The System Has Failed / Megadeth (2004)

1. Blackmail the Universe

2. Die Dead Enough

3. Kick the Chair

4. The Scorpion

5. Tears in a Vial

6. I Know Jack

7. Back in the Day

8. Something That I'm Not

9. Truth Be Told

10. Of Mice and Men

11. Shadow of Deth

12. My Kingdom

Since Dave Mustaine came back to the scene, he has never failed to meet expectation as Megadeth release their albums. It all started from this album, "The system has failed". When I heard that Dave left the metal scene due to his injury, that was truly devastating. When I heard his return, I was so excited and really looking forward to their new album. And then, this album came out. 

To be honest, I did not have strong impression when I listened to the album for the first time. I always considered Dave as the riff master, and I felt that there was not enough aggression and hook in riffs. However, as I listened to the album more, I realized that I was wrong. I think this album is the most melodious album of all time in their career. Songs such as "Die Dead Enough", "The Scorpion", and "Tears In Vial" has such beautiful minor melody lines. 

Riffs are very cool and show how Dave Mustaine is still the riff master. First, as I mentioned above, I did not have strong impression on riffs, but then I realized that riffs in this album were very melodious as well. Songs such as "Blackmail The Universe", "Kick The Chair", and "Back In The Day" show that Dave has not lost aggression and edge even though he is no longer an angry man he used to be. I have to say Dave Mustaine is one of few song writers that is from 80's who still make songs that are equivalent or perhaps better than some of his classic catalogs. 

☆☆☆☆