After a decade of slow tempos and "alternative" styles, Megadeth has returned to its metal roots with The System has Failed. The record is the band's heaviest since 1992's Countdown to Extinction – and its strongest melodically since 1997's Cryptic Writings.With an almost all-new band behind him, singer/guitarist Dave Mustaine blasts through all 12 tracks convincingly, playing like it's 1985 and singing as convincingly as ever. Though several tracks stand out, very few are worth skipping over.
"Tears in a Vial" is the album's love ballad despite its galloping, distorted guitar riffs and pounding drums. It is one of the best Megadeth songs in recent memory, with heartfelt lyrics and a great vocal melody. It would work well as a single.
Other highlights include the simple, head-banging "Something I'm Not," the melodic "Scorpion" and the first single, "Die Dead Enough."
The album's title, and the cover art, leads listeners to believe it is an anti-Iraq war statement. But the title comes from the song "Kick the Chair," about the judicial system, and Mustaine told the online Metal Temple that he in fact supports the war – winning the admiration of the Northwestern Chronicle.
Unfortunately, though, the record is not without its flaws. Though the lyrics are well-written and challenging, too often Mustaine growls them in a rather pathetic manner.
Also, though "Truth be Told" has an excellent verse melody, the transition to the heavy chorus is awkward, and the chorus melody is not up to the standards of the rest of the album.
Finally, the record's only downright failure is "Shadow of Deth," a Biblical verse read by...someone badly imitating a Viking...or something. Skip it.
But all in all, the record is a must-have for fans of real metal. In a year where Metallica's latest is horrendous and the "The" bands are all the rage, The System has Failed indeed. Metalheads need to fight back and buy this record.
Robert VerBruggen is a Medill junior and the Northwestern Chronicle's entertainment editor. E-mail him at r-verbruggen@northwestern.edu
