Megadeth End Game
by Derric Miller
Staff Writer
If there’s one thing Dave Mustaine knows about guitars, besides playing them, it’s how to consistently recruit the best guitarists in the world to bring his sonic visions to life. Not only do they have to be able to compete and emulate (at least live) the likes of Marty Friedman and Chris Poland, but they have to do exactly what ex-guitarist Glen Drover did on United Abominations — and that’s conquer past guitarists in the studio, forge your own name in Megadeth. Drover did the nearly impossible on United Abominations, but the ex-King Diamond and Eidolon guitarist has always been underrated. When Drover left the band, it was time for Mustaine to work his magic again, scour the globe, and unearth another unearthly talent. This time, Chris Broderick (ex-Jag Panzer) was brought on board, a guitarist excessively heralded (as opposed to Drover) yet somehow living up to the hype anyway on Megadeth’s new release, End Game.
In Thrash, there is nothing better than a Megadeth instrumental, and that’s how End Game begins, with “Dialectic Chaos.” If you are a professional recording guitarist, hearing Broderick flay his strings with such hyperactive and combustible precision has to engender the guitarist’s equivalent of penis envy. It’s so freakin’ good …
This leads into the first vocal track, “This Day We Fight!” If you can find a knock on the band at all, which is really nitpicking, Megadeth’s songs were more fun when the music was rawer, and not so audibly perfect. The production and level of musicianship puts Megadeth in a class clearly their own.
Megadeth can pull off a Classic Metal assault too, and that’s “1,320’.” Shawn Drover’s drumming is ridiculous as always, brutal and manic, but it’s Mustaine’s riffing that shines here. Looks like besides hockey (“Crush ‘Em”), Mustaine figured drag racing needs an anthem, and it fits.
“Bodies” is one of the tracks that remind you of older Megadeth, grittier yet slower, with James Lomenzo churning the track with his expert bass pummeling. You won’t find a lot of choruses that can be described as “catchy” on End Game, but this is one of them, and one of the best tracks here.
The one time Megadeth slows things down into a dire yet somewhat haunting pace, is “The Hardest Part of Letting Go … Sealed With a Kiss.” Besides the unnecessarily elongated title, Mustaine’s creepiness-quotient is immeasurable; he captures the earnestness of a stalker with ease in his vocal delivery. Although he might not admit it, Mustaine is a solid singer when yelling or here, when he actually sings. After about two minutes, the acoustic guitar is out the window and it evolves into a more guitar-driven construct, their forte. It’s another one of the highlights on End Game.
THE highlight, though, has to be “Head Crusher.” This is Old School Thrash, the riffing, drums and solos never breaking stride until the song finishes. Mustaine spits out the vile vocals with his trademark vocal sneers. If you ever wondered if Megadeth enjoys what they do, listen to “Head Crusher” — there’s your damn answer.
Historically, people have fought for their right to party, but Megadeth takes it one step crazier on the final cut, “The Right to Go Insane.” Although people rarely ask permission to do so, it’s nice to have this soundtrack available should a nutball seek a hall pass to lose their sanity. This track features by far the chunkiest riffs on End Game, heavy, low and sheer metal. Isn’t it strange that in this day and age, the best song Metallica could currently write wouldn’t even compare to the Z-side of a Megadeth single? Just saying …
End Game is vintage Megadeth, although Mustaine has always tried, perhaps inconspicuously, to ensure Megadeth’s sound remains current as well. Infusing the band with another criminally talented guitarist in Broderick just means Megadeth will continue to be the best Thrash band around, period. Just listen to End Game, and there’ll be no argument.
Label: Roadrunner Records
Track listing:
1. Dialectic Chaos
2. This Day We Fight!
3. 44 Minutes
4. 1,320′
5. Bite The Hand
6. Bodies
7. Endgame
8. The Hardest Part Of Letting Go… Sealed With A Kiss
9. Head Crusher
10. How The Story Ends
11. The Right To Go Insane
HRH Rating: 8.3/10