THE SICK, THE DYING…AND THE DEAD!
December 2022 – There are some bands in the metal scene who need no introduction. They have earned their place in the annals of heavy music, and they continue to build their legacy, dishing out hard-hitting and uncompromising albums. Megadeth is definitely one such bands! Their most recent studio album, The Sick, The Dying… and The Dead!, has been heralded as return to form, and the songs have been received as some of Mustaine’s best in decades. It’s easy to see why: the album has urgency, grit, and rage, but also a fine-tuned production which highlights the prowess of each band member.
The former Metallica axeman was faced with an early impossible task. How do you go from being a member in one of the most influential bands ever, and build something that’s just as powerful and relevant? Only few musicians have been able to build their own legacy after becoming involved with huge bands – The Nirvana-Foo Fighters dichotomy in Dave Grohl’s career come to mind. Dave Mustaine is one of the few artists who managed to go from a height to another, building something truly special with Megadeth. 16 studio albums later, the riffs are still all there. On songs like “Night Stalkers,” Megadeth pushes its formula to the limit with higher tempos and cranked riffs. Some of the songs, including “Sacrifice,” also tip the hat off to the sound of classic heavy metal, while still retaining a punchier, modern tone in terms of production. The title track itself is one of the album’s most groundbreaking moments. Even the scope of the song’s music video is pure fun, showcasing a band that’s very well-aware that metal is first and foremost about letting loose, releasing energy and just getting wild! This album overall is the sound of a band that wants people to feel the power and have a good time, not taking themselves too seriously! At this point in his career and at the age of 61, Dave Mustaine really has nothing to prove: the only thing left to do is to keep the legacy going and carry the flame with some fun and unique albums! The Sick, The Dying… and The Dead! is a fantastic addition to the group’s excellent discography thus far.
Review by Georgina Strilakos