Countdown to Extinction

I like to consider this album as Megadeth’s And Justice for All….It is by far a superb album. It has some of the greatest songs ever written by Deth just like Metallica’s 4th album. Unfortunately, it seems that while progressing in the musical ranks Megadeth seemed to lose some of its raw edge. Just a chip, not a complete break. This is possibly the album where Megadeth strays form the thrash roots and move into a more traditional heavy metal approach. Songs are noticeably slower but still have aggression. Marty Friedman and Nick Menza prove not to be one hit wonders and the metal community establishes them as masters of their respective instruments. Maybe it is because they stopped taking so many drugs on this album (not NEARLY as much) but a pivotal turning point occurred during this album.

Regardless of a change of pace Countdown is an awesome album. It is absolutely stacked with great songs. Dark and mysterious songs like “Symphony of Destruction”, “Sweating Bullets” and “Countdown to Extinction” define the album best. Besides being kick-ass songs it really lets you see the mad genius of Dave Mustaine. Songs about politics, mental disease and environmentalism let you see what was really on his mind when he wrote these tracks. The atmosphere of the guitar can be described as “doomier” than previous four albums. But let me not describe this record as a slow album by far. Fist pumping, headbanging cuts like “Skin O’ My Teeth” and”High Speed Dirt” are nasty and speedy. Fillers are mostly inevitable in every album but Megadeth seems almost to bring a sense of humor to them as heard in “Captive Honor”. Just listen and you will what I mean, I kind of don’t want to kill it.

This album can not categorized completely as a transformation album, because elements of Megadeth prior to Rust in Peace are resurrected. Remember how there was not one clean part. Softer more melodic parts can be heard throughout the album. The cause could have been from more input on the writing from the other band members rather than the Daves. David Elllefson role in this album has been slightly diminished and you wont here any parts like you did in rust. Marty Friedman has some of his best solos on this album. After hearing this man will start to appreciate him as an excellent sweeper. Dave Mustaine‘s riffs are less focused on his classic Chug-A-Chu and simpler in rhythm. The amps finally do have indication that Megadeth do have mids on their amps unlike previous albums. Nick Menza is not as great as RIP but defiantly solid except for his annoying high cymbal which can get annoying.

In conclusion this CD gets a 95.Why? It is one of the band’s greatest works but over time you will find yourself forgetting or skipping over certain tracks. Songs like “Foreclosure of a Dream” and “This Was My Life” wane over the classic hits of the rest of the album. Also the tempo changes on this album sound similar. A little too similar. However, that is NOOO excuse on why a metalhead should not have this album. Instant classic pure and simple.

Sickest Songs “Skin O My Teeth” “Symphony of Destruction” “Architecture of Aggression” “Countdown to Extinction” “High Speed Dirt”