System Has Failed, The - Megadeth

...to play together on 'The System Has Failed' due to many internal troubles in the band. Bassist Ellefson has since sued Mustaine for several things, something I'll leave for the time being, or perhaps another review. You have to understand also, Dave didn't want Megadeth to reform, but contract obligations restricted him from doing his solo project. Recruited for this CD were...

Dave Mustaine - Vox, Rhythm and Lead Guitar
Chris ...
...around 5 months before 'The System Has Failed' was even released. After hearing this many fans had high expectations and were expecting the more fast paced (KIMB - Rust In Peace) era to return. Unfortunately for them, it's more a mix of all previous albums. Kick The Chair is a goods reference point to the front cover as Mustaine delivers his Politically driven lyrics to great effect. The song itself is fairly repetitive but is covered up well by ... more

A relaxing Sunday, outside in the sun, beer in hand and the latest Megadeth CD to boot with it all. I'd just finished my usual fortnightly visit to JB Hi-Fi, rushing to get home to put this CD in. Even more hurried for the fact that Australia stocked the CD a month after it was released everywhere else in the world, so you could understand my frustration.

Now, I'm a huge fan of Megadeth and have been for a long time. Like many people I thought they were dead when founder and head honcho, Dave Mustaine announced that major tendons in his Arm had been ripped and it was unlikely that he'd ever play again. Fortunately Dave went through surgery and was declared fit to play Guitar again after a two year absence from the scene.

The last line up of Dave Mustaine, Dave Ellefson, Al Pitrelli and Jimmy DeGrasso was not to play together on 'The System Has Failed' due to many internal troubles in the band. Bassist Ellefson has since sued Mustaine for several things, something I'll leave for the time being, or perhaps another review. You have to understand also, Dave didn't want Megadeth to reform, but contract obligations restricted him from doing his solo project. Recruited for this CD were...

Dave Mustaine - Vox, Rhythm and Lead Guitar
Chris Poland - Lead Guitar
Jimmy Lee Sloas - Bass
Vinnie Colaiuta - Drums

Even more strange was the fact that Mustaine hired Chris Poland back for this CD. Chris Poland was thrown out of Megadeth in 1987 for supposedly stealing much of Mustaines gear and selling it off to buy Heroin. Dave came back with the blistering assault that is 'Liar' from the 'So Far....So Good....So What?' album, which makes it that bit more funny that they could record together again, knowing Dave Mustaines previous vendettas against people.

Mustaine being the ever political figure again resorts to politically based lyrics in at least two songs and also the covering artwork. The cover features mascot Vic Rattlehead being paid off my what I can assume to be Political leaders, as George W Bush and Bill Clinton can both clearly be sighted at the front of the line. Many 'sins' are posted on the side of a stand and the cost to clear your name. Interesting concept and one reminiscent to the Rust In Peace front cover.

Anyway, this aside I should get onto the music shouldn't I? The track listing for this CD is as follows.

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 I'm Not
9. Truth Be Told
10. Of Mice And Men
11. Shadow Of Deth
12. My Kingdom

1. Blackmail The Universe
=====================
The sound of a bomb dropping can be heard at the start of this song, before it kicks into a voice over of a fake news reporter, claiming the president to be missing. The riffing is fast paced and typical Mustaine Rust In Peace era. The breakdown that appears out of nowhere is a jaw dropper, I had to check the CD to see that I had the right one in. The first solo of the album hits us soon after, a quick pacy affair, again typical Mustaine style. The first Poland solo hits us after and proves he hasn't lost his touch, starting off melodically, before adding blistering pace to it. Daves vocals are as angry and spit out with passion and venom, as ever. The song is brought to a blistering halt all of a sudden, giving time for the listener to regain breath.

2. Die Dead Enough
=================
The first single to be released from the album and is easy to see why. The song kicks us off with a slow, drawn out, melodic solo from the Jazz-esque Poland. We are then treated to the main riff, a simple but effective one ensuring the listener is happy. The chorus is catchy and reminds us that melody can also be one of Daves high points, something he is often criticized on. The solos are again Guitar wankery as Poland and Mustaine make an unstoppable force. A nice, softer song for the album although the title would have you believe otherwise.

3. Kick The Chair
==============
A song many Megadeth fans were familiar with around 5 months before 'The System Has Failed' was even released. After hearing this many fans had high expectations and were expecting the more fast paced (KIMB - Rust In Peace) era to return. Unfortunately for them, it's more a mix of all previous albums. Kick The Chair is a goods reference point to the front cover as Mustaine delivers his Politically driven lyrics to great effect. The song itself is fairly repetitive but is covered up well by the speed of the song plus the complex style of it.

