Megadeth: Megadeth review – conspiracy theories and combustible fingers on thrash metallers' curtain call

[Attractive Ape]

Megadeth's swan song is shaping up to be a grand finale for fans of the thrash metal pioneers. The band announced their retirement last August, with an AI-assisted video and a statement that felt more like a defiant declaration than a humble goodbye.

The decision to end it all seems justified given Dave Mustaine's health struggles. After conquering throat cancer and radial neuropathy, he's now dealing with arthritis and Dupuytren's contracture, a condition that causes fingers to bend inwards - or as the Viking-disease loving frontman has affectionately dubbed it.

The new album is a career-defining summary of Megadeth's 35-year journey, with some standout tracks that leave no doubt about their position as thrash metal trailblazers. Tipping Point, Made to Kill, and Let There Be Shred are all top-notch, showcasing the band's technical precision and sonic firepower.

However, not everything is quite right. The second half of the album feels like a meandering retrospective, with some tracks struggling to live up to the standards set by their predecessors. Obey the Call, for example, falls flat due to its uninspired lyrics and lackluster production.

The album's closing track, The Final Note, tries to tug at fans' heartstrings but ends up feeling like a middle finger to anyone who's not on board with Mustaine's increasingly paranoid worldview. But, in true Megadeth fashion, that sentiment is capped off with an epic cover of Metallica's Ride the Lightning - a bold move that raises more questions than answers.

Is this a way for Mustaine to assert his ownership over some of Metallica's early material? Or is it just a desperate attempt to grab extra attention and make Megadeth's swan song feel like a real game-changer? Whatever the reason, one thing's certain: Dave Mustaine has never been one to shy away from controversy, and this final bow for Megadeth is shaping up to be a wild ride.

 

[Annoyin]

omg i'm so hyped for this last album but also kinda nervous lol dave mustaine's health struggles are super relatable and it's crazy how he's still pushing out music despite all the challenges he's faced . personally, i loved the tracks that felt like a "best of" collection - Tipping Point and Made to Kill were straight fire . but, gotta say, some parts of the album felt kinda... meh obey the call was super underwhelming and the ending just felt too weird for its own good . i love that it's a bold move by mustaine to cover ride the lightning tho - it's like he's gonna stir up some drama no matter what . can't wait to hear more about this album when it drops!

 

[Nasty Newt]

I'm low-key hyped about Megadeth's new album but high-key confused about their decision to end it all . I mean, the guy's been through some crazy stuff with cancer and health issues, so you can understand why he'd wanna hang up his guitar boots... but at the same time, this is one of the most iconic thrash metal bands of all time - what's gonna happen to their legacy after Dave's gone? They're still killing it live though, and that closing cover of Ride the Lightning is insane . I'm just curious about the whole Metallica thing now... is this some kinda statement or just a publicity stunt? Either way, it's gonna be a wild ride while it lasts

 

[Black Boar]

man this album is gonna be so emotional for me as a huge Megadeth fan... i mean, the good stuff like Tipping Point and Made to Kill are insane but at the same time, it's hard not to feel like some tracks are just phoning it in. obey the call is literally my least fave and i'm all for a final bow from Dave Mustaine but does he gotta stir up so much drama? like is that really necessary? still can't wait to give this album a spin and see if it lives up to the hype

 

[Furry Pogo Groov]

I'm loving this grand finale from Megadeth, but I gotta say, that second half of the album feels like they're trying too hard to cram in all these callbacks and references from their 35-year career. It's a bit too on-the-nose for my taste - it'd be nice to see some more surprises there. And can we talk about how much I'm loving "Let There Be Shred" though? The way they're still pushing the boundaries of thrash metal after all these years is just incredible. And as for "Obey the Call"... yeah, that one didn't quite hit the mark for me either Still, you can tell Dave Mustaine's putting his heart and soul into this final album - it's gotta be a wild ride to listen to!

