Released: Sep 14, 2004
Genre: Rock
Styles: Heavy Metal, Thrash
Number Of Tracks: 12
The System Has Failed marks a return from the dead for Megadeth ? and quite a glorious return, it must be said.
The System Has Failed
Reviewed by:
unregistered, on march 24, 2005 7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Sound: Well, the sound in this record is excellent (I wouldn't expect anything else from Mustaine at this point of his career), compact sound for a compact release. Great musicianship, more "Mustained" than ever, it is known that Chris Poland played the leads in most part of this record, which is great to a fan of earlier Megadeth records like me. Poland has a unique, chaotic style of playing, maybe not as technical as Friedman or Pitrelli - both former guitarists in previous Megadeth line ups, but still very distinctable sound, a mix of old style shredding with some crazy ideas, it reminds very much the "Peace Sells..." spirit.
There are songs in the line of "Rust In Peace" or "So Far, So Good, So What" but other seem to be more in the line of "Peace Sells..." and others come from the mind of the latest Mustaine (e. g.: "The Scorpion," "Die Dead Enough"). Changes of tempo in the middle of songs, and the use of back voices doing choruses is very tipical from Megadeth of old, and also are some chord progression used in here. // 10
Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics are coming from various subjects that always seem to be related with Dave Mustaine, such as: world order, cold wars, but also stories of love (with a touch of black humor and irony), twisted personalities, and the second autobiographical song from Mustaine (the first was "Victory" from "Youthanasia"), I'm talking about "Of Mice And Man," an excellent song, that covers even the story with Metallica former bandmates, and of course, his self-destructive tendencies. Mustaine vocal skills never were that great, but this dude has his own style, and it works fine with the music and lyrics. // 8
Impression: This is a great record from a geat band (or a part of the band): every song is great, it covers years of story and many styles; it has strenght, power, definition, the songs are catchy, but agressive and original, they have melody, what else can you ask for? definitely up there with the best Megadeth albums; the only thing I don't like is that the songs don't fit each other making a compact idea of the record as a whole; I mean, you feel the mood of a "Greatest Hits" record, where songs are great, but it lacks of something: the concept of a record as a unit, that sutil spirit that touches every song, but leads them to the whole, which didn't happened (at least, to me) with others Megadeth records, such as "Peace Sells..." (very dark spirit), "Cryptic Writings" (very experimental, powerfull feeling) or even the underrated "Risk" (modern concept, industrial, more mainstream spirit). // 10
The System Has Failed
Reviewed by:
ibanez1313, on june 13, 2005 5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Sound: This is the first Megadeth album since Dave Mustaine's wrist injury. It is an amazing return to form for a more aggressive Megadeth, and should be a classic metal album. It is more thrashy than any recent material, but still has some slower tempo songs.
01. Blackmail The Universe - 4.5/5 - awesome, powerful, fast song with excellent drumming and powerful guitar playing. Cool riffs.
02. Die Dead Enough - 5/5 - my favorite song in recent memory. Awesome solos throughout, cool and powerful lyrics, and awesome melodies.
03. Kick The Chair - 4/5 - good, uptempo rocker. Awesome riffs, very cool lyrics. Definately heavey with that power groove feel.
04. The Scorpion - 3.5/5 - cool sound effects and power chord rhythms. I didn't really like the singing/lyrics.
05. Tears In A Vial - 5/5 - awesome verse and chorus. Has a cool, Maiden-esque gallop in the verse. Really cool singing and lyrics.
06. I Know Jack - some consider this filler, but I think it has really coll drums and guitar lines. It is only 40 seconds, so while it is not great, it is cool for 40 seconds no longer. I guess a 2.5/5.
07. Back In The Day - 4.5/5 - very catchy chorus that makes your head nod. Good riffs and intriging lyrics.
08. Something I'm Not - 1.5/5 - I just don't like this song. Not sure why. The lyrics are too talking-like. No real hook or outstanding feature of this song.
09. Truth Be Told - 5/5 - very cool, slow, dreamy verse transforms into a heavy chorus. Will also make you headbang. The verse lyrics are kinda silly, but lend to a cool atmosphere.
10. Of Mice And Men - 4.5/5 - awesome drumming, very interesting lyrics and cool harmony in the chorus. Good, palm-muted guitar parts.
