MEGADETH — Cryptic Writings (review)

Album · 1997 · Heavy Metal

4/5 · 2017-11-23
martindavey87

Having outlived the thrash era of the 80's and survived the grunge period of the 90's, it was evident that Megadeth were gradually going for a more radio-friendly sound with each album. While 1994's 'Youthanasia' still maintained a lot of the bands metal elements, 1997's 'Cryptic Writings' is where they really started to delve deep into "hard rock" territory.

Most fans probably scoffed at the thought, notoriously frowning upon any of their heroes for "selling out" to reach a wider audience and make more money. However, while this may not be the same thrash metal band that released such classics as 'Holy Wars', 'Hanger 18' and 'Peace Sells', the material here is still of a high quality, and the top-notch production really gives the band a very clear, vibrant, and contemporary sound. And it still holds up today.

'Cryptic Writings' is notable for being the final release featuring what many consider the "classic" Megadeth line-up, with drummer Nick Menza leaving the band after this album, and guitarist Marty Friedman leaving after the release of its successor, 'Risk'. Still, the members are as cohesive as ever here, and the lack of thrashy, speed metal riffs has given them more space to breathe, with a wider palette of ideas making for more colourful and varied compositions.

I was 12 years-old when I bought this on CD, and at the time it was heaviest thing I'd ever heard. In fact, this was my second Megadeth purchase after 1999's 'Risk', and so both albums have an endearing place in my heart. Hits such as 'Trust', 'Almost Honest', 'Mastermind' and 'A Secret Place' have stayed with me well into adulthood, and for the metal fans who crave for the Megadeth of old, there's songs like 'The Disintegrators', 'She-Wolf', 'Vortex' and 'FFF'.

Overall, 'Cryptic Writings' is a largely underrated album. It has an excellent sound, and consistently strong songs from start to finish, and if you can accept that the days of 80's thrash metal are dead and gone (and metal in general wasn't a hot prospect in 1997 either), then you'll find this to be one of the standout releases in Megadeth's discography.

more than 2 years ago
Permalink
Report #376824

Share this review

Review Comments

Post a public comment below | Send private message to the reviewer

Please login to post a shout

Vim Fuego wrote:

more than 2 years ago

@martindavey87 My mother is still waiting for the same from me, and I'm 45.;) I understand why you best like the album you start with. I started with So Far, So Good...So What! and it's still my favourite.

siLLy puPPy wrote:

more than 2 years ago

I certainly understand milestones in our musical experiences. They tend to stay with us forever. Unfortunately my first experience was Rust In Peace and nothing else comes close to it. This is still a decent album. I haven't heard it in a while and should check it out again. And silly mum :P

martindavey87 wrote:

more than 2 years ago

Cryptic Writings and Risk were not only my introduction to Megadeth, but with the exception of 'Destroyer' by Kiss, they were my introduction to metal. At the age of 12, those two albums were the heaviest thing I'd ever heard. They've had a place in my heart ever since. (I'm 30 now... my mum always thought I wouldn't be into metal and it was a short phase I was going through). \m/ \m/

siLLy puPPy wrote:

more than 2 years ago

It's certainly better than Youthanasia but after Countdown To Extinction i just lost interest in Megadeth. There were so many better bands at that point IMHO

UMUR wrote:

more than 2 years ago

I always forget it exists...I´ll give it another chance when I write my review, but I doubt, that I´ll be calling it one of their standout releases...