- Paul Hanson
The name of the new Megadeth CD Risk comes from something Metallica's Lars Ulrich said to vocalist/guitarist Dave Mustaine through the press. Ulrich said that he thought Mustaine was talented, but that he should take more risks.
So that's exactly what goes on with this disc. Megadeth has definitely taken a lot of what Ulrich said to heart. Perhaps the biggest risk (and that'll be the last time I use this word in this review) is the track "Ecstasy." First of all, Mustaine strums a clean tone guitar. Second, there is a tambourine played on the two with the snare. Finally, it is nearly impossible to hear Marty Friedman's licks throughout the song. The mix of the song allows the hi-hat to overpower the guitar. And yes, everyone by now has probably heard "Crush 'Em," the first single and also the theme for Bill Goldberg in WCW.
The main thing you'll pick up on with this CD is the added electronica' element added to most of these songs. The days of thrash metal a la Rust in Peace are gone. Mustaine says in his press pack that he believes the fans of the band expect them to grow.
And quite definitely, the band is growing. While this was a tough disc to get into, I now would say it is pretty good.
Risk starts with "Insomnia." with some digitally enhanced violins that add a new dimension to the song. The second track, "Prince of Darkness", is the closest Megadeth come to thrash metal. The band is taking risks. They are risking their audience that they have building since Peace Sells . . . but who's Buying.
Is the risk worth it? Most definitely. This is a much more adventurous album than its predecessor Cryptic Writings. Does it measure up to Rust in Peace? Definitely. Where Rust in Peace succeeded in creating a new wave of thrash metal bands, Risk should encourage more musical outings from other metal bands. Already Def Leppard and the Scorpions have taken a turn toward a more melodic sound, believing metal can be more than the usual guitar/bass/drums lineup. Unlike Metallica, Megadeth have maintained their integrity with this CD.