11. Shadow Of Deth - 6/5 - I know I said Die Dead Enough is my favorite song, yet I rated this higher. This is more of a theme, not a song. It is so cool. A sinister voice recites David's Psalm 23 ("The Lord is my shepard...") In the background is some heavy guitar parts, then it breaks into another Maiden-esque lead guitar part. It is so cool, and makes me wanna shove my fist through a wall every time I hear it. (Sadly, it's only 2:15 long).
12. My Kingdom - 2.5/5 - might wanna fast forward the first 10 seconds of the same palm muted chord. Kinda interesting lyrics, but this song doesn't really go anywhere. Some cool parts where he talks (like when he says "Drink from the chalice...") Then goes into a standard metal solo break. // 10
Lyrics and Singing: Lyrics aren't too important to me, except when they ruin a song, which they never do here. Pretty good compared to most metal lyrics. Some are very personal of Dave, which I like a lot. Definately a plus. // 8
Impression: Overall 4.5/5. I like nearly every song on this album, which is rare. Definately amazing guitar-work. Highly recommended. I would buy it again if it were stolen. Interesting note, although the cover looks anti-Bush, Dave supports the president and his views on terroism and the war in Iraq. Good for him, he is not as ignorant as many other Hollywood liberal hippie types. // 10
The System Has Failed
Reviewed by:
Griffer38, on january 29, 2007 2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Sound: Dave Mustaine is back at it. His first CD since he became a Christian, and I was excited to get it, especially after I heard Greatest Hits: Back To The Start. It was just a different kind of metal I'd ever heard. Megadeth is back and they have one heck of an album to give us. It starts out real aggressive with "Blackmail The Universe". That's a good introduction, but the album's golden egg is the next track, "Die Dead Enough". It's an absolutely sweet combo of subtle melody with strings and Dave Mustaine's signature guitar solos. It is probably my favorite song from Megadeth I've heard yet. Not that that's the only good song. I could rant all day about how good the musical quality of this CD. Megadeth really went all out on this one and it definitely shows. My other favorite song on the album is "Scorpion" which has an eerie, little intro. It's pretty tight. Every song is pretty unique and you really get a feel for that right off the bat. // 10
Lyrics and Singing: Dave is back in usual form. He's still ranting about how government has screwed up the country. "Kick the Chair" is his rant about how the jury's for sale and how the system has failed. He still doesn't pile it on with no explaination. That's one of the cool things about it. He doesn't say something is wrong for no reason. He explains what he feels about everything he claims. In "Something I'm Not", Dave gets his shots in at Metallica. "The Shadow Of Deth" is a pretty interesting song, which is actually someone quoting Psalms 23. They fit it in with the music and it sounds pretty good. Dave's vocals are still really good. His versatility lets him go from a relatively low voice to a bit of a higher voice in others. It's very fitting for a band like this. // 9
Impression: All in all, this is an album that you will be listening to for a while. You may get hypnotized by some songs like "Scorpion" and find yourself hitting the repeat button to hear it again. The standout songs for me were "Die Dead Enough", "Scorpion", and "Kick The Chair". These are all filled with shredding, sometimes screaming, guitar and incredible lyrical depth. It's just an album and a half and I'd recommend it to anyone who loves some great thrash metal. // 10
The System Has Failed
Reviewed by:
Rattlehead666, on november 21, 2005 1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Sound: This is Megadeth's newest album besides Back To the Start. This album has Chris Poland in it which is one great thing. The riffs to this album are like the first few Megadeth albums. The songs have great solos and great sound. Each of the songs are good and here's the list.
01. Blackmail The Universe - this I think is suppose to be the original name for the album but I'm not sure if thats true or not. It starts off with jets crashing into each other and then a news reporter comes on. The song isn't one bit repeatative and it's pretty fast 10/10.
02. Die Dead Enough - this song at first reminded me of Hanagr 18 a little but now it doesn't. The song is a bit slower but still great 10/10.
