Th1rt3en / Megadeth (2011)

1. Sudden Death

2. Public Enemy No. 1

3. Whose Life (Is It Anyways?)

4. We the People

5. Guns, Drugs, & Money

6. Never Dead

7. New World Order

8. Fast Lane

9. Black Swan

10. Wrecker

11. Millennium of the Blind

12. Deadly Nightshade

13. 13

Lately, many reunion and comeback tours from 80's have been really thriving. It is very nostalgic for old fans and very fresh for new fans. However, it seems like many bands are not successful to deliver albums that comparable with their golden age. Megadeth is one of few bands that are successful at making great records that stands up to old catalogues from 80's and 90's. Once again, they brought us a great album. This album should be commemorated for the return of David Ellefson and the joining of Chris Broderick. I could tell how great the guitar skill of Chris is by watching live shows. However, he really brought new energy and good melody sense in his guitar play in this album.

I describe that the last album had the same feeling and mood of "Rust In Peace" and "Countdown To Extinction". This time, I would say that they pressed forward with the same musical direction, yet it also has the same catchiness of "Cryptic Writings". "Cryptic Writings" was a great album that catchiness and Megadeth style metal coexisted. Nevertheless, that album did not have strong edge that they had in early career. This album is a mix of all of them. Track 2 is the prime example of it. It has strong edge in sound and riffs and good progression yet very catchy as well. Mustaine's songwriting skill compiled in this song. Track 8 is also another example of it. It has authentic metal essence. It can appeal to any kind of metal fans. The album also has strong Megadeth style metal songs as well such as tracks 1, 3, 6, 8, and 10. I felt the mood of "The World Needs A Hero" from the song, track 13. It is very dramatic and somewhat spooky. He is good at that too.

I think this album really summarizes Megadeth's whole career. They have been making straightforward metal, yet it was also very varied. The amazing thing about this band (or perhaps Dave Mustaine) is that they have been walking the journey of finding their roots yet also extending their music style at the same time. I would say that, for overall quality, the last album was better. Nevertheless, this album is something that leads to the next stage to sublime their music.

☆☆☆☆