MEGADETH - THE WORLD NEEDS A HERO.

1. DISCONNECT [5.20]
Opening with a track that could quite easily have been on 'Countdown To Extinction' or 'Youthanasia', a strong mid paced riff lays the foundation for which Mustaine can leave his trademark sneering vocals and often intelligent lyrics - 'The key to save yourself if for nothing else, A tongue can never hold the truth of silence is golden. With a broken heart underneath all of the pain, Do you stroke the pretty scars? The hurt never ends...'. The verse has quite a disjointed affair but the track soon gets into more straight ahead pastures with the strong chorus which is a nice return to the strong hooks of the 'Youthanaisa' album. The track then breakdowns for a relaxed bass part before Mustaine kicks in with a solo in his trademark style, his tone is quite reminiscent of Michael Schenker as are some of his licks. The track then fades out with a repetition of the chorus while Mustaine and Pitrelli trade solos, A good opener.

2. THE WORLD NEEDS A HERO [3.52]
Megadeth history tells that the title track is often the best on the album and it reassuring to say this is no exception. A jagged riff over a jungle like drum pattern leads to a jazzy bass walk from Ellefson before Mustaine comes in with his vocal sneer. Again original and intelligent lyrics make for not only good listening but good reading too. The track lyrically is the same sort of vein as the 'Deth classic 'Peace Sells...But Who's Buying', with mentions of the White House, NATO and the UN. Before the middle solo we see some great riffs come in showing that Mustaine has definitely rediscovered his touch in this area. Mustaine delivers the first solo hotly followed by Pitrelli and this track is REALLY revving up! Another verse and a repeat of the chorus sees the track out and again Pitrelli contributes some closing licks, these could have been higher in the mix though. Another strong track.

3. MOTO PSYCHO [3.06]
Now the album is really on a roll with the first single. The track is about as fast as things get on the album speed wise, its fast paced but don't expect the speed and precision of say 'Holy Wars' or 'Devils Island'. The verse has a call and response vocal melody while the pre chorus is again excellent, I suspect the main reason is Mustaine's vocal delivery which not everyone's bag is one of my favourites. The chorus does get a little tiresome after a while but the rest of the track make up for this.

4. 1000 TIMES GOODBYE [6.25]
Opening with possibly the darkest riff of the album '1000 Times Goodbye' the track hits the verse which is quite uncompromising with a straight ahead vocal line with no real melody but plenty of attitude before a clever change of key makes the track sound a little like Judas Priest's 'Grinder' from 'British Steel'. The chorus is more Mustaine excellence and the band and vocal seems to fuse perfectly. I can't help but feel the verse lets the track down a bit, its not bad just not as good as the rest of the track. There are plenty of guitar solos throughout, Mustaine's suit the track well but Pitrelli's rest a little uneasy to me. The end of the track sees some of the old Megadeth precision come into play with the rhythm guitar and drums locking in super tight.

5. BURNING BRIDGES [5.20]
Oh dear, the opening of this track does not bode well, a tacky dare I say it Alternative type opening to be followed by a riff and vocal that says nothing. I was getting ready to forget this one until the chorus which luckily salvages some sense of order. Oddly the verse tends to work better after hearing the chorus but the 'loud hailer' effect on Mustaine's vocal is unnecessary all it does is smear his snarl. Then the solo kicks in and this is bit of beauty, Pitrelli finally gets to show off his chops after Mustaines six string pummeling - hmm not bad lads! A track that is ying / yang.

6. PROMISES [4.28]
One of the highlights if not the highlight of the album. 'Promises' is a ballad done Megadeth style, think 'A Tout Le Monde' and you are on the right track. Acoustic guitar allows Mustaine's vocals to breathe and tell the story of a relationship that is not allowed to bloom...in this life. The captivating guitar figure is enhanced by well placed string arrangements and the whole effect is superb. One of the key aspects in this type of song is the vocalists delivery and Mustaine delivers one of his best here - the guy really can sing and the emotion coming out of his voice is pretty intense. A nice electric guitar interlude harmony type solo from Pitrelli and Mustaine makes the track stronger before the chorus sees the track out - stunning!

7. RECIPE FOR HATE...WARHORSE [5.18]
After a slow classy track what will Megadeth do next? Well how about go for the jugular with a opening sonic assault that will blow away the cobwebs. But wait, after a super tight riff opening the track changes down about 4 gears for a verse that is like 'Dawn Patrol' and 'Sweating Bullets' with Mustaine's spoken vocals. A couple of nice melodic solos from Mustaine and Pitrelli suit well before the track changes up a couple of gears for the 'Warhorse' section of the title, its an old Megadeth trick but one that has lost none of its impact over the years. A cool solo trade off allows Pitrelli to blow of some more steam but Mustaine proves he has all the necessary chops too. Another good track.

8. LOSING MY SENSES [4.40]
Oh god its happening again, a riff that gets dangerously close to alternative, kinda like second rate Soundgarden which in turn makes it fourth rate Sabbath circa 'Sabbath Bloody Sabbath'. Scarily the track and verse make some sense after hearing the chorus [which in itself is not that great], its does not however pick up unlike 'Burning Bridges' and whilst it does throw a new sound into the Megadeth melting pot it is not the success Dave would like it to be, worst track on the album...maybe.

9. DEAD AND THE FUGITIVE MIND [4.25]
Hang on...this is 'Sweating Bullets' isn't it...oh no sorry. The verse is darn close though but another classy chorus gives it its own identity. Mustaine sure has a knack for these super catchy choruses that never loose their metal vision. The band sees fit to show us there super tight riffery before the solos and again it does impress boys. Mustaine delivers one of his vocal guitar solos before Pitrelli makes me wonder if Friedman is still in the band...nice one Al and kudos to Dave for finally giving the lad an extended run out on the album.

10. SILENT SCORN [1.42]
A completely pointless short instrumental...nuff said.

11. RETURN TO HANGAR [3.59]
This has been the track that has been getting the press pretty excited. The thought of the band writing a follow up to the not just Megadeth but one of Metal's classics 'Hangar 18' is indeed enough to get the mouth watering. Sadly this does not deliver in any shape or form. Making the classic track a bit more disjointed and err modern makes it sound cheap and contrived. Sure there are some good solos on it but they aren't going to stop you saying "Hmm not half as good as the original".

12. WHEN [9.13]
Megadeth doing nine minute tracks...have they entered the realm of Symphony X, well no and yes why does it have to be 9 minutes? 'When' travels through a few different landscapes but I get the impression that they would have been better served as bases for tracks in there own right rather than all plumped together, Dave obviously does not agree but to these ears the track does sound disjointed. That's not to say the track does not have its moments, there are some good interesting parts throughout with the pre chorus or is a bridge[?] shining particularly bright. Sadly though there is not enough to justify its running time and a result find it starts to drag around the six minute mark. Sadly this means the album goes out on floor 10 rather than the helipad on the roof - bugger.