Dystopia is very much anticipated by a big fan of Megadeth, because Dave Mustaine had promised that his music would be louder and fierce. Actually this kind of promise and ambition has been commonly said in every new album ahead of Megadeth, in the last decade. The result was a complete failure, and many fans were disappointed.
Since Endgame (2009) that tangung, TH1RT3EN (2011) the 'alay', or the collapsed Super Collider (2012), all did not successfully satisfy the listener. Now, Dystopia would be a bet, maybe last, for Dave Mustaine to prove his great mouth.
A few days before the release of the album, Megadeth has released the single "Threat Is Real" video via the YouTube channel. The clip is in the form of animation with visual enough gore, full of blood everywhere. The music is quite challenging, involving elements of Middle Eastern melodies.
On the other track, "Death From Within" has a beautiful and explosive lead guitar racing. The presence of new guitarist Kiko Loureiro seems to add to this album gedor. The guitar virtuoso from Brazil is able to perform the task and take an important part next to the riff Dave Mustaine.
"Bullet To The Brain" relies on the tempo and harmony of dynamic songs. The song is even quite sing-alongable, and has the potential of a choir when it is played in concert. Again, there were elements of Middle Eastern music in some parts. Perhaps Dave Mustaine wants to showcase the landscape about the political and tragedy that is happening in the region. Yemen? Syria? ISIS?
If carefully examined, almost all of Dave Mustaine's lyrics always hold the intellectual and political side. He can write lyrics about conspiracies, the fall of western civilization, or the government and the tyrannical group so sharply. As a lyrical thrash metal lyricist and an avid reader of international political news, he is even qualified to advance as a USA presidential candidate and challenge open debate with Donald Trump.
"Post American World" may be taken from the book Fareed Zakaria entitled the same. If true, it means the United States is being threatened. There are quite interesting guitar strings on this song, though not necessarily falling into a ballad. On
"Melt The Ice Away", Megadeth is like playing a classic rock composition a la Deep Purple. Old and unpretentious.
Dave Mustaine's confession that he loves classical music can be confirmed directly on "Poisonous Shadow", which begins with classical guitar compositions as well as piano and string sweeps at the end of the song. If not satisfied, there is still "Conquer Or Die" which puts a charming classical guitar intro, greeted with magnificent long instruments.
Megadeth also played quickly and effectively on "Look Who's Talking?" Which was laden with nagging and vocal chords of Dave Mustaine. Also on "Lying In State" which has been speeding from the beginning. Like guiding a massive headbanging and pogo parade, the two numbers are potentially hits on the moshpit.
In every part of Dystopia is scattered thrashy riffs are classic, plus a guitar solo is slick here and there. Praise the god, Dave Mustaine found Kiko Louriero from the wilds of Brazil. This certainly makes his fans happy. They can play this album over and over again, while climbing into bed doing a water-guitar drama with their eyes closed and heads clinging to the roof. Epic.
Probably true, Megadeth's strength has always been - compared to other thrash metal band compatriots - to composition and harmony. Loud and fast, as well as melodic and sounding comfortable in the ear. It was long lost in his last albums. Now finally comes up again, in a more modern sound.
Although it must be admitted also if there are some parts of the music composition that somewhat bear and sound similar in some songs. But it's still safe, as long as we stay entertained and smile a longing smile at Megadeth.
One positive credit that contributes to 'restore' Dystopia to the proper path is the presence of guest drummer Chris Adler (Lamb of God). The influence of the bearded man was certainly big. His drumming style is strong enough while bringing modern nuances to Megadeth music this time.
Together with Chris Adler and David Ellefson's bassist, Megadeth has found the ideal goalkeeper and defense - where Dave Mustaine is more focused on his guitar penetration to all sectors with Kiko Loureiro.
Listening to Dystopia as invited back to listen to the glory era of Peace Sells or Rust In Peace, although not as perfect as the albums. If Dave Mustaine's motives do want to go back to his youth, then the same thing Metallica once did on Death Magnetic. So far, both are quite successful.
If you glance at the Big 4 circuit, listening to Dystopia is more interesting than his new album Anthrax, For All Kings. Probably because we have not listened to Megadeth so well, while Anthrax is that way. Last year, Slayer had already released Repentless, a normal and normal album like ... Slayer. Just waiting for Metallica's new album, either this year or next year.
But above all, now Dystopia has managed to steal the show. Dave Mustaine is able to smile (cynically), and indeed deserves to be arrogant.