Megadeth
United Abominations

THE REVIEW

Talking about bands like Megadeth, Metallica, or Iron Maiden is never easy: we're dealing with music history, and there is a risk of either excessive compliments on their present based solely on their past or, on the opposite side, disrespectful accusations for works no longer up to their golden times.

Dave Mustaine's Megadeth, the hot-headed former Metallica member, released "United Abominations" in 2007: a work I judge positively, in their splendid old style, but certainly not on par with masterpieces like "Killing Is My Business," "Peace Sells," "So Far, So Good... So What," "Rust In Peace." These remain authentic thrash masterpieces. Subsequently, the 'deth had followed the path of the highly competitive Metallica, moving to a more classic and melodic heavy ("Countdown To Extinction," "Youthanasia") before producing some shock albums closer to commercial than anything else: "Cryptic Writings," "Risk." Fortunately, in recent years they have recovered their old thrash sounds ("World Needs a Hero," "The System Has Failed"), a path also followed by this latest "United Abominations," although not managing to create a real gem capable of marking history: ideas are now few.

"United Abominations" has a great sound, beautiful thrash vibes, but I find Mustaine's singing in most of the songs to be predictable, repetitive, and not very engaging. "Sleepwalker" starts slow and proceeds with hammering riffs, echoing the golden times even in the vocal parts. Guitar solos and bursts make the track worth a solid 6.5. "Washington Is Next" has a nice introductory riff, quite melodic. The singing is dark but becomes deeper in the catchy chorus. The guitars alternate melodic fragments with more aggressive ones, the drums beat well: 6.5. "Never Walk Alone... A Call To Arms" is equally in the old style, but the chorus is somewhat banal, score 6. After a calm start, "United Abominations" accelerates and sharpens; the chorus is nice, rating 6.5. "Gears Of War" opens with a solemn riff, and the singing is dark. The track is not very engaging, a bit better in the chorus. Rating 5.5. "Blessed Are The Dead" is quite engaging, has a good sound that merits a good 6. "Play For Blood" begins promisingly with frequent solos and robust riffs. The sung parts are not very pleasant, especially initially. 6. "A Tout le Monde (Set Me Free)" is a plagiarism of the great 1994 Megadeth track, distorted by the backing vocals with Italian Cristina Scabbia (Lacuna Coil) in a mere commercial operation that is worth no more than 5. "Amerikhastan" is introduced by strong solos. The singing is decent, but always inferior to the musicality. Score 6. Drums and fierce jolts open "You’re Dead," but once again the vocal composition is not up to par and doesn't grab you. Rating 6. "Burnt Ice" is a bit better in this context, always in step with good thrash musicality: 6+.

In short, the album sounds good but is somewhat dry and monotonous (with few exceptions) in the parts allotted to the excellent singer, the great Mustaine. Dave has made history and remains a legend, but I don't feel I can judge the latest work for more than it is really worth. Megadeth has written history in bold, and they did so magnificently up to 10-15 years ago: it's no use asking them for other wonders of that magnitude; if you really want to enjoy Mustaine's group, I recommend you listen to the first five superb albums instead!