03. Kick The Chair - this is propely one of the best songs on this album. It has great riffs and great solos 10/10.
04. The Scorpion - this song isn'y realy the best. It has a few good riffs but the ending is kinda weird 8/10.
05. Tears In A Vial - this song is a bit slower but then it gets a little heavier at the end 9/10.
06. I Know Jack - this is only 38 seconds long 6/10.
07. Back In The Day - this song you can relate to Dave Mustaine's life back when he got kicked out of Metallica 10/10.
08. Something That I'm Not - I'm not sure but I'm pretty sure that this song is aimed at Metallica or either James Hetfield or Lars Ulrich which makes the song even better. The reason why I think this because he says "To sell out your friends and stab them in the back" and "You never made metal buddy, metal made you" 10/10.
09. Truth Be Told - this song has a slow verse but then gets real heavy and great. The solo is good to 10/10.
10. Of Mice And Men - the chorus for this song is good and so are the other riffs and the solo 9/10.
11. Shadow Of Deth - this is one of my favorite songs on the album. It has great riffs and a cool solo part after the singing is done 10/10.
12. My Kingdom - this song connects up with Shadow Of Deth. the intro reminds me of one of the riffs in Seek And Destroy 9/10.
Each song except for I Know Jack got great ratings. Mustaine and Poland or in fact any guitarist who was ever in Megadeth was great. // 10
Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics are great. The song with the best lyrics is Something That I'm Not. The lyrics fit the music well and Dave Mustaine is a great vocalist especially in this album. // 10
Impression: This was the first Megadeth album I have ever bought and it won't be the last one I'm ever gonna buy seeing now I have five other albums. The most impressive songs on the album are Blackmail The Universe, Kick The Chair, Something That I'm Not and Shadow Of Deth. I don't hate anything about this album. This has to be one of the best metal releases of 2004. // 10
The System Has Failed
Reviewed by:
Busproof, on december 11, 2008 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: The System Has Failed, Megadeth's tenth studio album, is a trip back to the bands familiar thrash metal roots, a sound that had been nearly dropped in their previous radio-rock heavy album, Risk, but was reinstituted in The World Needs a Hero. it's also the first album prior to frontman and rhythm guitarist Dave Mustaine's damaged nerve accident. This album is the polar opposite of Risk, baring lots of thrash oriented riff work, political lyrics, and solos played by featured ex-Megadeth guitarist Chris Poland. Pure, heavy hitting, Megadeth. // 9
Lyrics and Singing: Vocally, it's what I've come to expect of Mustaine. While not as growl oriented as the bands early releases, it still packs that thrash angst that Mustaine is infamous for. Still, no real thrills in that department. Lyrically, it's an excellent effort. Songs like Blackmail the Universe and Kick the Chair are lyrically ingenious and contain many of the standard lyrical puns Megadeth is known for. The lyrics also suit the instrumental work as well, with the cynical anti-political songs having strong thrash metal support. // 8
Impression: Overall, it's an extremely strong come back following Mustaine's accident, and a definate improvement on The World Needs a Hero. I didn't experience any real disappointments with the album, knowing as soon as the riff came in on Blackmail the Universe that Megadeth was back, but it's still no match for the bands early work. it's no Peace Sells by any means, but it's a nice breathe of fresh air from their previous more radio oriented albums. I love Blackmail the Universe and Kick the Chair. They both seem to fit the general theme of the album's title as well as the cover artwork (which, in itself, is another awesome thing on it's own). Would I recommend this album? Sure. Fans who have grown accustomed to the less intense sounds of Risk and The World Needs a Hero may feel a little out of place listening to the album, but fans of the classic thrash-oriented Megadeth will find some gems here. Megadeth fan or not, I'd suggest all metal fans at least give this album a try. // 9
The System Has Failed
Reviewed by:
Shreddin 4 Life, on december 14, 2006 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: Oh man, what an album. Most bands that get to this point in their career usually have a funny way of making the fans lose interest. But however, Megadeth really seemed to have pulled off a really nice one here. Even though this album was done around 2003-2004, you could swear that it's a classic and that it was done at some point in the 80s! The return of Chris Poland just further made this album seem so, with leads and riffage that brings you back to the good old thrashy days of "Peace Sells... But Who's Buying." Really old-school-sounding guitar tones and leads that could be no other than Megadeth; truly a must-have fer 'Deth fans. Dave's vocals have lost a bit of their kick from the actual early days; but the layering of both the guitars & vocals really shows you that even though these guys are getting kinda old, they've also really matured musically! In fact, I've heard that Megadeth has been using some old school recording techniques lately that they were using in order to get the sound that they have now, so like their latest "greatest hits" compilation says: "Back To The Start" indeed. // 9
