MEGADETH — Dystopia (review)

Album · 2016 · Thrash Metal

4/5 · 2016-05-04
UMUR

"Dystopia" is the 15th full-length studio album by US thrash/heavy metal act Megadeth. The album was released through Tradecraft Records in January 2016. It´s the successor to the often criticized "Super Collider (2013)", which many fans felt was too mainstream oriented. Since the release of "Super Collider (2013)" quite a few changes have been made though. Not only to the musical style, but also to the lineup as guitarist Chris Broderick has been replaced by Kiko Louriero (Angra), and drummer Shawn Drover has been replaced by Chris Adler (Lamb of God). The usual suspects are Dave Mustaine (guitars, vocals) and Dave Ellefson (bass).

The changes in the lineup seem to have somewhat reignited Megadeth as "Dystopia" sounds a bit more focused and consistent in quality than many of the post-2000 albums by the band. The guitar tone and the riffs are also harder edged and you´ll find few songs here with mainstream appeal. That doesn´t mean "Dystopia" is an all out thrash metal fest though, and Megadeth still manage to balance the thrashy parts with more melodic inclined heavy metal parts. So it´s more or less like it´s always been, which means it´s in the songwriting quality where "Dystopia" predominantly sets itself apart from the less interesting releases by Megadeth. Out of the post-2000 Megadeth releases it´s closest in style and quality to "Endgame (2009)".

The two new guys bring a lot to the music. Both Chris Broderick and Shawn Drover are arguably skilled musicians, but in hindsight Mustaine might have held on to them for too long, and it´s obvious that Kiko Louriero and Chris Adler provide the music and main songwriter Mustaine with a wind of something fresh and inspiring. Chris Adler´s playing adds a dynamic organic touch to the album (although the drum production could have prosphered from a more organic tone), and Kiko Louriero´s guitar solos are varied, melodic, and shredding, complimenting Mustaine´s more classic blues based shredding well.

"Dystopia" opens with a strong trio of tracks in "The Threat Is Real", "Dystopia", and "Fatal Illusion". All three among the highlight of the album. Not all remaining tracks are as strong or as memorable as the opening tracks, but the quality of the material is generally high. The dark atmosphere, the hard edged thrashy riffs and rhythms, and the trade off guitar solos all work really well along with Mustaine´s distinct sounding voice and delivery.

The sound production is professional, clear, and powerful. The sound suits the music perfectly. So upon conclusion "Dystopia" is a high quality release by Megadeth and certainly one of their stronger post-2000 releases. A 4 star (80%) rating is deserved.

more than 2 years ago
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UMUR wrote:

more than 2 years ago

Well then there´s not much reason to check this one out :-) Mustaine certainly hasn´t gotten better vocally over the years. Personally I´ve always enjoyed his very distinct sounding wailing, but to each his own :-)

adg211288 wrote:

more than 2 years ago

The only one of the first five I haven't heard is So Far, So Good... So What! I do quite like Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?, Rust in Peace and Countdown to Extinction (especially Rust although ironically isn't the only one of those I don't own). I also have Youthanasia and Cryptic Writings.

I just can't stomach Mustaine's voice for too long and rarely play the albums I do have.

UMUR wrote:

more than 2 years ago

I´d listen to their first five albums before listening to anything else. If you don´t like those, I wouldn´t bother with the rest, and that includes this one...

adg211288 wrote:

more than 2 years ago

I keep hearing good things about this one but I just can't say the band have ever interested me too much. I do own a few of their albums, all bought second hand though. I may get inspired to try it one day, but it's definitely a low priority for me.

UMUR wrote:

more than 2 years ago

Yeah it was definitely a positive surprise.

Unitron wrote:

more than 2 years ago

Great review, great album. Easily their best in years.

siLLy puPPy wrote:

more than 2 years ago

Great review, but so sick am i of Dave Mustaine that i can't bring myself to listen to this even if it's deemed their best album ever. Maybe that will change some day but for right now i just can't go there