United Abominations

Performer: Megadeth
Engineer: Ken Eisennagel; Chase McKnight; Keiran Panesar; Jeff Balding; Andy Sneap; Taz Mattar; Lance Dean
Producer: Jeff Balding; Andy Sneap; Dave Mustaine
Distributor: WEA (Distributor)

Notes: Megadeth: Dave Mustaine, Glen Drover (acoustic guitar); James LoMenzo, Shawn Drover (background vocals). 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.

Rolling Stone (p.103) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "Dave Mustaine still likes his metal fast, brutal and apocalyptic."

Before founding Megadeth in 1983, Dave Mustaine was an original member of Metallica (his songs were recorded by them after his departure). With Megadeth, however, he pursued his own vision; equally inspired by heavy metal and punk, Mustaine and company released some pioneering thrash-metal in the '80s. Over the years, through personnel changes and stylistic evolution towards a more melodic, accessible sound, Megadeth sold millions of records and became one of the most influential metal bands of their era.

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