On Jan 22, 2016, thrash metal icons released their latest album.
From its debut album in 1985 and into the early ‘90s, Megadeth was one of the most dominant forces in metal. Since then, the band was in a stale period of weak albums until the mid 2000s when a comeback was on its way. This wave of success halted with 2013’s subpar release, Super Collider. The band underwent yet another lineup change, enlisting drummer Chris Adler and guitarist Kiko Loureiro. Is this thrash metal giant entering another comeback?
Album opener, “The Threat is Real,” makes it clear that this a leaner yet heavier Megadeth. This is the band’s heaviest sound since 2009’s Endgame. Dystopia is a return to the thrash metal that defined the band but still remains current. On album highlight, “Poisonous Shadows,” Megadeth experiments while still keeping its ferocious sound in tact.
Adler and Loureiro,from Lamb Of God and Angra (respectively), prove to be excellent additions to the band. Dystopia contains savage riffs that hit hard. The guitar work is fierce and Loureiro’s solos prove to be a highlight. Adler’s drumwork impresses with its precision and explosive power.
Lead vocalist, guitarist and founding member Dave Mustaine once again speaks his mind on this album. The lyrics here are well written and full of aggression. That being said, the dystopian themes and constant paranoia feel rather suffocating by the end of the record. This album could have benefitted from lyrical and thematic diversity.
Dystopia, a cohesive effort, proves that Megadeth is on the right path. While it doesn’t push any envelopes for the metal genre, this release is the band firing on all cylinders. For that, Dystopia earns 8 out of 10 stars.