Megadeth - Endgame
Roadrunner, 2009
7/10
With all the hype about this being a return to legendary form and Dave Mustaine’s complaining about Roadrunner’s of lack of promotion you’d think Endgame would rival Rust In Peace while being loaded with potential radio hits. There’s some bit of truth in this, but it’s a stretch to say that Endgame meets the hype. The first half of the album left me disappointed and wondering what all the fuss is about. Sure, there are great solos all over the place, but the songs plod along, feeling forced and a little lifeless. Thankfully, the second half of the records kicks into gear and saves Endgame from mediocrity. The last four songs of the album are some of the best material Megadeth has produced, and why they are dumped onto the end of the record is beyond me. “The Hardest Part Of Letting Go…Sealed With A Kiss” begins in the fashion of a ballad, then erupts with whirlwind force into a rocker with drum fills accentuating the song’s dynamics. The fury of classic Mustaine riffage finally appears on “Head Crusher”, and “How The Story Ends” has infectious beat that immediately induces head banging. There’s certainly nothing awful here, but the first half of the album sounds simply uninspired. I’m going to register a minor complaint about the album’s mix because Dave’s vocals are a bit buried, and I’d prefer his distinctive snarl to be more up front. The biggest downfall is the ordering of the tracks. This would be a much more enjoyable listen if the best tracks were spread throughout the album rather than being clustered at the end. I can’t say that Endgame is an essential purchase for most metal fans, but this is probably the best record from Megadeth in the last ten years and long time fans will definitely want to give this album a chance.
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