For Week Ending:
14 January 2023

An Abstract Illusion - Woe (2022)

[Death Metal (Progressive)]

With 30+ years of history behind it death metal rarely offers anything new these days, but somehow An Abstract Illusion has given it a facelift. The album is full of brutal unrelenting machine-like drumming and guitar artistry alongside beautiful passages of orchestration, piano, and voice. 'The Behemoth That Lies Asleep' opens the album sleepily, before exploding into a cacophony of violent sound with 'Slaves'. The progressive elements are the key to holding the listeners attention, and tracks like 'Prosperity' move seamlessly through various tempos. There are some quieter moments, and the haunting 'Blomsterkrans' would be out of place on any other death metal album, but on this one - it works. The last two tracks close the album in epic style with 'In The Heavens Above, You Will Become A Monster' clocking in at almost 15 minutes in length, and 'This Torment Has No End, Only New Beginnings' at almost 10. The musicianship on offer is unmatched. For some this may be stretching the definition of death metal too far in some places, but the genre needs bands like this to push the style in new directions - it just won't be for everyone.

Megadeth - The Sick, The Dying. And The Dead! (2022)

[Thrash Metal]

This edition looks at a new release from a band I have loved since a teenager. We have had our differences along the way with releases. Now is time to review their latest offering. I am still only a month and a dozen listens into this one. So it's not like I am reviewing Rust in any way, so here we are with my first impressions. Overall, the best release they have delivered for a long time, and I'm talking over 15 years ago. My main concern is Dave relies a lot on spoken word instead of his usual singing tone. For example in middle part of 'Life In Hell'. Mind you this is a killer guitar riff happening at the same time. A favourite track. 'Night Stalkers' with Ice-T's influence makes you stand up and listen, as always with Ice. Him returning the favour from Mustaine's involvement with last Bodycount release I expect. Oh and that bass line toward the end - I'm in love. Another great track. Some great guitar work follows in tracks such as 'Sacrifice' and 'Soldier On'. 'Psychopathy' is the only track I can see is a waste. Ticking in at just over a minute I don't see the point. It ain't no 'Dawn Patrol'. And a very close pass for 'Mission To Mars'. Dave, they are some lame lyrics right there. Likely the best track on the record is the last track 'We'll Be Back'. Damn this is fast and catchy. Love it. I can't say for sure but it is interesting that this release marks the longest they have had between records for a long time (6 years in fact). I would love the quality over quantity into the future Dave.

Arist Information
Megadeth is an American thrash metal band formed in Los Angeles in 1983 by vocalist/guitarist Dave Mustaine. Known for their technically complex guitar work and musicianship, Megadeth is one of the "big four" of American thrash metal along with Metallica, Anthrax, and Slayer, responsible for the genre's development and popularization. Their music features complex arrangements and fast rhythm sections, dual lead guitars, and lyrical themes of war, politics, religion, death, and personal relationships. In 1985, Megadeth released their debut album, 'Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good!', on the independent record label Combat Records, to moderate success. It caught the attention of bigger labels, which led to Megadeth signing with Capitol Records. Their first major-label album, 'Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?', was released in 1986 and was a major hit with the underground metal scene. Band members' substance abuse issues and personal disputes had brought Megadeth negative publicity during the late 1980s. Nonetheless, the band went on to release a number of platinum-selling albums, including 'So Far, So Good... So What!' (1988), 'Rust In Peace' (1990), and 'Countdown To Extinction' (1992). Megadeth has undergone multiple lineup changes throughout its 41-year career, with Mustaine being the sole consistent member of the band. The band temporarily disbanded in 2002 when he suffered an arm injury and re-established in 2004 without longtime bassist David Ellefson, who had taken legal action against Mustaine. Ellefson settled out of court and rejoined the band in 2010, but was fired in 2021 amid allegations of sexual misconduct.