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Megadeth
Endgame
(RoadRunner Records)
The Urban Dictionary, for better or for worse, defines a nutswinger as ‘…someone who hangs from someone’s nuts…someone who follows ever move they make…’. As generally unspecific as such a description may be, it does, for better or worse, accurately summarize my feelings for Heavy Metal titans Megadeth. In fact, for as long as I can remember, I’ve been an intensely dedicated fan of all things Mustaine and Mustaine-related. Although I most certainly lost touch with my inner Vic Rattlehead circa the group’s Dan Huff experimental era, I continued to find solace amid my well-worn copies of Rust In Peace, Countdown To Extinction and Youthanasia. Needless to say, when I was approached regarding ‘…coverage…’ of Endgame, the long-running group’s highly-anticipated twelfth (!) studio effort, I was only more than happy to overindulge.
On the brilliant Endgame (2009), an expertly assembled eleven song collection of deftly-executed Heavy Metal, each track, beginning with the bile-spewing tirade “This Day We Fight!”, and the delightfully breakneck “1,320”, instantly commands the rapt and undivided attention of all parties involved, myself most definitely included. Armed with a bloodthirsty vengeance best exemplified via the group’s most recent compilation efforts (most notably 2008’s ingenious Anthology: Set The World Afire), Mustaine and his band of not-so-merry men waste little--if any--time preaching to the converted. Wisely attempting to capitalize, or so it would seem, on the veritable tidal wave of momentum initiated with the release of 2007’s stellar United Abominations, the group ‘goes for the throat’ early and often, flexing their more than considerable creative muscles in the process.
Continuing with the relentlessly pummeling “Bite The Hand”, and the acoustic-tinged dirge “The Hardest Part Of Letting Go...Sealed With A Kiss”, the newly rejuvenated combinations of vocalist/guitarist Dave Mustaine, guitarist Chris Broderick (ex-Jag Panzer, replacing inexplicably ousted King Diamond alumni Glen Drover), bassist James “Jlo” LoMenzo (David Lee Roth and White Lion, among others), and drummer Shawn Drover steamroll ahead with what can only be described as a sickening ease. The latest in a seemingly never-ending series of impossibly talented axeman, the undeniably dexterous Broderick adds a much-welcomed depth to the group’s carefully-honed formula. The ensuing Mustaine-led tandem, while arguably incomparable to the quartet’s already oft-documented ‘…glory daze…’, is ultimately as lastingly satisfying as it is initially palpable.
Co-produced and mixed by Mustaine and the acclaimed Andy Sneap (Arch Enemy, Killswitch Engage and Opeth, to name only a few) other standouts, including the blistering first single “Head Crusher”, and the equally impressive closer “The Right To Go Insane”, offer a staggering wealth of further sonic evidence in support of the group’s continued supremacy. Having now effectively come ‘…full circle…’ in regards to their prototypical roots, the yielded sonic carnage is guaranteed--or so it would seem--to only further placate the legion of notoriously rabid constituents that lies in wait. Quite obviously not for the faint of heart or weak of constitution (Risk this most definitely ain’t), the end result(s) of the group’s drastically revamped efforts are indeed nothing short of extraordinary, making them an ideal companion to their disturbingly sprawling catalogs.
But is it really that freakin’ good? Absolutely! An obvious must-have for both die-hard completists and curious newcomers alike (as unfathomable of a scenario as that may or may not be), the majority--if not all--of the decidedly ferocious, ‘Old School’-tinged wares contained herein are almost assuredly guaranteed to appeal to even the most mind-numbingly pessimistic of Thrash Metal elitists, a much-welcomed and increasingly rare characteristic that makes the rumbling behemoth that is the mighty Endgame one of the group’s most truly enjoyable efforts to date. Not surprisingly, if you’ve once again found yourself in search of an unrelentingly brutal alternative to the painfully mindless din and clatter that is so often forced fed en mass, then this, my friends, might just be the invariably high octane cure for what ails you. Trust me, you will not be disappointed.
Select Discography
Endgame (2009) ******
Anthology: Set The World Afire (2008) */**/***/****
Warchest (CD/DVD) (2007) */**/***/****
That One Night: Live In Buenos Aires (2007) *****
United Abominations (2007) *****
That One Night: Live In Buenos Aires (DVD) (2007) *****
Arsenal Of Megadeth (DVD) (2006) */**/***/****
Greatest Hits: Back To The Start (2005) */**/***/****
The System Has Failed (2004) *
Still Alive…And Well? (2002) ****
Rude Awakening (2002) ****
The World Needs A Hero (2001) ****
Capitol Punishment: The Megadeth Years (2000) ****
Risk (1999) ***
Cryptic Writings (1997) ***
Hidden Treasures (EP) (1995) ***
Youthanasia (1994) ***
Countdown To Extinction (1992) ***
Rust In Peace (1990) ***
So Far, So Good...So What?! (1988) **
Peace Sells...But Who’s Buying (1986) *
Killing Is My Business...And Business Is Good (1985) *
* features guitarist Chris Poland
** features guitarist Jeff Young
*** features guitarist Marty Friedman
**** features guitarist Al Pitrelli
***** features guitarist Glen Drover
****** features guitarist Chris Broderick