MEGADETH — Dystopia (review)

MEGADETH — Dystopia album cover Album · 2016 · Thrash Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
5/5 ·
Unitron
Megadeth - Dystopia

"Dystopia" is the fifteenth studio album from thrash metal giants Megadeth. Megadeth is well-known as one of the big four of thrash metal, and for creating milestone albums such as "Peace Sells...But Who's Buying?", "Rust in Peace", and "Countdown to Extinction". Unfortunately, while they have had quite a few really great releases since, their discography is a bit inconsistent in quality. I felt like the previous two releases, "TH1RT3EN" and "Super Collider", were pretty lackluster and mediocre with only a few great tracks. So how is their newest release?

"Dystopia" blows their last three albums out of the water, and it actually has a different feel to it then the majority of their later output. To my ears, it combines Megadeth's classic sound with the more modern sound of "The System has Failed" and "United Abominations". Songs like opener 'The Threat is Real' and 'Fatal Illusion' are classic Megadeth, the latter having a short but killer bassline from Dave Ellefson. The riffing in parts of the song are reminiscent of the band's classic albums. The riffing towards the end of the title track is incredibly catchy, and just try not to get addicted.

The new additions of Kiko Louriero and Chris Adler really help the band's sound, with the guitar and drums feeling a lot more powerful and punchy this time around. 'Death From Within', 'Lying in State', and 'Bullet to the Brain' especially showcase this power. The latter's chorus also has an amazing vocal performance from Dave Mustaine, combining his normal sneer and menacing melodic vocals. These menacing vocals and menacing atmosphere is also really strong in 'Post-American World' which has great soloing. There is also some really beautiful classical guitar work, especially in 'Poisonous Shadows' and 'Conquer or Die'.

The lyrics on the album are classic Megadeth, being centered around politics. While not as strong as "Peace Sells" or "Rust in Peace", the lyrics are still really strong. 'The Threat is Real' and 'Lying in State' especially have some of my favorite lyrics on the album. The cover of Hardcore Punk band Fear's 'Foreign Policy' fits in perfectly with the theme of the album, and is actually one of my favorite songs on the album. It's such a powerful song, and the chants of "Foreign Policy" just punch you in the gut.

Overall, "Dystopia" is easily Megadeth's best album since at least "The System has Failed" in my book if not since "Countdown to Extinction". If you want powerful political thrash with a modern sound, then "Dystopia" is a perfect choice. Hope you found this review helpful.

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UMUR wrote:
more than 2 years ago
Yeah that´s about how I felt when I listened to it. I´ve had a written review in backlog for a couple of months now. I´ll post it soon.
Unitron wrote:
more than 2 years ago
Thanks, I was kind of surprised with how great it is as it has been awhile since I really loved one of their new albums.
UMUR wrote:
more than 2 years ago
I like this one too. I agree it´s one of their best in many years. Well written review :-)

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