Cryptic Writings

Hardcore thrash and Megadeth fans might grimace at the very uttering of the title of this album, as although this isn't their first foray out of the thrash spectrum ('Countdown' and 'Youthanasia' pretty much went down this road too) it was probably the most radio - friendly yet of their albums and, as with Metallica's 'Black Album' cost Megadeth as much old fans as it did recruit new ones. This is Megadeth and their most stripped down and, you can almost say most simple, well, as simple as Megadeth can get I suppose - there's nothing here that bothers the bonkers, technical speed metal soloing or riffage of 'Hangar 18' on 'Rust In Piece' for example. But what there is, is a collection of very good songs and that's how in my opinion it should be judged. 'Trust,' 'Almost Honest,' ' Use the Man,' 'She Wolf,' still pop up occasionally on their live setlist and with good reason - they are kick ass songs. There are many other highlights here including the odd foray back to their thrash roots. Mustaine sings more than he sneers on this album as well. The Pros very much outweigh the Cons and is a much stronger album than 'Youthanasia' and Megadeth's last really great album until 'Endgame.' A good starting point for anyone new to Megadeth or thrash / metal in general as well. A great album if you listen to it on its without comparing to previous efforts. Narrow minded metal heads : Avoid! Fans of great rock / metal music : Apply!

Not their best album.There are a few great songs.But it's still megadeth, which are brilliant.

Not as fast as previous Megadeth albums, but certainly my favourite style of production. Fitting follow up to the direction of Youthanasia (similar sort of production).

In my early teens I was a big Megadeth fan. I loved the literally explosive energy of their first three albums, where they mixed precision with a feeling that any moment they were about to explode in a tornado of riffs. If I'm honest, I probably preferred them to metallica who could be over chugging and littered with too many pointless solo's. Yet around Rust in Piece i started to go off them. The technical precision of that album seemed to take away from the energy I loved in Megadeth. The album wasn't bad, it just wasn't what i wanted. With Metallica's black album basically marking the end of thrash (who was already being shown up by its more agressive younger brother Death metal) I moved on to other more punk influenced musical styles. I was disapointed by Countdown to Extinction and as I left behind Megadeth I basically never looked back. Other bands gave me what I had originally liked in them and idd it better. I was aaawre they were still goign and a few years ago got new copies of Rust in Peace and Countdown to Extinction. I felt they hadn't aged well. However, a few months ago, I once again listened to their early stuff. I was interested and also interested that not only was Megadeth still going strong, they were also better known for their later stuff than their early albums. I heard they had actually developed their sound and did not disappear up their own arses, unlike another former thrash band beginning with M who Dave Mustaine used to be in. So I started buying some fo the albums I had missed. While Youthansia was a definite step up from Countdown to Extinction, this album showed that they really could develop as a band. While it is a million miles from the thrash scene of the 80s that Megadeth grew out of, this managed to not only sound like a clear development from this, but also like it was written by a man confident with his own sound. Basically what you get is well crafted rock songs that still have a slight sense of chaos that I loved form Megadeths early albums, but also sound slightly ahead of their time and do not let Megadeths previous weaknesses, such as over intricate arrangements, weak vocals or half developed ideas get a look in. The album was apparently controversial because Megadeth seemed to be turning their back on their heavier side. This is very true, but the album is better for it. Megadeth were always out done by heavier bands and if they had allowed themselves to be stay tied to previosu musical styles, they would of crashed and burnt. While this album isn't for every Megadeth fan, it is a good album that gives something different for both casual fans and those who don't want every album they own to sound the same. By doing this they freed themselves and meant they could genuinely do what they like in the future. If you want to really know why Megadeth are still going, look no further than this surprisingly good album which showed Dave Mustaine, unlike many similar musicians, was not a slave to his musical past and is perhaps nearly as smart as he likes to think he is!

It's an album. A piece and collection of music. Therefore, having made the purchase this should be obvious, I can say I like it. You may not. It's got some great songs on there.

I chose 5 stars because it was an album from the Megadeth era which was awesome. I recommend this band to every thrash metal fan or for that matter every metal fan.

Very good Megadeth album, some exceptional tracks which are very overlooked on this album, definately worth picking up.

Love this album! Was delivered a day early so I'm overall pleased

Nice

Misschien niet hun beste album, maar er staan toch lekkere opzwepende nummers op. Voer voor de fans !

PERFECTO ,CD NUEVO RAPIDA ENTREGA

Me encantó este disco, muy bueno y la mejor alineación de Megadeth. El sonido de la edición se me hace muy buena y con mucho punch también.

Brand new cd. I love it