Lyrics and Singing: Well, as I just mentioned ealier, the actual vocals themselves are not quite what they used to be in terms of range and everything; but that's generally pretty normal, everyone gets old. But anyways, along with the natural maturing of the members; so to came the maturing of the lyrics. Songs like "Scorpion" really show this since the themes in the songs show that there's more to 'Deth than meets they eye. Plus there's the ever-great-sounding classic style tunes such as "Back In The Day" which have grooves that really take you back to those early days. // 8
Impression: All in all, this is one of the best Megadeth albums ever released in my honest opinion. Of course it'll never compare to anything done during the Marty Friedman years; but hey, that doesn't mean that it's still not a great album. In the least, this is the greatest 'Deth album to have been released in recent years. The best tunes for me are defintely "Kick The Chair", "Scorpion" & "Back In The Day," but don't let those tunes throw you off; the whole album is worth as much time as you can give it. Hell, even the shorter tunes like "In The Shadow of Deth" act as great segues into other tunes (which are quite reminiscent of Rust In Peace's "Dawn Patrol"). If only perhaps some of the solos were a little more extravagant, this would've been an even sicker album; but I suppose you can only go so far slapping 3-one minute & a ½ solos in almost every song! Other than that; this is pure Megadeth baby! So just sit back and enjoy the tunes. If I ever lost this, I'd have to run up and kick that SOB thief's chair over and show him how to "Die Dead Enough"! No, not really; but I would be goddamn pissed I'll tell you that. // 9
The System Has Failed
Reviewed by:
unregistered, on november 10, 2006 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: This album is very solid. It really fells like it's everything good that Mustaine did in his career put into one little disc. The guitar playing is very good, adn you can tell Poland has improved tremendously over the nearly 20 years since Peace Sells with blindingly good solos. The bass and drums are very good. My only complaint is that some songs have very boring buildups and others seem like filler. // 8
Lyrics and Singing: This is the most politically driven album since Rust In Peace (TWNAH had some lyrics like that as well). There are all kinds of corruption based stuff like I Know Jack, Blackmail the Universe, andf Kick The Chair. There are a couple of inner emotional songs (Die Dead Enough, Tears In A Vial). Other than that Mustaine Rules! // 10
Impression: This is a good Megadeth album. Personally I like The World Needs a Hero better but this is good album for longtime fans of the band. My favorite song on it is Tears In A Vail. Other favs would be Die Dead Enough, Blackmail, Of Mice and Men, and My Kingdom. I'm just wondering what Mustaines gonna come up with next?. If any of my cd's of this band were stolen I would be super pissed (acually my SFSGSW was stolen before and I was), and I would definatley buy it again and again. // 9
The System Has Failed
Reviewed by:
unregistered, on december 06, 2005 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: I've been a fan of Megadeth for years, but I always put them 2nd to Metallica 'cause I grew up with Metallica. I heard St. Anger and wasn't too impressed with it. When I heard The System Has Failed and heard the opening with the report and the riff, I was astonished. It was unbeliveable. The whole album was a fresh of breath air to the metal community thats been faltering these past few years. Every song on there was unique, yet badass as well. This album has all the ingredients from Killing to Countdown, with speed thrash riffs, with just heavy chugging melody. Dave Mustaine to me is the godfather of metal music. // 10
Lyrics and Singing: Dave strikes out with his lyrics and writes about what he writes best, corruption, politics, capitalism. Also with songs like Back in The Day, Something That I'm Not, and Of Mice Of Men, he reflects on old school metal, and his relationship with Metallica, and his coming forth with Megadeth. Not one song on this album has lyrics that dont fit, everything is just plain perfect. Yeah, truth be told, Dave's not the greatest singer in the world, but hes a helluva lot better than almost every metal singer out there nowadays (you can actually understand what hes saying without having to look into the booklet) and he's the only one who can sing out there and be real catchy. // 10
