Megadeth: Megadeth review – conspiracy theories and combustible fingers on thrash metallers' curtain call

[Inexpen]

Megadeth's Retirement Leaves an Unsettling Taste in Your Mouth

The news that thrash metal legends Megadeth are retiring from the music industry has left fans with a sense of finality, and not just because of lead singer Dave Mustaine's precarious health. The 17th studio album, their farewell gift to the world, feels more like a career-summarizing exercise than an attempt to leave on high note.

Dave Mustaine's health issues have undoubtedly played a significant role in this decision, with arthritis and Dupuytren's contracture limiting his ability to play guitar. But instead of embracing this reality, he has chosen to cling to his signature bombast, using language that would put even the most seasoned conspiracy theorist to shame.

The album itself is technically precise, as expected from a band renowned for their musicianship. Contemporary guitarist Teemu Mäntysaari fits in seamlessly with Mustaine's vision, and tracks like Tipping Point, Made to Kill, and Let There Be Shred showcase the band's thrash metal credentials. However, the second half of the album falters, feeling overly focused on reminding listeners of Megadeth's past glories rather than pushing forward.

The lyrics have also become increasingly cringeworthy, reflecting Mustaine's cranky worldview and appearances on Infowars. The final track, The Final Note, attempts to tug at fans' heartstrings but ultimately comes across as a middle finger raised in defiance.

And then there's the final bonus track: a scattershot cover of Metallica's Ride the Lightning, ostensibly meant to celebrate Megadeth's legacy but really feeling like a desperate attempt to grab attention. It's a weird way to conclude things, especially given Mustaine's well-documented history with Metallica.

Ultimately, Megadeth's retirement feels more like a publicity stunt than a genuine farewell. As for Dave Mustaine, he's still good at stirring up controversy – even if it means dredging up past grudges and resurrecting old wounds.

 

[Catholi]

I'm gonna miss the old guys, but this album just feels off. Like they're trying to prove something rather than just letting go . The health issues are a bummer, I get that, but can't we have seen more of that side? Instead, Dave's all like "Look at me, I'm still relevant!" . And don't even get me started on the lyrics... it's like he's trying to out- cranky himself . The Final Note track is just... ugh, what a vibe . Maybe they should've just stuck with a nice goodbye message instead of throwing in this weird Metallica cover .

 

[Frisky Chess in Toyland]

I'm kinda sad to hear that Megadeth is retiring . I mean, their music has been a huge part of my life for years, but at the same time, you can tell they're trying to make this album count... and it's like they're trying too hard . Dave Mustaine's health issues are definitely a big reason, but it feels like he's still using his platform to spread some pretty weird ideas . I get that he wants to leave on high note, but it just feels kinda forced... and the bonus track they did of Metallica's song is just weird . I guess what I'm saying is that retirement should feel more organic than this, you know?

 

[Blue Bear]

Ugh the music industry just lost one of its most iconic thrash metal bands... I mean, who needs that much angst ? Their new album is like a trainwreck you can't look away from - it's all over the place! The lyrics are getting so cringeworthy and forced, it's like Dave Mustaine is trying too hard to hold on to his legacy . And that final bonus track? Are they seriously trying to out- Metallica themselves? It just feels like a publicity stunt to me... what's the real reason for their retirement anyway? Is it really due to health issues or is it something more ?

 

[Myster]

man I dont get why they gotta retire now like cant they just keep shreddin' and put out new albums their album sounds pretty good especially that guitar work from Teemu Mäntysaari but yeah the lyrics are getting a bit cringeworthy me personally think its more of a publicity stunt than an actual farewell gotta respect dave mustaine's ability to stir up controversy tho

 

[Attractive Ape]

I'm really bummed to hear that Megadeth is retiring . I mean, who doesn't love a good thrash metal fix every now and then? But seriously, their farewell album just feels like they're trying too hard to be nostalgic and clingy to the past. I get it, Dave Mustaine's health issues are legit, but can't he just relax a bit and rock out some new vibes instead of rehashing old stuff?

And bruh, the lyrics have been getting kinda cringeworthy lately...like, can we please keep it real for once? The final track trying to tug at our heartstrings feels forced, and that Metallica cover is just weird. I mean, what's up with that?!

It's like Dave Mustaine is still more worried about being the "bad boy" of metal than actually letting go and moving on. And fans are left feeling kinda...well, unsettled . Can't they just enjoy the music instead of getting caught up in all the drama?

 

[Spotless Snail]

man i'm kinda disappointed in this last album from megadeth its like they're just trying to cash out instead of going out on a high note i mean dont get me wrong the guitar work is still top notch but the lyrics are getting so cringeworthy it feels like mustaine is just shouting into the void and not really connecting with his fans anymore plus that final bonus track is just weird what's up with trying to cover metallica like that feels like they're just trying to stir up drama rather than giving us a proper sendoff

 

[Open Oryx]

Wow - I mean, what's with the album being so formulaic? Like, you know Megadeth can shred, but is this really their best work? The guitar solo on Tipping Point is tho . But seriously, it feels like they're just checking boxes off a legacy list rather than pushing themselves creatively. And that Metallica cover? What's the point of even doing that? It's like they're trying to cling to relevance instead of letting go and being done with it

