Megadeth
United Abominations
Band: Megadeth
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The verdict is out on Megadeth's latest album "United Abominations", and the jury is split. Some fans have a negative perception of the album, stating it is not fast enough or a true thrash album. Ultimately, these fans are disappointed in Mustaine's failure to bring back the classic sound of early efforts like "Rust in Peace" and "Peace Sells…But Who's Buying". Other fans receive "United Abominations" with open arms, praising the musicianship, song writing, new lineup, and chugging guitar rhythms. These fans dub this album as the best output since "Rust in Peace".
I tend to side with the later group's stance, seeing their newest offering as the best album the group has done since "Rust in Peace". The persistent medium pace denotes the group turning their back on their thrashin' past; nonetheless, "United Abominations" is clearly a metal album. The mainstream hard rock traits that started with "Countdown to Extintion" then stepped further into radio rock territories with "Youthanesia" and "Risk" are mostly left behind in favor for classic metal characteristics. Megedeth's previous album "The System has Failed" featured the track "Back in the Day", which foreshadowed the group's direction. This track praised the golden days of heavy metal when groups like Quiet Riot, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, and Judas Priest reigned supreme. "United Abominations" communicates a nostalgic feeling returning to a time when the electric guitar plays the most important part of the band's music. Tracks like "Washington is Next" feature high end lead rhythms that characterize Iron Maiden's guitar sound. Additionally, the superb dueling solo work of newcomer Glen Drover and Megadeth lead man Dave Mustaine recalls legendary twin axe slingers like Glen Tipton and K.K. Downey, Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King, James Hetfield and Kirk Hammet, Michael Denner and Hank Sherman, and Mustaine's early lineup of Marty Friedman and his self. In many ways, Drover's guitar work has reinvented Megadeth's sound. His lead and solo playing adds a touch of melody, something he undoubtedly perfected with his time in King Diamond. "Burnt Ice" features Drover at his best, hitting harmony-laden solo work that perfectly compliments the soaring lead work of the song's beginning verses. As stated before, some fans are disappointed in Mustaine's wiliness to turn away from his best effort "Rust in Peace", but it would be unfair to say "United Abominations" bears no marks of the classic said album. Although bereft of speed, the riffing style and inclusion of catchy choral hooks are much in line with "Rust in Peace". The chugging pre-chorus of "Gear of War" recalls a similar point in the lineation of "Tornado of Souls" and the intensely climbing guitar chugging on "Gears of War" and the title track also summons up memories of their 1990 masterpiece. No were is the comparison more valid than during a moment on "Sleepwalker" where Shawn Drover's rolling double bass cuts in then steps out, piercing the guitar's cutting textures, much in the same fashion as "Hanger 18". One aspect of "RIP" that made it so enjoyable was the constant solo jam sessions. That too is represented here. "United Abominations" is one of the best efforts from one of metal's iconic groups. Is it a perfect album? No. Some tracks like "Blessed are the Dead" and "Pray for Blood" are descent, but could have been much better. "A Tout Le Monde" lost its somber tone by upping the tempo, which with the help of Lacuna Coil's Christina Scabbia's backing vocals made this track more mainstream accessible. Obviously, the band was looking for some radio airplay. These tracks bring the album down a bit, but are still bearable. About 80% of "United Abominations" is fantastic, though; hence, the rating. Perhaps fans have been spoiled by the heaviness of death and black metal and can no longer tolerate something that isn't wickedly evil or furiously fast. When looked at as an ingeniously arraigned "Metal" album with tremendous musical skill, it would be extremely difficult to call this a crappy album. Darren Cowan
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