4. The Scorpion
=============
The sound of children playing in the background is heard before a constant moody and atmospheric build up is used to force the anticipation levels higher. Dave kicks us off with a riff that's similar to that of 'To Live Is To Die' off Metallicas '....And Justice For All' but unlike that song the repetition is kept to a minimal. The chorus is held back by a mini solo each time before it kicks in. Brilliant chorus it is aswell, a very passionate Mustaine drilling the lyrics out. More voiceovers can be heard again, with a constant ticking noise in the background. I never enjoy voiceovers, but for the most part, Megadeth ones are always fun to listen to.

5. Tears In A Vial
===============
A very strange opening, combining a talking Mustaine with a slow riff. A change is then made including palm muted triplets to the opening riffs giving it a more Power-ish, almost Iced Earth like feel. Works very effective when sang by someone like Bruce Dickenson or Rob Halford, but Dave seemingly pulls it off with his deepish snarly vocals. The lyrics are noticeably about a relationship of some kind, an often theme in Megadeth albums, whilst not being overused. The end of the song speeds up leaving me tapping my foot rhythmically to the song, thanks to the Drumming of Vinnie Colauita. The song fades away with a bell like chime in the background.

6. I Know Jack
============
A 40 second instrumental with people talking about Jack Kennedy. Nothing special here although the solo is rather interesting and nothing I would have thought Mustaine would do.

7. Back In The Day
================
Possibly my favourite song of the album and it's a blinder. Strangely the main riff/intro sound familiar to that of 'Liar' which is funny as Chris Poland plays many solos in the song. The song is referring to the Bay Area Thrash scenes of the mid 80's, that Dave helped along with his early days in Metallica and of course, Megadeth. This is a very pacy song with many turning points including a solo war between Mustaine and Poland. Background noises of 'Higher!' can be heard around every 5 seconds with Poland and Mustaine changing who's doing the solo every time it's shouted. It's fun to listen to and reminds me a lot of the K.K. Downing/Glenn Tipton force. The song is then taken to new levels with melody as Tremelo picking can be heard and appreciated by me. Great song, and one that I think will be put into the live setlist.

8. Something I'm Not
=================
Some idiot came up with the idea that these lyrics were written to spite Lars Ulrich of Metallica as the lyrics could (and should!) be applied to him. The song is a good one though and wouldn't be out of place in say the Countdown to Extinction album, as the overall Guitar tone is very simular and the solos are very laid back and don't really overshadow the riffs at all. Melody is chosen over pace in this song and is worked in rather well, although a bit out of place with the lyrical content. Overall a nice song, with some great drum fills by Colauita. Worthy of a listen.

9. Truth Be Told
==============
A very poppy intro graces this track leaving me think it's going to a be a crappy and lacklustre affair. As usual, I'm surprised by the change in tempo as a inspired riff hits home with back up vocals of 'Truth Be Told!' is sang adding effect to the song. The solos are a manic affair also, when it seems Dave has slowed the solo down completely it again smacks you right in the balls. The final riff is a very Punky one, but in a good way, finalised again by a torrent of solos by Dave.

10. Of Mice And Men
=================
My least favourite and only song I skip on the album. The song is just too whiny and crappy that I have to skip it. The riffs are boring and slow and Daves usual aggression is swapped for a poppy, uninspired style. Polands solos almost save the song, but even his uplifting solos can't get me to listen to the song in full. A song to keep away from.

11. Shadow Of Deth
=================
Apparently this was spoken by Dave, but it sounds not one bit like him. A passage from the bible (Psalm 23) is heard in the background before another instumental is played in the background. Again this is a nice listen if you're relaxing in your backgarden or something simular as it's a very harmonious sounding song.

12. My Kingdom
==============
By now I'm already happy with my decision to buy the CD so this track matters little to me. The song is kicked off with a mid-paced tempo flurry of Palm muting something that continues through the entirety of the song with other riffs, fills and one solo gracing the track. Strangely the song only features one solo as I already pointed out, but a great one it is. Poland again amazes with his ability to pull solos from his Guitaring brain and slam 'em into the track. It's a solo that lasts a lot longer than a usual Megadeth one and maybe that's why I appreciate it more. It certainly makes up for the song, which is lacking a bit. Not a great album closer, but a capable one.

On the whole the album is a very enjoyable and listenable one, that proves Megadeth can still write solid Metal albums. Fortunately for Dave Mustaine I think he's had the last laugh with the Megadeth Vs Metallica saga, comparing the latest two albums would be a fun job for me, but I shall steer clear of that. I'd give this album a 8 out of 10, as it showcases the talents Megadeth have. Best album since Rust In Peace.

Well, I think I'm done and dusted for that review. Megadeth will be starting a world tour soon, that hopefully will include Europe and Australia. Thanks for the read folks and as ever...

Stay Metal \m/
 

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