 MEGADETH
United Abominations
Roadrunner Records 2007
www.megadeth.com
5 Questions with Shawn Drover
Live Megadeth
pics 2007/2006/2005/2004
What’s the 4-1-1?
11th album for thrash metal titans Megadeth. Their first for Roadrunner
Records, and second with their current line-up.
Genre
Heavy metal / thrash / hard rock
The Good
The somewhat symphonic opening to “Sleepwalker” will catch the
listener by surprise as it is at a nice slow pace but once you hear the drums
build up you are in for a brutal ride. The guitar movement is really impressive
and the song in general is a thrashy beast. I think the lyrical work is pretty
cool and obviously revolves around the title of the song. The solo pieces
in the track are beyond great. The melodic intro to “Washington is
Next” comes out of the gate next and is nothing short of catchy. This
track is at a slower pace but still maintains a thrashy feel. I think once
again the guitar work is what thrives in this song.
“Never Walk Alone…A
Call to Arms” is probably my favorite track on the album, mainly because..can
you guess? The guitar work! The chorus provides one great vocal/guitar pattern
that flows incredibly well. The sound of the guitar always makes me close
my eyes and nod along. “Gears of War” produces a dark feel at the start but that quickly
changes when the song kicks in and the “gears of war” chants
come in. The middle of the song is what makes it for me. The solo part is
grand. The titled track “United Abominations” has a cool voice
effect at the start and end of the song which adds more to it I think. The
track is once again another one over 5 minutes long and is a strong listen
all the way through.
The Bad
I think the re-recorded version of “A Tout le Monde (Set me Free)” doesn’t
fit. I think they should of just left that one be and not of re-did it,
but that’s just me.
The Verdict
Hands down: one of the best of the year. This album has it all. Yes, it’s
all pretty much guitar driven because that’s what Megadeth are known
for you have to have everything else work well for it to be good and that’s
what happens here. Everyone did their part amazingly well and what comes
out of that is one kick ass album. I love that some of the songs are nice
and quick and some are slower paced, it just shows so much variety on the
album which is good. Now I am not some hardcore old school Megadeth fan,
but I do know what sounds good and this album is definitely that.
Did You Know?
Megadeth have decided to hold off on their annual Gigantour until 2008.
Rating:  out
of 5
Related Reviews:
Megadeth - Arsenal of Megadeth DVD
Megadeth - Greatest Hits: Back to
the Start
Megadeth - The Complete EMI Rematers
Marty Friedman - Music For Speeding
F5 - A Drug for All Seasons
--Derek Carey
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