Megadeth are :-

Dave Mustaine, Guitar, Vocals
Dave Elleffson, Bass Guitar
Marty Friedman, Lead Guitar
Jimmy DeGrasso, Drums

Track listing

1.Insomnia
2.Prince of Darkness
3.Enter The Arena
4.Crush 'Em
5.Breadline
6.The Doctor Is Calling
7.I'll Be There
8.Wanderlust
9.Ecstacy
10.Seven
11.Time: The Beginning
12.Time: The End

So, here it is, the eighth offering from former thrash legends Megadeth. Well, former might be a bit unkind as they can still play the old speedy stuff very nicely live but their new sound is definitely a lot more commercial. It all started due to a comment made by former Metallimate Lars Ülrich that went something like ‘Cryptic Writings was good but they should have taken a bigger risk’. That was paraphrased I’m sure but anyhow, the gauntlet was thrown and by golly did the ‘Deth pick it up.

Opening with the track ‘Insomnia’ you’d be forgiven for thinking that your local record shop had put the wrong CD in the case! This isn’t Megadeth! It sounds more like, wait for it, Republica’s ‘Ready to Go’ hit. In fact you can sing the chorus to the Republica number over this one and still be in key! It all goes very poppy until eventually Vic Rattlehead (Whatever happened to him eh!?) can take it no longer and breathes out with an supremely evil riff to accompany the solo!

 Despite this, don’t be fooled, this may not be Thrash Metal, but it's certainly Rock and very Retro in places. With influences as broad as Fleetwood Mac, Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin along with some Wasp/Motorhead like moments. There is probably something for those who dislike the current trend for de-tuned repetitive boredom that the likes of Korn and their multitude of telentless clones provide. I know I do. (* Loud thud as Rob falls off his soapbox *).

Ouch! Where was I? Oh yes, this album review. Well basically, if your idea of the be all and end all is Hanger 18 and Holy Wars then you probably won't appreciate this release. If you are partial to something a bit different then this is one for you. For this sound I personally preferred the tracks on Cryptic Writings but this album is sounding better and better with every play. And that's basically why I like this album. On the first listen you think that apart from a few, it's not much cop. Give it a chance, you may be surprised.

7/10 - Not the Megadeth of old but an original piece of rock anyway.