Megadeth
United Abominations

THE REVIEW

Until 2004, the fate of Megadeth was uncertain: in fact, various rumors were circulating about the band's breakup. In 2004, the album "The System Has Failed" managed to dispel the uncertainties surrounding Mustaine's group.

This year the new album by Megadeth, "United Abominations," made its appearance. While it doesn't quite compare to the glories of the much more famous "Peace Sells" and "Rust in Peace," it is nonetheless appreciable from a musical and production standpoint, always essential characteristics for Megadeth. In short, this album is nothing extraordinary, but the arrangements are more than good, and the production is excellent. As usual, Mustaine & co.'s band, despite the passing years, always proves worthy of listening, thanks to their commitment to playing with passion, not just for pure commercial gain, as Metallica (did someone say St. Anger?) has shown to do.

Track Analysis:

- 1. Sleepwalker: The track begins with a very calm initial arpeggio and subsequently a crescendo of keyboards leads to the outburst of instruments, which prove faithful to the old but evergreen thrash right from the start.

- 2. Washington is next!: Certainly easier and more engaging to listen to, this second track is immediately captivating and of excellent impact. Probably one of the two "commercial" songs on the album.

- 3. Never walk alone...a call to arms: The poignant beginning, in classic Megadeth style, introduces a classic "Countdown to Extinction" song. A beautiful track that can only be appreciated by listening.

- 4. United Abominations: Intended to be the foundational song of the album, it failed in its task, resulting in one of the two black sheep of the album. Both the verse and chorus are very banal, lacking imagination, and not very engaging.

- 5. Gears of War: Very essential and minimalist, yet threatening and dark is the beginning of the song chosen precisely for the Xbox360 game of the same name. Imagination finds a minimal outlet in the finale where the guitarists have the opportunity to indulge with their instruments.

- 6. Blessed are the dead: Decent track, nothing special.

- 7. Play for blood: One of the best on the album. Very engaging riffs placed in the right spot, at the right "second." With an imposing sound, drums and bass accompany the two guitars, the true soul of this song. Absolutely worth listening to.

- 8. A tout le monde (set me free): This piece, sung by Mustaine with Cristina Scabbia (singer of Lacuna Coil), is an ill-fated attempt to revisit "A tout le monde" from "Youthanasia." Definitely the worst track on the album, poorly played and poorly arranged, it results in an "ultra-commercial" track.

- 9. Amerikhastan: Excellent track, with equally excellent solos and riffs, simple and catchy.

- 10. You’re dead: Neither infamy nor praise applies to the first double-digit track on the album. Very banal, but at least it deserves mention for being the fastest track on the entire album.

- 11. Burnt Ice: Another anonymous song that, apart from the well-arranged solos, certainly remains on the backburner.

Album rating: 70/100