As evidenced by Megadeth's last three studio albums, fans are used to being let down. Dystopia could have been another case in point when an anticipated reunion of the Rust in Peace-era lineup failed to materialize. Undaunted, Dave Mustaine recruited Lamb of God drummer Chris Adler and Brazilian guitarist Kiko Loureiro of prog metal outfit Angra. Megadeth's 15th studio album marks a return to the band's thrash roots. It's angry, extremely aggressive, but also tight and polished. Adler adds clean, thunderous playing chock ...
Read More
As evidenced by Megadeth's last three studio albums, fans are used to being let down. Dystopia could have been another case in point when an anticipated reunion of the Rust in Peace-era lineup failed to materialize. Undaunted, Dave Mustaine recruited Lamb of God drummer Chris Adler and Brazilian guitarist Kiko Loureiro of prog metal outfit Angra. Megadeth's 15th studio album marks a return to the band's thrash roots. It's angry, extremely aggressive, but also tight and polished. Adler adds clean, thunderous playing chock-full of syncopation and Loureiro proves to be a real surprise. Mustaine has historically cooked up imaginative riffs and motifs, but has seldom had a guitarist who displays the level of creativity and style that Loureiro does. The furious, stinging opener (and first single) "The Threat Is Real" offers bracing double kick-drum work from Adler, with a blazing riff and an off-the-rails solo by Loureiro. If you can't stand Mustaine's voice, this isn't going to change your mind; it's all monotonic and every syllable is discernible. The title track single is more melodic but the kick drum and bass throb frame a chugging scalar dual guitar break before erupting into thrash. "Fatal Illusion" contains an angular vamp that borders on Hendrixian; it gives way to an Ellefson bass break and a homicidal riff with modal and fractured rock chord voicings. The intro to "Death from Within" offers one of the knottiest, gnarliest riffs Mustaine has written. The knife-like fills in the line ends draw away from the lead right back to the vamp. The anthemic backing vocals are catchy as hell. "Post American World" is grinding tension and cultural dis-ease, with Adler double-timing the band. "Poisonous Shadows" has a full-blown string orchestra and features Steve Wariner's pedal steel for added atmospherics. While "Lying in State" is the heaviest track here, "Conquer or Die!" is a cooking instrumental. Closer "Foreign Policy" comes dangerously close to pop-punk but pulls it off. While musically, Dystopia is more energetic and focused than anything Megadeth have released in quite a while, Mustaine's conceptual take on the "war on terror" and what he perceives as the "threat to America" reveals he is on his usual neoconservative political soapbox. As on Holy Wars/The Punishment Due, he uses sound samples from the modern Middle East and even employs chord voicings in some songs that derive from modal Arabic sources in order to hammer his xenophobic point home. Many will disagree with his position, but to his credit Mustaine welcomes detractors to the debate. It's easy to appreciate the music on Dystopia; it showcases Mustaine and a crack new version of Megadeth at a creative peak. It's also tempting to argue with the songwriter's politics and the hamfisted way he puts them across. ~ Thom Jurek, Rovi
Read Less
Add this copy of Dystopia to cart. $7.70, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Diamond rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2016 by T-Boy Records/UMe.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of Dystopia to cart. $8.83, good condition, Sold by Goodwill Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Hillsboro, OR, UNITED STATES, published 2016 by Universal.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good. May have very light or no surface scratches. Case and cover artwork are included but may show minimal signs of wear. Slipcover may not be included.
Add this copy of Dystopia to cart. $8.84, fair condition, Sold by GW Spokane Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Spokane, WA, UNITED STATES, published 2016 by Universal.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Fair. Condition: Acceptable-Disc(s) used with heavy wear from use. Includes surface scratches on disc(s), wear to case which could include cracks, scratches, or stickers. Hub and case locks may be broken. Digital codes NOT guaranteed/may be redeemed. All orders ship via UPS Mail Innovations-MAY TAKE UP TO 10 BUSINESS DAYS from first scan to be delivered.
Add this copy of Dystopia to cart. $12.95, new condition, Sold by SellingTales rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Belvidere, NJ, UNITED STATES, published 2016 by T-Boy Records/UMe.
Add this copy of Dystopia to cart. $15.98, like new condition, Sold by Streetlight_Records rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Santa Cruz, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2016 by UNIVERSAL INTL.
Add this copy of Dystopia [Deluxe Edition] to cart. $19.50, good condition, Sold by HPB-Emerald rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2016 by T-Boy Records/UMe.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good. Providing great vinyl and media since 1972. All used records are inspected and guaranteed. May have wear and minor issues from previous owner. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of Dystopia [Deluxe Edition] to cart. $36.70, new condition, Sold by EB-Books LLC rated 3.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Rockford, IL, UNITED STATES, published 2016 by Universal.
![Dystopia [Deluxe Edition]](https://www4.alibris-static.com/cover/y16698mt74t_t.jpg)
