This is classic heavy metal. Listening to it at the time of this writing, I can assure every metal fan, that they will adore this. It is heavy (of course) after all, this is Megadeth, not some wimp band. The guitar work is top notch, Marty Friedman is awesome, to say the least. The chops are terrific, ranging from a devastating sounding crunch to high, melodic, fast playing. Dave Mustaine isn't the best singer in the world, there are dozens of metal vocalists that can outsing him any day, but there is something about his voice that is unique, that makes you like it. It fits the music. This is one solid crunch fest, the kind of really heavy metal that makes most non-metal people beg you to turn it off. The bass is really heavy and the drums are thunderous, thanks to David Ellefson and Nick Menza.
How I arrived I can't explain...."
A few of the songs on Cryptic Writings are a little more commercial sounding than what most Megadeth fans are used to. This is my first Megadeth album, and it won't be the last, but I really liked the commercial songs. Trust just kicks ass from the beginning to the end....and A Secret Place is just too good. I love that song, it is one of the best songs released in 1997, any genre. Those two songs hook you from the first listen, and from then on you'll be singing along full blast. The guitar at the end of A Secret Place is simply haunting. There are of course a few that simply kick, and have you running to the speakers to crank them to the maximum to fully enjoy the crunching bass and screaming guitars (and Mustaine's kind of half howling/growling vocals). The Disintegrators and Vortex fit into that category, along with She-Wolf. Vortex has the kind of lyrics that you would expect from a band with the name of Megadeth. No one is going to expect songs about love or flowers or anything too pretty or sweet or even about normal life. You know, like country songs, no songs about bars or trucks here.
Written in torment
Howl out dirges
Like the horns of Jericho."
Other tracks that are just too good, that I have to mention are Almost Honest and Have Cool, Will Travel. The first has a hook that will have you singing it for days. It really is a great song to say the least. If you don't like it at first, don't worry, any true metal fan will catch on quickly. And Mustaine's voice takes a little getting used to. I'll Get Even has that something extra that makes it a great song. The lyrics are biting, extremely clever, and prove once again that Megadeth is not a band for the casual, light listener. The beginning kicks off with heavy bass and is one of those long lost love songs, broken hearted, Megadeth style. Instead of crying and boo-hooing, he's going to get even. And there is also Mastermind. I am not too sure what to think about this song yet, but I do know that I like it.
Destroy the logic volume in the confines of the mind."
Classic Megadeth lyrics. To put it simply, this is not for the light metal head. Those brought up on a steady diet of Poison, Winger, and Europe, might not appreciate the doomy lyrics, the crushing, kill-em-all bass rhythms or the drums that will shake the foundations. I have found that playing Cryptic Writings at certain headbanging levels, causes the window panes to rattle, so there should have been some kind of warning on the cover saying that it can shatter windows if played at certain sound levels. Of course, this is one to play so loud that the neighbors can enjoy it too, you know they will appreciate the opportunity to listen to this. So be sure to play it loud....
"Me and me and me and me agree."
I loved this.....rating......9/10