Megadeth has a history of making numerous changes to flex their sound, be it a change in album sound or lineups. Dave Mustaine has never shied away from doing what he believes what is best for his band. Following the departure of lead guitarist, Chris Broderick, and drummer, Shawn Drover in 2014, Mustaine recruited Brazilian guitarist, Kiko Loureiro, and one of the best modern metal drums and die hard Megadeth fan, Chris Adler, to take over the drum kit. It appears that the new additions have rejuvenated Mustaine. The new album, Dystopia, sees Megadeth return to their thrash roots while maintaining a fresh modern metal sound. Mustaine has always written about politics and religion, a trend that continues on Dystopia. While most of the songs are about a futuristic dystopia, some of the tracks are applicable to world events today.

The aggression fueled album kicks off full throttle with the intro riff in The Threat is Real where Mustaine and Loureiro trade ripping guitar solos throughout. Dave Ellefson joins in on the riffing action during Fatal Illusion, which is somewhat reminiscent of Killing is My Business…And Business is Good! Meanwhile, Adler shows off his skilled footwork in Death from Within and Poisonous Shadows. Poisonous Shadows, a ballad by Megadeth standards, is the most musically diverse song on the record. Combining acoustic guitar with piano, and some brutal kick drumming that could be found on a Lamb of God record, Poisonous Shadows is a stand out track.

Dystopia is one of Megadeth’s strongest releases in years and measures up to any album released in their early years. If you have been disappointed with the more recent Megadeth records, I urge you to give Dystopia a listen. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Rating: 9/10.