Megadeth is hanging up its guitars, and the end is nigh. Frontman Dave Mustaine announced last August that the thrash metal legends would be calling it quits with a final album and tour, which he likened to an existential crisis ("some say this is the end of times") and boldly claimed that they changed the world.
But what's behind this unexpected retirement? The answer lies in Mustaine's deteriorating health – arthritis and Dupuytren's contracture are crippling his guitar-playing days. Yet, just three months later, he revealed that the farewell tour wouldn't be an early retirement party; it would last "easily ... three to five years".
Megadeth's new music, aptly titled their 17th studio album, feels like a career recap – rather than a bold return to form. The opener Tipping Point stands out as a high-energy tribute to the thrash metal genre they pioneered. Yet, other tracks such as Made to Kill and Let There Be Shred demonstrate that despite some growing pains, Megadeth is still capable of creating compelling music.
Interestingly, I Don't Care displays punkish leanings reminiscent of their mid-to-late 90s style and even showcases some strong songwriting on "Puppet Parade", which should please fans of the band's melodic side.
However, not all tracks on this album are winners. Some sound musically unremarkable, like Obey the Call, with lyrics about ghostly puppetmasters controlling the world's evils that may not sit well with longtime fans. On The Final Note, Megadeth takes aim at both their devoted audience and potential haters – though it's a rather confusing and heavy-handed approach.
A surprising bonus track sees Megadeth take on Metallica's "Ride the Lightning", reworking the classic in an attempt to reclaim ownership over some of Metallica's material. Some may see this as an attempt to stir up old wounds, but Mustaine has been vocal about his past with Metallica for years.
In any case, this is Megadeth's swansong – and it's a fitting (if sometimes messy) conclusion to their storied career.
But what's behind this unexpected retirement? The answer lies in Mustaine's deteriorating health – arthritis and Dupuytren's contracture are crippling his guitar-playing days. Yet, just three months later, he revealed that the farewell tour wouldn't be an early retirement party; it would last "easily ... three to five years".
Megadeth's new music, aptly titled their 17th studio album, feels like a career recap – rather than a bold return to form. The opener Tipping Point stands out as a high-energy tribute to the thrash metal genre they pioneered. Yet, other tracks such as Made to Kill and Let There Be Shred demonstrate that despite some growing pains, Megadeth is still capable of creating compelling music.
Interestingly, I Don't Care displays punkish leanings reminiscent of their mid-to-late 90s style and even showcases some strong songwriting on "Puppet Parade", which should please fans of the band's melodic side.
However, not all tracks on this album are winners. Some sound musically unremarkable, like Obey the Call, with lyrics about ghostly puppetmasters controlling the world's evils that may not sit well with longtime fans. On The Final Note, Megadeth takes aim at both their devoted audience and potential haters – though it's a rather confusing and heavy-handed approach.
A surprising bonus track sees Megadeth take on Metallica's "Ride the Lightning", reworking the classic in an attempt to reclaim ownership over some of Metallica's material. Some may see this as an attempt to stir up old wounds, but Mustaine has been vocal about his past with Metallica for years.
In any case, this is Megadeth's swansong – and it's a fitting (if sometimes messy) conclusion to their storied career.
... I mean, I get why he wants to keep going since his health is bad, but still... It feels like a big contradiction.
. On one hand, tracks like "Tipping Point" show that they can still channel their thrash metal roots with ease 
. However, songs like "Obey the Call" feel somewhat generic and lack the nuance we've come to expect from them 
.
, while it's admirable, I think a more introspective approach might have been warranted given his health issues 
. The final track, reworking Metallica's "Ride the Lightning", feels like a bit of an unnecessary dig at their former bandmates 
.
. The music may not be perfect, but it's a fitting swan song for an iconic band that's left its mark on the metal genre 
The new album feels a bit of a mixed bag to me - some tracks are pure fire 
(like Tipping Point), while others feel a tad meh 
. But hey, it's Megadeth we're talking about, you know they can still bring the heat! 
.
. I think the album's a bit all over the place – like, "I Don't Care" is a rad throwback to their 90s vibes 
and "Puppet Parade" is straight fire 
. And don't even get me started on that Metallica remix 
... I'm all for them reclaiming ownership, but it feels like a bit of a slap in the face? Still, it's gonna be crazy to see 'em live one last time - they're legends, man!
. I think that's what Mustaine and the rest of Megadeth are trying to say with this farewell album – that they're not just saying goodbye, but sharing their story one last time 
.
... mustaine's guitar playing days are numbered, no doubt about it 
. The farewell tour is gonna be all the more sad now that we know it's just a ruse to make some cash 
. And don't even get me started on this new album... feels like they're phoning it in at this point 
. Some tracks are actually pretty good, I'll give 'em that 
.
and now they're just getting ready to ride off into the sunset 
.
but seriously tho, some of these songs are fire 
that said, the lyrics on obey the call kinda fell flat for me 
Still, it's weird how he's gonna make this final tour last for three to five years... feels like a bit too long if you ask me 
.
... not because I don't love the farewell tour vibe, but 'cause their music has been such a big part of my life for so long! Dave Mustaine's been open about his health issues and it's cool that he's still giving it his all. The new album is a great tribute to their thrash metal roots, but I gotta agree, some tracks feel a bit meh 
