Megadeth

Risk

different, but still an enjoyable listen

Review Score:

(6/10)
I usually don't get attached to a certain style even if a band like Megadeth has always commited themselves to that as a formula, so I think this makes it easier for me to listen to this. But serious fans are probably expecting a very heavy or at least heavy album, but it turns out to be more melodic with thinly layered guitar riffs. Die hard metal fans are going to feel as though their expectations were betrayed, and consequently, this album won't initially (and may never be) well received by those kind of listeners. But for fans of popmetal, or for someone who likes a diversity of musical styles, they would probably like this more. There are many ways to look at it. You can see it as an album from a band who has expanded on their sound and is deservingly reaping the rewards of hard earned commercial success, or you can see it as an album that makes you unsatisfied because your tastes lie in raw, aggressive metal. This album is generally melodic, polished, and the song structures seem more simple, concise, and even more catchy than their other stuff. So if you like catchy short songs like a lot of stuff played on pop radio or like the def leppard style radio friendly popmetal, then it's possible you will like this.

For the songs, definitely INSOMIA was very good. Well written, and having a sort of schizophrenic edge to it created by the playing of the bass and guitar parts. So, this is a pretty intense song and heavier than some of the other songs on the album, but not as heavy, and definitely not as raw, as old megadeth. I also like the violin part in the beginning of the song.

Prince of Darkness I found to be a little corny, especially the beginning of the song, but once the guitars come in and the rhythm speeds up, it gets better. The growl you hear I also found a little cheezy, too. Very heavy and powerful, something more along the lines of old megadeth. Overall, not a bad song.

Enter the Arena is just a rocking anthemic instrumental that is just fun and exciting to listen to. It will get you moving.

Crush Em has a great sound and production, but horrible songwriting and lousy chorus that distracts you from enjoying the song. Not very intelligent song, but at the same time, this is not a song one should take too seriously. It's really just a rock n roll song. You can look at it that way. Just sit back and listen. You can see it as playful rock n roll escapism like the comical, horor movie oriented metallic rock of White Zombie. But I hear other artists doing it better.

Breadline for me is the strongest song on the album. Hardly heavy having only a few, but well executed guitar riffs. Beautifully crafted melodies and inspiring songwriting that is very thoughtful and intelligent. A song about struggling to make ends meet. This is a gem and proof you don't need to be loud, fast, and heavy to have a great song.

The Doctor calling is another good song. Good songwriting and I like the rhythm.

I like ballads. Heavy metal fans seem to always object to bands doing ballads because of it's association with commercialism, and they probably don't want their dear bands to be booby-trapped into the mainstream by these kinds of songs. But let's face it. Love is a common and shared human experience, so you can't avoid addressing this subject. Megadeth does that with I'll Be There For You. However, they don't do it very well. I like ballads touching ballads, but this is not that kind of ballad. It's sound cliche, manufactured, and is quite bland like many of the mainstream ballads, realizing the metal fan's worst fear or nightmare. Compared to a ballad like Def Leppard's Bringin On The Heartbreak, it lacks any power. It just wasn't done well at all.

But Ecstasy is a different story. Not heavy, but a bit more inventive than I'll Be There For You, a little stronger. But still not as passionate and powerful as other ballads, and lacks a strong chorus to keep your interest.

Wanderlust is along the lines of DOCTOR IS CALLING. Both have strong choruses and are well written. WANDERLUST is also more explosive at times compared to the rest of the songs on the album, and I like that quality.

SEVEN is okay. It's not a heavy. The guitars have you wishing for more and it doesn't have a very strong chorus. Mediocre and uninspiring even though still somewhat pleasant and catchy to listen to.

TIME:END and BEGINNING are both somewhat EPIC. The songwriting is strong and it's melodic.

Overall, a good album. Is it heavy? No. Is that bad? Not necessarily. It depends on what you are into. You will have to accept that it is not pure heavy metal before you can start to really listen to it and enjoy it. But it is still not a very strong rock album when compared to others. Just an enjoyable listen. I thought Breadline was the best song.

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