Two years ago Dave Mustaine dissolved Megadeth after sustaining a serious hand/arm injury, thus bringing to an end an illustrious 20 year career that saw the band rise to the very top of the metal tree as one of the 'big four' thrash bands to climb out of the gutters and lay waste to the stages, hotels and recording studios of the world. Now, in 2004 the band has re-emerged, phoenix like, with a new line up and a brand new album. The big question is, with the release of 'The System Has Failed' can Mustaine recreate the success that Megadeth once enjoyed.

Opening track 'Blackmail The Universe' gets things off to a cracking start. Kicking off with a news report on the imaginary destruction of Air Force One, the guitar riffs rip out of the speakers and then Mustaine joins in with some truly vitriolic vocals. This is Megadeth at its very best a la Holy Wars. Unfortunately the momentum is not maintained as 'Die Dead Enough' plods along in mid-tempo and musically, lyrically and melodically it does not reach the standards one would expect from Megadeth. This song seems to set the agenda for the rest of the record with tracks such as 'Tears In The Vial', 'Something That I'm Not' and 'Truth be Told' all following a similar vein. This is Megadeth doing commercial power metal and unfortunately Mustaine does not have the range of voice to be able to pull such a style off with any conviction. It is interesting to note that throughout the album a backing vocalist in the shape of Chris Rodriguez is used to beef up the harmonies employed.

Things aren't all bad however. 'Kick The Chair' is an up-tempo brute of a track and perhaps the best song on offer is a song by the name of 'Back In The Day'. This track is truly a homage to the NWOBHM, even though the lyrics all seem to deal with American issues. The two main riffs used in the song are pure Iron Maiden. The opening riff is a ringer for 'Back In The Village' from the Powerslave album, whilst the song ends by employing a riff similar to Transylvania.

For those wanting a return to the Megadeth of 'Rust In Peace' or 'Symphony Of Destruction' then 'The System Has Failed will come as a big disappointment. This is Megadeth 2004, with the band aiming for a more straight ahead classic metal sound and feel. if judged on that basis alone then 'The System Has Failed' is a competent, if not brilliant album. One thing is certain though, 'The System Has Failed' is a million times better than any recent material from Mustaine's nemesis Metallica. On that score he wins hands down.

Let us know your views on 'The System Has Failed'

Track List

Blackmail The Universe
Die Dead Enough
Kick The Chair
The Scorpion
Tears In A Vial
I Know Jack
Back In The Day
Something That I'm Not
Truth be Told
Of Mice And Men
Shadow Of Deth
My Kingdom

Line Up

Dave Mustaine - Vocals/Guitars
Chris Poland - Lead Guitars
Jimmie Lee Sloas - Bass
Vinnie Colaiuta - Drums