Novum Initium / Masterplan (2013)

1. Per Aspera Ad Astra

2. The Game

3. Keep Your Dream Alive

4. Black Night of Magic

5. Betrayal

6. No Escape

7. Pray On My Soul

8. Earth Is Going Down

9. Return From Avalon

10. Through Your Eyes

11. Novum Initium

Unfortunately, Jorn left the band once again, and Rick Altzi (Thunderstone/At Vance) joined the band as a new singer. Even though his voice type is very different from Jorn's, he is also has powerful low to mid range. Their last album is still one of my favorite playlist. It had many dramatic songs, yet it was not so commercial friendly. The first impression of this album was that it sounded more like their first album. Songs are more varied and colorful than the last one.

After the opening SE, the album starts with a perfect opening tune, track 1. It reminded me of songs like "Sprit Never Die" and "Crimson Rider". The track 2 is the single from the album. I don't know why, but they always choose mid-tempo tunes as their singles. Overall, they put more up-tempo tunes in this album and created easiness to listen through the album. Tracks 3, 5, and 9 have the same feeling as their first album. 

Before I listened to the album, I was a bit skeptical about the matching of Rick Altzi and Masterplan, but I think he fit well in the sound. I am pretty sure he would manage singing songs from their past catalogues as well. I heard that they would actively play on tour this time and am hoping that they would come to Japan once again.

☆☆☆☆

Super Collider / Megadeth (2013)

1. Kingmaker

2. Super Collider

3. Burn!

4. Built for War

5. Off the Edge

6. Dance In the Rain

7. Beginning of Sorrow

8. The Blackest Crow

9. Forgot to Remember

10. Don't Turn Your Back...

11. Cold Sweat

12. All I Want

13. A House Divided

14. Countdown to Extinction (Live At Fox Theater, Pomona, CA./2012)

Since Dave restarted Megadeth, he has been releasing the albums that meet expectation of Megadeth fans. Especially recent years, his music style has returned to his roots, "Intellectual Thrash Metal".

So, when I heard the leading tune from this album, track 2, I was bit surprised and worried. I was wondering if the band shifted their music direction. However, soon after I listened to this album, I figured that that was needless anxiety. When I first listened to track 1, it confirmed that Megadeth is Megadeth. It was a perfect thrash metal tune for the album. Track 2 is actually a good metal tune as well. 

The listening journey of the album went through quickly. I personally think that the highlight of the album is track 6. This song is very cold and dark yet dramatic. This kind of songs shows that how Dave grew as a songwriter. At the end, this song becomes fast and loud. This dramatic progression shows his true worth as the songwriter. David Draiman of "Disturbed" collaborate with Megadeth in this song. Track 9 is a killer tunes that has good riffs and catchy melody. A cover song, track 11, fits well in this album.

This album was not as exciting as last four albums. I guess the reason why is because this album does not have as many fast tunes as those three. Overall, this album showed that the band kept faith. It has essence of all of their past catalogues in 80's and 90's and successfully mixed them. One thing, I realized was that the tuning of music was dropped by one full note. Well, I understand that Dave is getting old, it was obvious that he was having hard time hitting high notes on the last tour. He still delivers great music, and there is nothing to complain.

In late 80's, Metallica turned into more progressive, their songs became longer. On the other hand, Megadeth  (or I would say Dave) was different. Their songs are complicated and dramatic, but they put that essence in 4 to 6 minutes. I am not comparing those two bands (which many people do, and I seriously think pointless...) but just saying that it is very interesting their music style was very different in this small music genre called thrash metal. It is applicable to bands such as Anthrax, Slayer, and Exodus, and maybe that is the reason why they are all still around today. Megadeth is Megadeth. I really hope that they will tour with this album. 

☆☆☆