Lets cut to the chase as while Super Collider isn't the totally fantastic new Megadeth release I was hoping for, it's certainly far from the disaster that some of the comments which I have read imply. Yes Super Collider trails behind the last great Megadeth album that was Endgame and I will say that the title track isn't the best song on Super Collider, but don't be too hasty to dismiss this release if that song doesn't appeal. Put any reservations you may have aside and leave your judgement till you've heard the rest of the album and don't expect to hear the latest thrash metal masterpiece though Super Collider does have a healthy dose of metal. Just let yourself enjoy the songs for what they are as it only gets better, much better.
And that's coming from someone who has followed this band since the eighties and enjoyed the majority of Megadeth's albums, as the band have adapted to change in the music scene and tried different things during their substantial career. Megadeth are one of the more technically exciting groups compared to many others including those in the Big Four and that just adds to the appeal of this band. And really it can't be easy in the quest for approval from that newer generation of metal followers whilst also keeping the old fans interested, like those who are eager for another Rust In Peace which this isn't though the line-up is there to record such an album.
Super Collider starts on a high thanks to the excellent "Kingmaker" and with a style that reminds one of Black Sabbath's "Children of The Grave" this song is about the use of drugs to hide ones medical problems instead of doing what's really required, and the album also finishes on one with the hard driving cover of Thin Lizzy's "Cold Sweat". "Burn!" is one of the better tracks and should appease the guitar fans eager for some tasty shredding, "Dance in the Rain" is also impressive as Megadeth shift gears up and down and are joined by vocalist David Draiman (Disturbed). I also find "Beginning of Sorrow" to be another compelling track as that metal groove music draws you in so easily, and credit to Megadeth for trying something different such as the sounds of the banjo for the bluegrass infused "The Blackest Crow". "Don't Turn Your Back …" starts off in blues territory but soon becomes the kind of explosive metal track that Megadeth do so well.
This current Megadeth line-up has been in place since 2010 when original bass player David Ellefson rejoined the band which he had been a part of from its beginnings way back in 1983 until 2002. Despite the changes in personnel Megadeth have been consistently releasing new music, and sure not all have been greeted with universal praise but there has been plenty that have received their share of positive feedback. It will be interesting to see how Super Collider is received by the fans, but for this one despite my initial reservations I really don't mind this new album from Megadeth.
Track listing
1) Kingmaker
2) Super Collider
3) Burn!'
4) Built for War
5) Off the Edge
6) Dance in the Rain
7) Beginning of Sorrow
8) The Blackest Crow
9) Forget to Remember
10) Don't Turn Your Back …
11) Cold Sweat