Understanding situations and learning from past experience forcibly led mankind to become adaptable. Leading to advances in all manner of invention war was inevitably one of them. Welcoming the future with open arms Megadeth have kept this modus operandi in mind for their latest release Dystopia.
[tracklist]
1. The Threat Is Real
2. Fatal Illusion
3. Dystopia
4. Death From Within
5. Bullet To The Brain
6. Post American World
7. Poisonous Shadows
8. Conquer or Die!
9. Lying In State
10. The Emperor
11. Foreign Policy
[/tracklist]
[details]
[length]46:00[/length]
[record_label]Universal / T Boy [/record_label]
[release_date]22nd January 2016[/release_date]
[/details]
After the unexpected departure of previous members the state of Megadeth was uncertain. Anchored by the experience of both Ellefson and Mustaine the band acheived balance coupling new found creativity supplied by the addition of drummer Adler and lead guitarist Loureiro. The now familiar curtain call of “Fatal Illusion” shakes off it’s drowsy riff giving way to an ironbound verse boasting one of the best bass tones in years. This idea of a two part Megadeth song is in almost every track making for a fantastically accessible blueprint with a twist in each tale.
“Death From Within” works perfectly owing to meticulous songwriting, weeding out the weak every track offers it’s own unique momentary genius. Initially jarring, the chorus quickly becomes memorable and strengthened to no end end by an absolutely blistering lead section. Upgrading to a more modern delivery the likes of title track “Dystopia” brings ideas pefected in the nineties era hurtling forward into fully fledged modern day package. Having Loureiro reared on a Power Metal vocabulary leads to the band’s sound to be injected with long forgotten melody.
Post apocalyptic themes are punctuated by brief interludes between tracks making for distinguishable difference in the songs whilst tying together our disparate tapestry. “Bullet To The Brain” once again puts any budding thrash act rightfully in their place with focus shifted on rhythm. More experimental track “Poisonous Shadows” a quasi ballad, fastened with a slow spiderlike riff before transforming into swelling symphonic sections. Final track “Foreign Policy” recalls a classic Punk attitude first seen on Peace Sells, making Mustaine bring back the youthful sense of questioning authority. Mustaine’s lyrics are as cut throat as ever with the sneering of “didn’t fuckin’ care” having just as much bite as his bark.
Making way for set piece come instrumental “Conquer Or Die!” is a fantastic example of not only Kiko Loureiro’s unique playing style but the decision to use it in an unorthodox manner to suit the band.”Lying In State” quickly reaffirms that Mustaine may have strayed from the path temporarily but hits the ground with rhythmic intent. It’s exactly tracks like these that make Dystopia not only a worthy addition to the bands canon but some of the most concise and urgent material the band have released. Having coasted and some would argue, begun to fall into the trap of repetition rather than rehashing old and ultimately outdated ideas the band have decided to evolve, to adapt. Coupling new ideas with tried and tested methods Megadeth have released one of their most exciting albums of their career. War never changes but Megadeth does.
[verdict]Yes[/verdict]
[why]An absolutely fantastic marriage of new talent with aged wisdom makes for Dystopia to be a decisive, urgent and absolutely fantastic record. Skynet would be proud.[/why]
