The System Has Failed

The bad: Some songs like "My Kingdom Come" and "Shadow of Deth" could use more development.

Killer moments: Transition riff in "Blackmail the Universe", all of "Kick the Chair", 3:20 and on in "Truth Be Told."

Reason to buy this album: To see Megadeth emerge from the contrived and forumulaic dreck it has dwelled in for over a decade.

Ever since the release of Youthanasia in 1994, MegadetH fans have in vain pursued and hungrily waited for the band to return to its creative and critical zenith: 1990's "Rust in Peace." Since "Youthanasia", fans have been teased with the possibility that the next album might be the next "Rust."

"The World Needs a Hero", with its scattershot focus and commercial intention, was not that album. And after Dave Mustaine's supposed demise with an arm injury, it seemed as though the band would never return. But seemingly out of nowhere Mustaine returned with a new lineup and created what appears to be the most creative and focused set of songs created since "Youthanasia."

Before you get excited though, be warned that "System" is not "Rust." It is, though, an excellent synthesis of some of the best ideas developed over Megadeth's career. Songs like "Kick the Chair" and "Blackmail the Universe" recall the glorious shredding days of "Peace Sells" and "Rust in Peace" yet coalesce nicely with creative forays such as "The Scorpion" and "Of Mice and Men" which display creative mid-tempo groove of the "Countdown" / "Youth" era.

Though most fans will see "Kick the Chair" and "Blackmail the Universe" as the high points, which they probably are, it's these other songs that make TSHF MegadetH's best effort in over a decade. "The Scorpion", "Tears in a Vial", and "Truth Be Told" round out the album in manner that makes it such a more coherent, consistent listen - unlike the previous three releases. TSHF stands as a unified, coherent, artistic statement, with no ambition for rock radio. "Hero" sounded like forced riffs strung together alongside calculated singles.

There are a few low points, however. "Back in the Day" is very weak lyrically, and sounds like Judas Priest posturing in Megadeth production. And "Shadow of Deth" and "My Kingdom Come", lacking songs that start out promising, are severely underdeveloped. Still, metal fans everywhere should cherish this unexpected gem. It's not Megadeth's best, but not much can be, either. Standards such as "RIP" and "Peace Sells" are nearly impossible to surpass. But Megadeth pushed the right creative buttons this time, and that's cause enough for celebration.