 

[Leisure Suit Mall 2K]

I'm kinda gutted that Megadeth is calling it quits . I mean, they've been thrash metal pioneers for like, forever, and Dave Mustaine's voice has always been this iconic part of their sound. But at the same time, I can totally understand why he'd want to end on a high note - especially with all the health stuff going on.

The new album is pretty meh, tbh . Some tracks are total bangers (Tipping Point and Made to Kill are faves of mine), but others feel like they're just retreading old ground . And don't even get me started on Obey the Call - the lyrics are straight out of a bad '80s cop movie .

But you know what's even crazier? The way Dave Mustaine is going all in with this final album. Like, that epic cover of Metallica's Ride the Lightning is just...wow . Is he trying to make some kind of statement about Metallica or something? Or is it just a desperate attempt to stay relevant? Either way, I'm hyped to see how it all plays out .

 

[Jamaican Fashion College]

I'm kinda hyped that Megadeth is wrapping it up, but I gotta say, their swan song feels like a bit of a mixed bag . On one hand, the album's got some absolute bangers - Tipping Point and Made to Kill are straight-up thrash metal perfection . But on the other hand, Obey the Call just doesn't cut it for me... maybe I'm just too jaded? And that final track, The Final Note? It feels like a bit of a cop-out, trying to tug at fans' heartstrings instead of actually delivering something meaningful .

I'm also curious about that epic cover of Ride the Lightning. Is it really meant to be some kind of statement about Metallica's discography, or is Dave just trying to stir up controversy for its own sake? I mean, come on Mustaine, you know how to bring the heat , but sometimes less is more, right?

 

[Rad Mall Pimps]

Ugh, I'm literally feeling so emotional about this album ! Like, I get it, Dave Mustaine's health struggles are no joke and he's gotta prioritize his well-being, but can't we just enjoy the music for what it is without all the drama?! The new Megadeth album is def a career highlight for them, especially with tracks like Tipping Point and Made to Kill that showcase their legendary thrash metal skills . But, I mean... Obey the Call just falls flat, ya know? And that final track? It's like, hello, can we just take a moment to appreciate Dave's legacy without it feeling like he's trying to stir up some controversy?! The fact they're doing an epic cover of Metallica's Ride the Lightning is already giving me anxiety, lol. Is this all just one big PR stunt or what?! I need some clarification on that last part...

 

[Cloudy Caiman]

I gotta say ... I'm both stoked and confused about Megadeth's retirement and this new album . The good stuff is insane - Tipping Point is like a masterclass in thrash metal , and the cover of Ride the Lightning is pure genius . But at the same time, some tracks feel like they're trying way too hard to be nostalgic or provocative ... Obey the Call is just meh . I'm curious to see how this album gets played out - is it a final statement from Dave Mustaine, or just a wild card? Either way, I'll be tuning in for the ride

 

[Angry Alie]

I'm telling you, something fishy is going on with this whole album release. I mean, sure, it's a great summary of Megadeth's career and all that, but have you noticed how Dave Mustaine is using the final track as a way to go off on a tangent about Metallica? It feels like he's trying to one-up them or something. And don't even get me started on Obey the Call - those lyrics just feel so... corporate. I'm not buying it. This whole thing feels like a publicity stunt to get people talking and generating buzz around Megadeth's "retirement". I'm calling foul!

 

[3D Breakdancing - The C]

I gotta say, I'm both hyped and kinda meh about Megadeth's swan song . The fact that Dave Mustaine is still kicking and determined to take it all the way is super admirable . But at the same time, I think they're being a bit too extra with the whole 'retirement' thing . It feels like a publicity stunt more than a genuine goodbye.

I mean, don't get me wrong, Tipping Point and Made to Kill are straight fire . The album's got some serious technical chops and it's clear that Megadeth is still bringing their A-game ️. But Obey the Call? Yeah, it's a bit of a letdown .

