The answer is rather simple, actually. With this release sounding a lot like their last full length, The System Has Failed, it seems Megadeth is now playing with the "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" concept. Since the band changed from thrash to heavy metal in the mid-nineties, they have only become better, and it shows very well on this release. Dave even went back and re-recorded an older song for this release (the first single off this release: A Tout Le Monde).

The CD is pretty much straight forward heavy metal. If you've heard a Megadeth CD recorded in the past 12 years, then you have an idea of what to expect. The guitar riffs are somewhat typical, but the amazing solos easily make up for it. Throw on some killer drum work and you have some infectiously catchy songs, such as the song "Washington Is Next!"; the band has the proper formula for making a killer CD with some under the radar shots at today's culture.

With many songs that sound rather different from one another, making this CD one of those discs that everyone can enjoy, Megadeth continue to show their teeth in the heavy metal world with this release. Killer solos, catchy songs, and even a very well done duet on a re-recorded classic, this album has it all. The only drawback is that some of the guitar riffs that go on through the songs usually sound the same until the end, and can get boring after a little. But outside that, this CD is practically flawless, and another masterpiece under the belt.

written by Jason Thomas Weiss

Playing time: 47.56