Impression: This is by far the best Megadeth album out there. It's basically a reflection on his music career for the past 20 years. It's got the speed of RIP and SFSGSW, the heaviness of CTE and PSBWB, and the meldoy of all of em. The greatest song on here to me hands down is Kick The Chair. Fast speed riffs, great lyrics, outstanding solos, such a headbangin song, Blackmail the Universe is 2nd in command on that one, especially Daves 1st Solo on there when he taps, sure brilliance. This puts Megadeth as my #1 band, they are the best. // 10
The System Has Failed
Reviewed by:
Metalmessias, on february 21, 2005 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: The first thing that strikes you when you listen to the album, is how well produced it is. Every sound is exceptionally clear. From the thunder and plane crash effects in the beginning on Blackmail The Universe, through the crunchy speed-metal sound on Kick The Chair to the orchestration on The Scorpion that simply fits perfectly. If you need to compare, it's the sound of Rust In Peace just about 1½ decade after that masterpiece was made. // 10
Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics are typical Dave Mustaine, and that's positive. His way of describing the American society and the government sucks - attitude is done in a trustworthy type of writing that also includes Mustaine's own feelings for the past, an incredible mixture of anger and depth. The album title basically says it all. The singer skills of Dave Mustaine have always been misunderstood by critics noting he basically can't sing properly. But with this kind of music, it's not about how high a tone the singer can reach or how clean the voice is. It all comes down to intensity, and there is Dave Mustaine one of rock/metal's true world powers. // 10
Impression: The System Has Failed, doomed to be the last Megadeth album is an album with pure Deth-feel, Mustaine's skills as one of metal's best writers in both music and lyrics really stand out here, as they did on Peace Sells... But Who's Buying, Rust In Peace and Countdown To Extinction. The System Has Failed is one of Megadeth's finest moments, right up there with the aforementioned albums which have already been classics for a decade or so. // 10
The System Has Failed
Reviewed by:
unregistered, on january 03, 2005 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: First off you know it will be a great quality sounding album if Dave Mustaine produces it himself. The System Has Failed has a crisp sound that makes you hear every little guitar note sound clear. I love the intro to the album with the war plane flying over head or whatever explosion it might be then the double bass with the kick ass riff to "Blackmail The Universe". Overall sound is awesome, if you got Bose system in your house/car you are in for a treat. // 10
Lyrics and Singing: Dave Mustaine, in my opionion is known for his lyric ability more than his singing. I love the way Dave write lyrics. It's amazing on what he says in his songs actually makes you think. I think his best lyrics are on the Youthansia album, but this one is pretty close to taking over. Overall, lyrics are awesome, they got all the Mustaine ingredients, the Mustaine snarl, scream, yell, ect. You will not be dissapointed on his lyrics. // 10
Impression: Wow, after I listened to this album for the 3rd time in a row, I have to say more songs have grown on me more. This is thier best album overall since Countdown to Extinction. I recommend this album to anyone that is into thrash, speed, or just good ole Megadeth style! // 10
The System Has Failed
Reviewed by:
unregistered, on october 27, 2004 1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Sound: Well Megadeth are back in action returning with (wot I think) is the best thrash metal album released since Metallica's 'Master Of Puppets'. Being a huge metallica fan I was very disappointed with St. Anger with no solo's and crappy lyrics and I was hoping that Megadeth would go down like that. And they didn't. This is the best album ever. // 10
Lyrics and Singing: Mustaine is a champ. His singing surpasses anything I've heard yet. The songs have meaning in them (unlike St. Anger). The solo's are perfectally placed. Tears in a Vial's solo is right where it should be. Oh and Metallica take note of that word solo and f--ing play some on the next album. // 10
Impression: Best album ever. The Scorpion has the best solo ever, followed closely by tears in a Vial's solo. I only disliked 2 songs in that album and they were still quite good. They were I Know Jack and My Kingdom. best songs are (in order) The Scorpion, Tears In A Vial, Die Dead Enough, Of Mice And Men, Shadow Of Deth (best guitar ever), Back In The Day, Something That I'm Not, Blackmail The Universe, Kick The Chair, I Know Jack and My Kingdom. Shadow Of Deth has the best guitar ever. A very impressive album. // 10
The System Has Failed
Reviewed by:
unregistered, on october 26, 2004 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: Attention everone, sadly The System Has Failed but this CD is the best heavy metal CD among the fifty of what I own. I heard that this CD is Mustaine's album not really Megadeth. Even though the first 5 albums were crazy good. Risk simply blowed. I mean it was better than those other pop CD's those days but this CD is in the same catagory beside Backstreet Boys. Other than that the CD is awsome and the track with Vic talking, is great. I wonder who does his cool voice. This CD was produced awsome because all the talking that happens in Black mail the unverse fit great. // 10
