It is often mentioned by many people, that bands which culminated in the 80’s should no longer exist and have nothing more to offer in the scene in the year 2009. Megadeth are here with “Endgame” to prove them wrong.

The new long awaited 12th full length album will be officially released on September 15, it was produced by Andy Sneap and it features new lead guitarist (for over a year now) Chris Broderick (former Jag Panzer, Nevermore), along with the existing members Shawn Drover on drums and bassist James Lo Menzo. It was recorded in the self made Megadeth’s studio called Vic’s garage (which apparently will continue to be their recording studio from now on).

But let’s take things from the start. The album starts with “Dialect Chaos”,  a great shower of exchanging riffs and solos, which transfers us to the “Rust In Peace” era (no way does it mean we are dealing with a copy or something - I am referring to the atmosphere emerging from the song, as well  as the technical skills ). If you are one of those who believe that there will be no more excellent guitar work after Friedman, Broderick is here to prove you wrong. Next song is the intense and fast “This Day We Fight”, which starts with a classic Megadeth killer riff, one of those Mustaine is famous for throughout the years and with excellent guitar work by Chris Broderick. One of the album’s best moments is “44 minutes”, with its melodic intro and its continuing mid -tempo staccato riffing, and “Bodies Left Behind”, with its memorable chorus line and the manic solos exchanges between Broderick and Mustaine at its last parts, (which also take place in the title track “Endgame”), a characteristic of past glorious times, once again present in this album. Another one of the highlights is “1320”, which reminds a lot of the “So Far, So Good, So What” era, especially at its introductory thrashy riff and the pounding drums. One of my favourites, “The Hardest Part Of Letting Go…Sealed With A Kiss”, starts with an acoustic guitar intro as a ballad, but don’t rush into the wrong conclusion that it is a cheesy ballad, cause it continues with heavier riffing and constantly changing melodies. Dave’s sentimental way of singing in this one makes you shiver. Ok, I know that his voice was never an example of what we call a great vocalist, especially in the first albums, but everybody should admit the fact that he has greatly evolved over the years, and besides that, his voice takes out an emotionalism, lyricism or rage (depending on the song) in the way he pronounces each word, which is more than unique and utterly expressive.  Another album classic is the 10th “How The Story Ends”, with its “catchy”, but at the same time heavy and with a dynamic tune.

Generally all of the songs consist of multiple exchanging riffs and solos, a trademark of the band, which unfortunately was not present in the band’s most recent albums that much. None of the songs shows any signs of boredom that makes you want to press “next” at other albums; they all stand at high standards and have beautiful and innovative parts.

Conclusively, Megadeth are back for good! They have come to maturity in the right meaning of the word, not the one that means extra simplicity with a commercial and radio friendly sound, nor a copy of another successful album, but in a meaning of a band that includes in its sound all of  the good elements of its past and present period, given with inspired compositions and professional performance. The most technical, complete and melodic speed metal band from the 80’s up to date is here, waiting for you to find out for yourselves.