The process of creating the sixteenth studio album of the American three-metal “big four” (The Big 4) “Megadeth” this time was surrounded by strong scandals, against the background of which the fact that this is the first masterpiece recorded by Dave Mustaine’s troupe remained without much attention, with drummer Dirks Verbūren (who joined the band in 2016), who, among other things, also participated in the recording of the self-titled album released in 2017 by the Latvian heavy music project “Pulse Of Nebulae “(its leader is Mārtiņš Platais, known in domestic circles).
Well yes, but on the scandals. They connect to the sex scandal, if you can call it that, of Mustaine’s longtime comrade in arms, bassist David Ellefson (he played in the band from 1983 to 2002 and from 2010 to 2021). Without going into detail, Ellefson had sent a video to a girl he knew on the phone, in which he … hmmm … works with himself. The video was somehow mysteriously leaked for public viewing, as is often the case in this Internet age. Although the girl did not complain and even pointed out that she has no complaints, it is assumed that she was a minor at the time of receiving this video, but what does this mean in politically correct America, it seems that no one needs to be informed … In The end in order not to damage the reputation of the group, moreover, the future, on the eve of the release of the album, Mustaine was forced to fire his colleague. This was already a pretty bad move on the part of the dark red, which is by no means a standard of good behavior, in the eyes of the fans, but in the future he also considered giving up Ellefson’s already recorded bass parts. Steve Di Giorgio (played in supergroups such as Sadus, Death, Autopsy, Testament and many others) was asked to record them again in the studio, while now the bassist of the Megadeth staff is James Lomenzo, who performs these tasks already carried out from 2006 to 2010.
But that is not all. After receiving the first “Grammy” award in the group’s history for the album “Dystopia” (2016), there was no certainty that “Megadeth” would continue to exist – in 2019, Mustaine announced that he had been diagnosed. throat cancer (therefore basically of the larynx) …
Yet, after a course of intensive care, Mustaine was able to claim to be “100% cancer free” a year later, proving once again that she has more life than a cat. It should be remembered that “Megadeth” activity had once been interrupted for several years, when Mustaine had damaged the nerve in his hand (as if he was drunk) so much that his fingers had lost mobility and had to work long and hard. to restore its functionality.
About the album itself. In total, it includes a dozen compositions, including “Night Stalkers”, which was recorded by rapper Ice-T as an obvious tribute to current musical trends. The limited edition includes two more tracks: a cover of Dead Kennedys’ “Police Truck” and “This Planet’s On Fire (Burn In Hell)” from Sammy Hagar’s 1979 Street Machine album, which the new version of Hagar himself performs. together with Megadeth. The first sound snippets of the new album were released as early as November 2018, but knowing all of the above (plus the pandemic), it’s no wonder the work took a long time. The theme of the album – this time Mustain reflected on various epidemics and pandemics, starting with the plague in Europe in the early 14th century and debating up to “The Dogs Of Chernobyl”, dedicated to pets left behind in the disaster zone from the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Yes, it would be risky to sing about the usual “Megadeth” war theme at the moment … Western critics reviews – solid four stars. From a commercial point of view – “The Sick …” is the first (!) Album in the history of “Megadeth” to reach the Top 3 in the British Isles (“Countdown To Extinction” was the fifth, and “Youthanasia” – in the sixth column), the album just debuted in America in third place.
PAR. If “Dystopia” was presented to Mastein with a “Grammy” turntable, then for the new album he should receive such an award with a guarantee: the new masterpiece should be valued at least as a promise, but perhaps also several steps, but higher . Each song is excellently crafted compositionally, lyrically and instrumentally, but the singles’ videos are particularly commendable (this does not apply to the album), each of which can be seen as an artistic short. Mustaine proves that in terms of technical performance, it is not for nothing that he is considered one of the fastest guitarists in the world of heavy music, and in this area he is perfectly assisted by Kiko Loreiro, the bassist work is well done by Di Giorgio, and Verbueren too. applauds the devil’s courage.
About songs. The top 3, or the podium, would be clear, but only the order is questionable – on it are the cruel “Night Stalkers” (who needs Ice-T here, it’s not clear, but luckily it doesn’t interfere at all) , the militant “Soldiers On!” (the ending is stupid …) and the lightning fast “We’ll Be Back” (a perfect ending to the album). Also noteworthy is the title track with its murderous message already in the title, as well as the second issue “Life In Hell” included in the album, certainly also the typically “megadetic” “Killing Time”. For some reason, even “Celebutante” remained imprinted in the viewer’s mind, for which there is no objective explanation. In summary: Megadeth fans will certainly not be disappointed.
VERSUS. If you listen to each single separately (and watch the clip) with your mouth open, the whole album as a whole is a little tiring. Make sure you don’t choose the “deluxe” version, because both “covers” totally destroy the overall concept, which elegantly ends with “We’ll Be Back”, stylistically they also fall out of context. Detractors of “Megadeth” usually grin and point out that Mustain rarely has a stupid voice, and they are right to some extent, but – whatever the metal god gave him to sing, you have to live with it (sing) …
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