Description

2004 remixed and remastered edition with four bonus tracks Megadeth hit it big in the mainstream metal world with the release of ‘Countdown To Extinction’ and everyone was just waiting to see what direction Megadeth would head next. Would they move in a more general metal direction or would they revert back to their no holds thrash sound again? Once one listens to ‘Youthanasia’ it's pretty easy to hear that they continue down the classic metal path. This isn't a bad concept at all. Megadeth prove that they are able to write under this approach and write it well. There are some very catchy songs on Youthanasia that don't lose the technicality or heaviness. Youthanasia proves that one can write great songs without compromising validity. Dave and Marty take their guitar abilities back a few steps for Youthanasia. Although its not balls out speed and tech work, they do play wonderfully catchy riffs intermixed with some amazing solos and leads. There are some new concepts that Megadeth try out on this album, like chunkier riffs (the awesome train imitating riff in ‘Train Of Consequences’) and new timing concepts. There are some great time changes on this album and Megadeth did seem to discover the concept of negative space. That sometimes it's the silence that can speak. A Tout Le Monde uses this timing concept perfectly and it creates one of the best metal ballads I have ever heard. The bass and drum work is also top notch once again with Ellefson and Menza really taking a bigger role in the music. Since the music is slowed down a bit and there is a bigger emphasis on the heavy chunky riffs, the bass and drums do have an increased sound. Dave Mustaine doesn't try too much different with his vocals since Countdown to Extinction. There is a less harshness in his vocals than on previous efforts and he does do more melodic parts but overall he does exactly what he does. Solid album Track listing: 1. Reckoning Day 2. Train Of Consequences 3. Addicted To Chaos 4. A Tout Le Monde 5. Elysian Fields 6. The Killing Road 7. Blood Of Heroes 8. Family Tree 9. Youthanasia 10. I Thought I Knew It All 11. Black Curtains 12. Victory 13. Millennium Of The Blind 14. New World Order-demo 15. Absolution-instrumental 16. A Tout Le Monde-demo