Megadeth
The World Needs A Hero
[Sanctuary]
The last we heard of them was their 'greatest hits' compilation "Capitol
Punishment" which ended their contract with Capitol Records. The two new songs
there, Kill The King, and the other (which is also here) Dread And The Fugitive
Mind, indicated a return to their heavier sound.
After reading a lot of others' opinions about this album, that old saying strikes me- opinions are like assholes and everyone's got one.
This is not the raw, vicious,hungry, drugged out speed metal we knew as Megadeth from their first 3 albums. It isn't near what some consider their peak (Rust In Peace). However, it is a really, really good release.
Some classic intricate Megadeth riffs, and good if pedestrian solos by new guitarist Al Pitrelli (replacing Marty Freidman). A lot of familiar territory is touched upon, with a feeling of the less spectacular moments of the "Countdown to Extinction", "Hidden Treasures", and even "Cryptic Writings"-eras.
There should have been two versions of the heavy metal heartbreak tune "1000 Times Goodbye". Great Black Sabbath/ early Metallica type riffing, but I could do without the chick's voice spliced in from Dave's answering machine. Sure it adds atmosphere, but I only want to hear the song, not the bitch.
The metal ballad "Promises" is pretty cool, but no doubt, die hards will hate Mustaine even more. Fuck 'em. I grew up on Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and Judas Priest before thrash metal was around. "Promises", as well as other moments captures the feeling of classic hard rocking heavy metal.
"Return to Hangar", the sequel to "Hangar 18" has a dirtier, thicker sound. Maybe just a low key rehash. Personally I like it as the original was just too Hollywood.
The last track, the 9 minute "When" has know-it-all's point out that 'Dave Mustaine is not only rehashing his old riffs, but is now ripping off others'. Ahem. Sure, the beginning is like "The Call of Ktulu" by Metallica, but did you forget he was in that once great band? As far as the main part sounding like Diamond Head's "Am I Evil"... no shit! It's been changed, it isn't a not-for-note ripoff, and obviously a tribute to one of his favourite bands. If you go back to "Rust in Peace" you will see the influence of Diamond Head's "Borrowed Time" album! Dave's singing on "When" gives me a chill, like when I heard "The Conjuring" or "Looking Down The Cross" for the first time.
The underground will deny it, but if put in Dave Mustain'e shoes, with family and business obligations, they wouldn't try doing catchy pop metal/ hard rock like on the "Risk" album, and in some spots on "A World Needs A Hero" to keep paying the rent?
If any crybabies get this on CD, skip the tracks you don't like. There will never be another "Killing Is My Business..." or "Peace Sells..." but I can always put them on. You never were a fan if you didn't forsee Mr. Mustaine was a MUSICIAN as well as a metalhead. You may be a fan of some particular albums, but don't call yourself a Megadeth fan if you don't give it all a chance. I DIE FOR MEGADETH!!!
© 2001 mlotek
After reading a lot of others' opinions about this album, that old saying strikes me- opinions are like assholes and everyone's got one.
This is not the raw, vicious,hungry, drugged out speed metal we knew as Megadeth from their first 3 albums. It isn't near what some consider their peak (Rust In Peace). However, it is a really, really good release.
Some classic intricate Megadeth riffs, and good if pedestrian solos by new guitarist Al Pitrelli (replacing Marty Freidman). A lot of familiar territory is touched upon, with a feeling of the less spectacular moments of the "Countdown to Extinction", "Hidden Treasures", and even "Cryptic Writings"-eras.
There should have been two versions of the heavy metal heartbreak tune "1000 Times Goodbye". Great Black Sabbath/ early Metallica type riffing, but I could do without the chick's voice spliced in from Dave's answering machine. Sure it adds atmosphere, but I only want to hear the song, not the bitch.
The metal ballad "Promises" is pretty cool, but no doubt, die hards will hate Mustaine even more. Fuck 'em. I grew up on Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and Judas Priest before thrash metal was around. "Promises", as well as other moments captures the feeling of classic hard rocking heavy metal.
"Return to Hangar", the sequel to "Hangar 18" has a dirtier, thicker sound. Maybe just a low key rehash. Personally I like it as the original was just too Hollywood.
The last track, the 9 minute "When" has know-it-all's point out that 'Dave Mustaine is not only rehashing his old riffs, but is now ripping off others'. Ahem. Sure, the beginning is like "The Call of Ktulu" by Metallica, but did you forget he was in that once great band? As far as the main part sounding like Diamond Head's "Am I Evil"... no shit! It's been changed, it isn't a not-for-note ripoff, and obviously a tribute to one of his favourite bands. If you go back to "Rust in Peace" you will see the influence of Diamond Head's "Borrowed Time" album! Dave's singing on "When" gives me a chill, like when I heard "The Conjuring" or "Looking Down The Cross" for the first time.
The underground will deny it, but if put in Dave Mustain'e shoes, with family and business obligations, they wouldn't try doing catchy pop metal/ hard rock like on the "Risk" album, and in some spots on "A World Needs A Hero" to keep paying the rent?
If any crybabies get this on CD, skip the tracks you don't like. There will never be another "Killing Is My Business..." or "Peace Sells..." but I can always put them on. You never were a fan if you didn't forsee Mr. Mustaine was a MUSICIAN as well as a metalhead. You may be a fan of some particular albums, but don't call yourself a Megadeth fan if you don't give it all a chance. I DIE FOR MEGADETH!!!
© 2001 mlotek