Megadeth
The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead!
ft. Ice T.
Genre: Thrash Metal.
Released: 02/09/2022
Via UMG Recordings
Album Review: Megadeth – The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead!
It has been 6 long years since Megadeth last released a studio album so it’s clear to see why fans of the Thrash Metal band have been so excited to hear new material. This marks the band’s first release since Dave Mustaine fought and beat throat cancer so it’s not just a monumental release due to the weight, it’s a huge deal to see him still doing what he loves. The new album goes by the title ‘The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead!’ and I just had to check it out. Here are my thoughts.
Opening the album is the title track ‘The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead!’, a dynamically compelling opener that offers some exciting riffs and that iconic Megadeth sound that fans have come to adore over the years. Thrash metal is the order of the day and the band blends it well with atmospheric build-up via contrasting tones throughout the track. Bringing along the tremolo picking is ‘Life In Hell’. This is exactly what you’d expect from a modern-day Megadeth track. Energy, grit and action are what you can expect from this one so why not give it a spin?
One of the more exciting songs on the album comes in the form of ‘Night Stalkers’. This track has a tonne of attitude which is only elevated by the feature from Ice T who brings a new type of aggression to the Megadeth formula. It’s not the first time Rap and Thrash have mixed and hopefully, it won’t be the last. ‘Dogs Of Chernobyl’ brings the pace down to begin with, the band setting the acne once more before the song breaks out into a more methodically heavy beat. A song based on the effects of the Chornobyl disaster fits the band’s style all too well so it’s no surprise this song delivers the goods.
As the album progresses, you get more of what you’d expect. ‘Sacrifice’ utilization of harmonies is one of the best on the record, while ‘Junkie’ falls a little flat in comparison to the rest of the record. A break in the music comes in the form of ‘Psychopathy’ which serves as an extended intro to ‘Killing Time’. This song is certainly one of the standouts of the album for me. Dave Mustaine’s unique vocals really come into their own over the gritty instrumental being laid down by the rest of the band. This isn’t the heaviest or the fastest however it just seems to hit differently.
Not wanting to be forgotten, ‘Soldier On!’ does its best to hold its own and it does have its moments. The chorus is catchy and really pleasant to listen to and the guitar work throughout the song is really impressive. Returning to a more breakneck blend of thrash, ‘Célebutante’ is one of those songs that will hit a lot harder in a live environment rather than listening to the studio recording. I’m sure fans won’t mind having to catch this one at a live show!
As the album draws to a close, ‘Mission To Mars’ has a real knack to get you headbanging. It’s far from a masterpiece however it works well to tide the album towards its finale. Speaking of which, ‘We’ll Be Back’ closes the album with all the force you could have hoped for. Palm mutes, satisfying solos and harmonies to die for, that’s what Megadeth has made a name for themselves with over the years so it’s so great to hear them all in one final track once again.
The album as a whole is a decent entry into the band’s library. Unfortunately, it is not going to get anywhere near the likes of ‘Rust In Peace’ or ‘Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying?’ however it is a decent album and will certainly be one that fans can enjoy. Thrash metal is a genre that is having a bit of a resurgence as of late and Megadeth has let the world know they are still here and they are still rocking.
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