June 4, 2013

Album review: Megadeth - Super Collider

Megadeth - Super Collider
 
If you've heard the first single off this album, "Super Collider," chances are you're probably feeling it's lacking. It sounds like it came straight off the Risk or The World Needs a Hero, two albums notorious for having very mixed reviews and receptions. Personally, I didn't mind those albums, and the first single is OK. It's not thrash, though.

Let's face it - the thrash bands of decades past are not what they once were. But despite the revolving door of Megadeth musicians, Dave Mustaine and company have managed to release new music pretty often, and that's a blessing in the grand scheme of things. I'm happy to have Super Collider even though it pales in comparison to albums of old. David Ellefson is back for another album (welcome back, Junior!), and that's something to be psyched about. He has writing credit for the opening song, "Kingmaker," a nice thrash appetizer to set up the rest of the album... which is hit and miss.

If you pay attention to other musicians' interviews and Tweets, some of them have harsh criticisms about this new stuff (Oderus Urungus of GWAR is pretty obnoxious). There are some really bright spots, however. "Burn" is a killer song and Dave Mustaine sounds great. Probably my favorite on the album. "Don't Turn Your Back" begins with some classic rock jamming and then the riffage really gets rolling. And the bass, oh, the bass. I don't understand why the song is so far down in the track listing, though. Move this one to the top please!

David Draiman has small parts in "Dance In The Rain" and "Forget To Remember." Ever read the Dr. Seuss story, Too Many Daves? Draiman's contributions are insignificant. There's also a Thin Lizzy cover, "Cold Sweat," which is pretty heavy. It'll get ya moving.

Overall a mixed bag for Megadeth and not one of the best albums, but there is material to be happy with here. It just might take a couple listens to appreciate.

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