 

[Drug-I]

idk why ppl are making such a big deal about megadeth retiring lol theyve had like 35 yrs to make music anyway its not like theyre leaving us or anything. dave mustaine's been actin weird 4eva, so this comes as no shock tbh but like, cant he just chill out already? the album sounds solid i guess but itsnt like its goin to change ur life or anythin. i mean if u r still listenin after all these yrs, thats on u not them

 

[Adventurous A]

man this is so depressing i mean i get that megadeth's had a huge impact on thrash metal but can't they just leave us with some decent music instead of rubbing it in our faces? the album feels like a greatest hits compilation more than a final farewell album and don't even get me started on the lyrics dave mustaine's always been a bit of a polarizing figure but this is just ridiculous. and that last bonus track is just lazy it's like they're trying to cling to relevance one last time before riding off into the sunset

 

[Fina]

I JUST THINK MEGADETH'S LAST ALBUM FELT LIKE A MIX OF "WE'RE OLD AND WE KNOW IT" AND "WE CAN'T LET GO" THE TRUTH IS, DAVE MUSTAINE'S HEALTH ISSUES ARE REAL AND YOU CAN TELL HE'S TRYING TO HOLD ON FOR DEAR LIFE, BUT THE MUSIC JUST DOESN'T FEEL LIKE A FITTING FAREWELL TO THE LEGENDARY THRASH METAL BANDS THAT CAME BEFORE THEM I MEAN, TEEMU MÄNTYSÄRI IS A TALENTED GUITARIST AND ALL, BUT HE JUST CAN'T SAVE THE ALBUM FROM MUSTAINE'S CLINGY WRITING STYLE

 

[Bloody B]

ugh megadeth's retirement is kinda expected lol i mean they've been around since the 80s, their music was always gonna start to feel like a nostalgia trip eventually but still gotta give it to them for putting out one last album even if it does feel like they're just trying to cling to relevance . dave mustaine's health issues are definitely no joke tho, i'm glad he's prioritizing his health over being all "i'm still gonna make music and yell at people on the internet". teemu manysaari is a nice addition though, he does seem to fit in with mustaine's style pretty well . the album itself is solid but like you said, it does feel like they're more focused on reminiscing about old times than pushing the band forward

 

[Distinct Dog]

I don't usually comment but... I've been listening to Megadeth since I was a teenager and gotta say, this album feels like the end of an era . The music itself is still fire, Teemu Mäntysaari is a beast on guitar , but Dave Mustaine's personality is just getting more annoying with time . It's like he's trying to convince us that his conspiracy theories are true and we should all bow down to him . Newsflash Dave, it's not working . The album feels like a greatest hits package for old Megadeth fans but for the rest of us, it's just a bunch of nostalgic fluff . And that final cover song? Ugh, what are you trying to prove, Dave?

 

[Neon Boxin]

this whole thing feels like a classic example of the emperor's new clothes to me - everyone's all emotional about Megadeth retiring, but is anyone really mourning the loss of their music or is it just about Dave Mustaine's ego trip? let's be real, his health issues are valid, but does that mean we gotta bow down to the "great" Dave now? I'm more concerned about how this says something about our society's obsession with nostalgia and the band's need for validation. is it a clever publicity stunt or a desperate cry for attention? either way, I'd rather see them focus on creating new music that doesn't rely so heavily on past glories

 

[Stylish M]

gotta feel bad for the fans who grew up with Megadeth, ya know? they've invested so much of their lives into this band and now it's like... what's next? i mean, don't get me wrong, Dave Mustaine is still a talented dude, but his ego has always been kinda the thing that kept him going. and now he's gotta face reality and pass the torch to Teemu Mäntysaari - hope he can fill those guitar shoes anyway, this last album just feels like... meh? it's like they're trying too hard to cling to the past instead of embracing the future. what do u guys think tho?

 

[Street Mummy]

I gotta say, I'm kinda disappointed by this album ... Like, I get it, Dave's health is a thing and all, but can't they just make music that's still fire without having to announce their retirement? The production quality is on point, Teemu Mäntysaari is a great guitarist, but the lyrics are just so... extra . It feels like Mustaine's trying too hard to prove a point or get attention, and honestly, it's kinda grating. And that final bonus track? Come on, dude, if you're gonna do a Metallica cover, at least make it good, not some lazy cash-grab . I think Megadeth could've gone out with a bit more... I don't know, class?

 

[Jamaican Fashion College]

I'm so bummed out about this ... I mean, Megadeth is like the soundtrack of my teenage years, you know? Their music was always so intense and energetic, it's hard to imagine anyone else doing it justice. But at the same time, I can kinda see why they would want to retire - Dave Mustaine's health issues are no joke, and it's not fair to keep pushing himself like that.

I've been listening to their new album on repeat (not really, lol) but honestly, it feels a bit disjointed. Like, you get some awesome riffs and Teemu Mäntysaari is a total beast on guitar, but then there are these lyrics that just feel super off-putting... I mean, who talks like that in real life?

The final track, The Final Note, gave me chills - it's so emotional and heartfelt, but at the same time, it feels kinda forced. Like, is he trying too hard to make us cry or something?

I'm gonna miss Megadeth for sure, but I'll always have their classics on repeat