United Abominations (CD - 2007)

Additional personnel: Cristina Scabbia (vocals); Axel Mackenrot (keyboards); Chris Rodriguez (background vocals).

Issued in May 2007 after months of delays, UNITED ABOMINATIONS not only marks Megadeth's first album for the venerable Roadrunner label, it features singer/guitarist Dave Mustaine backed by an entirely new ensemble. In fact, the record's artwork even boasts a revamped depiction of Vic Rattlehead, the band's mascot. Clearly, the changes have reinvigorated Mustaine, who is at his snarling best on these fierce tracks, which, like many classic Megadeth tunes, take on issues of politics ("Washington Is Next!"), armed conflict ("Gears of War"), and blind obedience ("Sleepwalker").

Given Mustaine's strong personality and knack for selecting top-notch musicians, the radical personnel shift has no discernable negative effects on the group, with James Lomenzo (bass) and brothers Glen and Shawn Drover (guitar and drums, respectively) contributing to a more streamlined approach that eschews excessive soloing. While Megadeth's aggressive thrash aesthetic is amply showcased on the wire-tight "Sleepwalker," Mustaine also makes room for subtleties, as on a reworking of the melancholy "A Tout Le Monde" (originally on 1994's YOUTHANASIA), which includes guest vocals by Lacuna Coil singer Cristina Scabbia. Arguably Megadeth's finest and most assured outing since '92's COUNTDOWN TO EXTINCTION, UNITED ABOMINATIONS is the sound of metal royalty refusing to give up its throne.

Megadeth have been through a lot of lineup upheaval circa the early 21st century, with longtime leader Dave Mustaine being the only familiar face left in attendance. But Megadeth's crunchy, venomous thrash has remained intact, as heard throughout their 2007 release, United Abominations (their first for the Roadrunner label). While many thrash-metal bands take the easy way out lyrically -- by detailing their encounters with Señor Beelzebub -- Mustaine has never shied away from voicing his opinion about politics and the state of the world. And as evidenced by such biting tracks as "Washington Is Next!," "Gears of War," "Amerikhastan," and the title track, Mustaine remains as outspoken as ever about what he's been seeing on CNN for the past few years. Musically, Megadeth were never afraid to show off their prog-worthy chops, and the 2007 lineup (which sees Mustaine joined by bassist James LoMenzo and the sibling tandem of Glen Drover and Shawn Drover on guitar and drums) appears custom-made for tackling "tricky bits" -- including the album-opening "Sleepwalker." Elsewhere, a re-recording of "A Tout le Monde" -- as a duet between Mustaine and Lacuna Coil's Cristina Scabbia -- has "radio/MTV airplay" written all over it. They may have lost the plot for a period (remember 1999's Risk?), but with United Abominations, Mustaine and company certainly sound reborn. [The 2007 Roadrunner edition includes one bonus track.] ~ Greg Prato minimize