Megadeth - Endgame (2010)

All the best bands have bad times. Some longer than others, but Megadeth have always been relatively consistent. The main problem of course was that after the genius of ‘rust In Peace’, they was always gonna struggle to continue in that vein. ‘Countdown..’ and ‘Youthanasia’ were also very good records, but then came the down time. Thankfully, and like Slayer (although unlike Metallica), Megadeth have found their feet again, and ‘Endgame’ is another classy thrash album to please the fans. Instrumental ‘Dialectic Chaos’ opens the record and melts into the rattling ‘This Day We Fight’, Mustaine’s sneer as recognisable as ever, the music is beautiful in its aggression, a master craft in classic heavy metal, bringing to mind the qualities of acts such as Metal Church. Shawn’s drums are heavy and tight, and as expected the music is complex and rarely loose, as ’44 Minutes’ snarls into its memorable chorus. The better moments of ‘So Far, So Good…So what ?’ are brought to mind, especially on the bare knuckle ride which is ‘1,320’ and chugger ‘Bite The Hand’.

Megadeth, although a classic metal band in their own right, remind of Judas Priest as to how they’ve carved their career. Inspiring hordes of other bands with their brand of cold steel, and through their career remaining solid and true. Dave Mustaine is a metal legend, and, like him or not, a guy who has created metal history. When one looks back at the time line of metal, I truly believe Megadeth should be seen as giants who rose above the likes of Anthrax and even Metallica who, for me, collapsed after their first three records. The title cut on offer here is a prime example of that arrogant and paranoid swagger Megadeth have injected into the metal world. There’s no cop out here, this is straight, balls to the wall metal, what the fans want, no selling out, no reverting to watered down rock for the scent of cash.

‘The Hardest Part Of Letting Go…’ shows the band in subtle mood, the fresh acoustics billowing in the wind and Mustaine’s snarl still full of contempt before the guitars crash in.
Megadeth have come along way, and ‘Head Crusher’ pretty much sums up the sound they’ve made their own over several decades. Eleven tracks of quality metal, perfect fodder for the metaller who wants it loud and proud.

8/10