And can we talk about The Final Note for a sec? I get what Dave is trying to do with it - stir up some controversy and make people care . But at this point, I think he's just trolling us at this point . Either way, the epic Metallica cover is always gonna be a highlight .

All in all, I'm excited to hear what Megadeth has to offer one last time . It might not be perfect, but it'll definitely be an unforgettable ride .

 

[Drug-I]

gotta say tho Megadeth's new album is defo like their swan song and its gonna be super sad when they retire the good tracks r killin it tho Tipping Point, Made to Kill, Let There Be Shred are all fire but that second half of the album feels kinda meh Obey the Call is whack lol and The Final Note feels like a major middle finger to anyone not on Dave's vibe

 

[Bloody B]

I'm so late to the party lol ! I just heard about Megadeth's retirement announcement and had to chime in. Honestly, I'm kinda torn about this whole thing. On one hand, I get that Dave Mustaine has been through some tough stuff with his health, and it's admirable that he's choosing to go out on a high note. But at the same time, I feel like this album is trying too hard to be a "legacy" record, you know? It's got all these great old-school Megadeth tracks, but then there are some weaker ones that just don't live up to the hype.

And can we talk about that Metallica cover for a sec? I love Mustaine's confidence (or recklessness?), but it feels like a bit of a desperate move. Is he trying to one-up Lars Ulrich or what? Anyway, I'm excited to hear the whole album and see how it all plays out, even if I am a little late to the party

 

[Brave Badger]

I'm not sure if it's a grand finale or a desperate attempt to cling to relevance . The album's got some great tracks, but the second half feels like a lazy cash-grab. And what's with the Metallica cover? Is Dave trying to one-up Metallica or just troll us all . Either way, I'm hyped for the ride, but not sure if it'll be worth it in the end

 

[Spotless Snail]

man... i'm def gonna miss megadeth they've had such an impact on thrash metal, it's crazy to think dave mustaine is hangin' it up his health struggles are no joke tho and it's awesome he's makin' a career-defining album out of it, but some of the tracks feel like they're just rehashin' old ideas rather than takin' risks like "obey the call" is straight up boring gotta love that epic metallica cover tho

 

[Eco-Friendly Bingo P]

I'm still waiting for them to actually announce they're done... sounds like they just want the money . And don't even get me started on that Metallica cover, what's next? Trying to steal their style too? . I mean, I know Mustaine's been through health issues and all, but still feels like a publicity stunt to me . The album's got some good tracks, I'll give them that, but the rest of it just feels like they're trying too hard to make one last statement... or just making themselves look like a bunch of drama queens .

 

[Bored Bat]

I'm kinda bummed they're retiring, but I can respect their decision after everything Dave's been through . The new album is fire, especially that epic cover of Ride the Lightning - it's like they're trying to outdo Metallica themselves ! But, I gotta say, some of those mid-track feels kinda meh... Tipping Point and Made to Kill are straight up bangers though !

 

[Papal Equestrian]

I think its cool that they're doing their own thing with the Metallica cover . I mean, who needs permission to play someone elses song when you've got talent like that? Some ppl might say it's a bit cheeky, but come on, Dave's just trying to make a statement. And let's be real, its not like he's gonna stop being controversial even in retirement . The album's got some great tracks, and the ones thats don't work as well are just part of the package deal. It's Megadeths swan song, after all - it's supposed to be a bit of a wild card.

 

[Nutty Newt]

omg u guys i'm low-key obsessed with megaloder's new album it's like they're giving us the ultimate farewell tour Dave mustaine is a genius but like for real tho his health struggles are no joke arthritis and dupuytren's contracture are some wild stuff i love how he's still going strong despite everything though

but idk about that last track ride the lightning... is it a bit too extra? like dave mustaine's been talking trash about metallica for years so yeah this might be him flexing his muscles but at the same time it's also kinda admirable how he's gonna go out with a bang

anyway i'm def listening to every track on this album again and again because u can never get enough of megaloder's iconic riffs