Review: Megadeth – Endgame (2009)

Despite all of Dave Mustaine’s faults, no one can deny the man’s tenacity in reclaiming Megadeth’s rightful place amongst the heavy metal elite. For years during the 90’s and early 00’s, Mustaine and Co. were borderline jokes hovering just above the absurdity that was Metallica in the 90’s. However, something happened that gave Dave a new found respect amongst real metalheads; he had turned his back on the mainstream and went back to his roots because he knew what his fans wanted and he knew what he was the best at writing. And so the history of Megadeth over the last several years has brought us a rebound of sorts with many decent to better than average albums. Sure the thrashy Megadeth of old with all its speed wasn’t present, but the ‘Deth was back on its game, producing track after track of metal that any self respecting metal fan would not be ashamed to listen to. Now though, in 2009, us fans have been graced with an even greater Megadeth renaissance, a return to thrash.

It almost feels like an eternity since the last Megadeth album with speed metal laced with thrash from end to end. The likes of “Hangar 18″ and “Tornado of Souls” have echoed throughout the years as staples in speed metal history, setting the stage for all aggressive metal to come through the 90’s and later. Despite Mustaine’s bitching about always playing second fiddle to his former band mates in Metallica, most fans know the true impact of this music. With that said, I believe that Megadeth’s latest offering, Endgame would fit right alongside the ferocious and mind bending technicality of early Megadeth. And yes, I mean every word of that.

Unlike recent efforts, which had a more groove oriented feel to it, Endgame is full on thrashy speed metal pretty much in the exact same vain of anything prior to Countdown to Extinction. This isn’t a new, modern Megadeth, this is the lost 80’s record that never was until 2009. Isn’t that the exact wish that every metalhead has had over the last 15 years? Well folks, I am here to say that Endgame is probably going to be the closest thing you get to a new Rust in Peace or Peace Sells. Now, there will inevitably be those detractors who denounce this album for whatever reason they can come up with, but any decent critic who’s worth their salt CANNOT deny that this is the Megadeth of old, no matter how good you think it may be.

I find myself listening to track after track of Endgame, looking for tracks that I feel the need to skip which, unfortunately, has happened on recent CDs with me, but I haven’t found any. This is tried and true Mustaine guitar wizardry from beginning to end. Though I will say this, the lyrics on several songs are absolute garbage including “44 Minutes” and “Head Crusher,” but who gives a fuck about lyrics when ole’ Dave is riffing his way back into our hearts and minds?

Bottom line ladies and gents, Endgame is the album we have all been eagerly waiting for since the Megadeth “comeback.”  If you can’t find satisfaction as a fan with this record, I highly doubt you ever will.

VERY GOOD

Top Tracks: Bite the Hand, Bodies, Endgame

Similar Artists: Metallica, Heathen, Artillery

1. Dialectic Chaos
2. This Day We Fight!
3. 44 Minutes
4. 1,320′
5. Bite The Hand That Feeds
6. Bodies Left Behind
7. Endgame
8. The Hardest Part Of Letting Go… Sealed With A Kiss
9. Headcrusher
10. How the Story Ends
11. Nothing Left To Lose

Roadrunner Records

Dave Mustaine – Guitars, Vocals
Chris Broderick – Guitars
Shawn Drover – Drums
James LoMenzo – Bass

Reivew by CODY