{"id":8281,"date":"2022-09-04T19:52:45","date_gmt":"2022-09-04T23:52:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/heavensmetalmagazine.com\/?p=8281"},"modified":"2022-09-06T21:09:09","modified_gmt":"2022-09-07T01:09:09","slug":"megadeth-the-sick-the-dying-and-the-dead","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/heavensmetalmagazine.com\/index.php\/2022\/09\/04\/megadeth-the-sick-the-dying-and-the-dead\/","title":{"rendered":"MEGADETH: The Sick, the Dying … and the Dead"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The Slick, the Surviving … the Undead Megadeth!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In many ways, this long overdue album feels like a combination of United Abominations<\/em>, Rust in Peace<\/em> and the more contemporary vibes (especially the drums) of Dystopia<\/em>. The poignant, biting and visceral lyrical depictions scream Countdown to Extinction\/Youthanasia<\/em> era. There is something in here, though, from just about every Megadeth<\/a> era.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Musically this is a perfect blend of late\u201980\u2019s era thrash and the power metal (with fast double bass drum rhythms) that characterizes \u201890\u2019s era power metal. This is likely not accidental as the venerable Dave Mustaine \u2013 recently recovered from throat cancer \u2013 anchors the music close to Megadeth roots, but Kiko Loureiro (Angra) on guitars brings in that power metal vibe as he co-writes on 8 of the 12 tracks. Add to this the massive extreme metal drumming of Dirk Verbeuren (ex-Soilwork) \u2013 who amps the dynamic drumming on Dystopia<\/em> (courtesy Chris Adler) to yet another level up here. And while James LoMenzo (White Lion\/Black Label Society) will be the touring bassist, Steve DiGeorgio lays down the studio bass tracks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, multiple tracks credit Brandon Ray (vocals), Eric Darken (percussion) and Roger Lima (keys\/effects). There is even a guest appearance by Ice-T! on \u201cNight Stalkers\u201d<\/strong> \u2013 one of the most brutal tracks on the record. If this isn\u2019t a song to lead elite military units into combat, and sow fear amidst the enemy, I don\u2019t know one \u2013 total massive esprit de corps!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The guitars on these songs are fast, staccato and stinking heavy, and Verbeuren totally shreds on the drums, incorporating tons of rhythmic punctuations (\u201cPsychotherapy,\u201d “Life in Hell\u201d<\/strong>) in addition to the relentless pummeling double bass. \u201cDogs of Chernobyl\u201d<\/strong> and \u201cMission to Mars\u201d<\/strong> incorporate cinematic effects in a way we have not heard from Mustaine in many, many years \u2013 both songs musically dynamic with informative\/entertaining narratives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Similarly, \u201cSoldier On!\u201d<\/strong> is an anthemic number, a metaphorical call to stand up against evil and brace for the onslaught, to be brave in the face of death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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“Of all the battles won and lost\/The lives and treasures that it cost\/I know I’ve got to soldier on\/Watching mankind destroy itself\/Walk straight into the mouth of Hell\/I know I’ve got to soldier on”<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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