This might be the last opportunity for Born again Christian, Mr. Mustaine to claim the crown and the throne of Metal. Metallica with “Lulu”, the controversy collaboration with Lou Reed left their throne unwatched and the crown can be stolen. Anthrax already delivered a pretty strong release, “Worship Music” on September 12, and Mr. Mustain response is “Thirteen”, the thirteenth studio album consist of thirteen brand new songs. Regarding the “Big Four” thrash metal acts, Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax, still, my money is on Slayer even if it’s quite uncertain they will release new material this year due Jeff Hanneman’s health condition.
Although, “TH1RT3EN” might be the best Megadeth album in decades. Since 1992’s “Countdown to Extinction”, Megadeth wasn’t this kicking and biting. “TH1RT3EN” also marks the return of Dave Ellefson who left Megadeth back in 2002 having a severe disagreement over royalties. Canadian drummer Shawn Drover joined Megadeth back in 2004 while guitarist Chris Broderick (ex-Jag Panzer and ex-Nevermore) joined in 2008 replacing Glen Drover.
Mustaine announced on July 8, 2011 that the new album would be entitled Thirteen, though it would be stylized as “TH1RT3EN” on the album cover. Mustaine also stated that, after 4 years of absence, there would be a new Gigantour tour in 2012 and it was announced that will feature Motörhead, Volbeat and Lacuna Coil alongside Megadeth. “Thirteen” is the third and final album due in the band’s current contract with Roadrunner Records.
According to Dave Mustaine, the band have encountered numerous mishaps and odd occurrences. In an interview Mustaine taking note of the connection to the unlucky number 13, explained “This is our 13th studio record, and we’ve already had a bunch of weird things happen. Car problems, stuff disappearing, a guy who worked for me that was the most white-laced guy you could imagine falling out on drugs and disappearing…but this one’s got me excited!”
Furthermore, despite the superstitions surrounding the number 13, Mustaine said he was actually more concerned with the album’s release date of November 1 being a bad omen; referring to the release of “Youthanasia” which was released on the same date in 1994, and Mustaine mentioned that the band back then was “banned” from MTV.
The album was produced by John Karkazis – better known as Johnny K – producer/engineer/mixer, musician, songwriter, and owner of Groovemaster Recording Studios in Chicago. Previously worked with artist such as Sevendust, Disturbed, 3 Doors Down, Finger Eleven, Staind, Plain White T’s, Black Tide, Kill Hannah, Drowning Pool, Mushroomhead, Machine Head, among many others.
Tracklist:
01. Sudden Death
02. Public Enemy No. 1
03. Whose Life (Is It Anyways?)
04. We The People
05. Guns, Drugs & Money
06. Never Dead
07. New World Order
08. Fast Lane
09. Black Swan
10. Wrecker
11. Millennium Of The Blind
12. Deadly Nightshade
13. 13
This album reminds me of “Rust in Peace”/”Countdown to Extinction”/”Youthanasia” era of the band (1990-1994), considered by many as the golden period in the band’s history. There are several older songs included. “”New World Order” was written by Dave Mustaine, Dave Ellefson, Marty Friedman and Nick Menza during the “Clash of the Titans Tour” in 1991, and a demo was made for “Countdown to Extinction”, but finally it was not included on the record. Also “Millennium of the Blind” was originally written in 1991 and back then a demo was recorded and a version of the song would later be included as a bonus track on the 2004 remix/remaster of “Youthanasia”.
Dave Ellefson stated that the main riff of “Deadly Nightshade” was also written during the sessions for “Youthanasia”, so that spirit of the 90s seems to be all over the new album and actually it feels absolutely right, Megadeth sounds strong, clean and fresh, this kind of metal fits excellent their style and sound and they delivered one of their best album up to date.
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