blonde hair. The solos are also first rate, Mustaine and Drover trade licks at mind boggling speeds, while never losing track of the song at hand. James Lomenzo lays down some of the best basslines since the departure of David Ellefson, and he pairs with Glenn Drover to propel the metal forward.

Bottomline. This is a strong album. It is not their best, and it is probably not the best of the recent crop of metal albums, but Megadeth is still a force to be dealt with. If nothing else, even in their bad years, Megadeth has never betrayed their metal roots. United Abominations proves their dedication to the music in the best way possible, it is good metal music.

Highly Recommended.