Megadeth United Abominations

In the grand scheme of Megadeth’s career, which is now almost 25 years long, there have been few points of musical falter, especially considering that the average person probably has more embarrassing moments in one day than these guys have had in decades. We can forgive their Risk-y slip-ups. Regardless, Dave Mustaine and his new crew of technically brilliant miscreants have managed to pull out one of the band’s best, most energised efforts since 1990’s Rust In Peace. Finding the perfect balance between thrash-y guitar riffs, explosive solos and a guttural, primal groove, intellect meets instinct perfectly on United Abominations. Fuelled once again by anger and frustration properly pointed at the current political climate (Megadeth’s best lyrical victim) while occasionally hitting moments of personal introspection, each of the ten fresh tracks are skilfully intricate, forceful and prodigious. Even a throwaway re-recording of "A Tout Le Monde” with Lacuna Coil’s Cristina Scabbia is impressive, if not altogether necessary. (Roadrunner)

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