Megadeth

Youthanasia

A new Megadeth.

Review Score:

(8/10)
Megadeth's 'Youthanasia' album, released in 1994 showed a drastic departure from the bands earlier masterpieces such as 'Rust in Peace' and 'Peace Sells...But Who's Buying'. The first notable change in the music is that there are no thrash songs on the album whatsoever. This may really turn some people off. Upon my first listen, I was very dissapointed with this CD. But I liked the opening track "Reckoning Day" so I spun it a couple more times. And what did I find out?

This is one of the most catchy, melodic metal CD's I own. Each song has some value to it that makes it interesting. There is no filler whatsoever. Mustaine wrote most of these songs during his cocaine and heroin troubles... so there are some dark, heavy vibes throughout the album. Just look at the cover (which is one of the best I've ever seen). And don't get the wrong idea here, this CD is still METAL, it just isn't a full-on blitz assault that they were in the 80's.

The opener, "Recknoning Day" is just killer. Heavy and with a great chorus, this is sure to be one of your favorites. "Train of Consequences" is obviously the single of the album, and it's fairly well done. Not one of my favorite's, but Friedmann's lead work is worth the listen. "Addicted to Chaos" is another highlight with killer riffs and another great chorus. My favorite song on the album goes to "The Killing Road". This song talks about life on tour and it's very interesting. The lead work is mindblowing as well, reminds me of "Bad Omen" type stuff (from the PS...BWB album). "Victory" is a play on words of all previous Megadeth songs and albums. It seems kind of cheesy at first, but the song is so good you won't really care. Other standout tracks include: "Blood of Heroes", "Black Curtains" and the title track.

Really, the only song I don't care for is "Family Tree". The music is great, but the subject matter of the album is a little uncomfortable. I mean, incest is just gross and I don't want to think about it ever, let alone hear about it on a metal CD. A minor complaint, because the song still is really good musically.

Many people call this Megadeth's sell-out album. I don't see that one bit because this is one of the darkest CD's I own. Not the genre topping work of 'Rust in Peace' and 'Peace Sells...But Who's Buying', but it's a great listen on its own. Definitely get Megadeth's 'Youthanasia', you won't be dissapointed.

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