Lyrics and Singing: For the lyrics, all I can say is wow dude all the comments about political stuff is pretty good and the writing about his own life in songs like Some Thing That I'm Not and Ofmice and men I thought was really down to earth and personal stuff, kind of like Use the man. // 10
Impression: I think you'ld have to buy this album cuz Mustaine suffered a lot trying to bring his arm back in shape and he suffered emotionally to as you can see in Some kind of monster. But truly because TSHF is 100% better than St. Anger the two CD's proved that Deth can kick more ass than Tallica. To be honest I'm a big fan of Tallica too but there's no doubt that St. Anger didn't live up to Tallica's promies. // 10
The System Has Failed
Reviewed by:
unregistered, on october 16, 2004 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: When I first heard the cd I hated it. But then I listened to it a few more times and it tends ta grow on ya. I'm liking more n more if it. Mustaine's always had a distinct style when it came to writing songs and it's somethin I've never totaly been able to put my finger on what makes it destinct, but without a doubt, its there [Not to mention the ear bleedin solos] and although theres a lot of ups and a lot of downs on this cd, The System Has Failed is no exception. in short, if you haven't heard it yet, get out there and buy it. // 8
Lyrics and Singing: I love the fact its going back to a political "The Government Sucks" kinda veiw like with blackmail the universe and kick the chair which are both f--kin awesome songs. It's realy got a variety of meanings and tones through out the cd with both the lyrics and the playing. And as for mustaines singing, hell, coolest f--kin vox on the planet and he still kicks ass on this cd. And it's perfect for the music he writes. // 8
Impression: Now if you wanna compaire it to past megadeth cds, I think it's their best since Hidden Treasures and Youthanasia. Forgot if Hidden Treasures was made around that time. Screw it, you know what I mean. My personal favorite albums have been their earlier s--t. Nothin from any band past er present can touch "Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good" and when you compaire those two their ain't much of o contest. But if you hate Risk, then good news comrad, cuase it blows it outa the f--king water! Best song is Blackmail The Universe. And although I don't love every song on there, even if I hate it for the most part, it'll have at least one cool part in it I like to listen to. If it were lost, I'd buy it again, and if it were stolen, I'd punch the bastard in the face! // 8
The System Has Failed
Reviewed by:
The^Unforgiven, on september 28, 2004 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: Megadeth's back in the business! I really, really was afraid that this album would turn out to be full s--t, because the lineup is not very good, and the after hearing "Risk", (and hating it), and not beign very impressed by "The World Needs A Hero", and MetallicA's St. Anger beign such a failure, I really could'nt wait for a masterpiece. But I was wrong! This album kicks ass! I've been listening it for a couple of months now (I Had it on my computer months before it was released) and I really like it. Megadeth has returned more to the earlier days, And I could compare this album to "Rust In Peace", since this one is much more of the original Trash Metal that made Megadeth so great. // 10
Lyrics and Singing: I haven't really been noticing the lyrics too much, but on the other hand I haven't noticed anything disturbing in them either. Dave Mustaine sings as decently Not-too-good-but-not-terrible-either as allways. // 8
Impression: The fact is that this album is the best Megadeth album in a long time, and I like it! From the first song, "Blackmail The Universe" to the Closer, "My Kingdom Come", it feels like a fine kick to the face! I'm listening to the album right at the moment, and it makes me feel goooood. The best songs of the album are the fast and furious "Blackmail The Universe", the ultra-trash-metal song "Kick The Chair", the song with the intro "The Scorpion", the short interlude "I Know Jack" and the following song "Back In The Day" and the best song off the whole album, the epic, kicking, smashing "Of Mice And Men".
I Don't Like the single song, "Die Dead Enough" I just don't like it too much. I Love the Trashiness and "Let's get back to the time when Megadeth Kicked ass" - mood that it lets out, And I Only hate the lineup. If the album Got stolen, I'd buy a new one, like every single album in my collection. Overall: the best trash album in a long time! Rock on! // 10
The System Has Failed
Reviewed by:
MegaKyleGio, on october 06, 2004 0 of 4 people found this review helpful
Sound: When I first heard this album I was apalled, but after just sitting down and listening to it I loved it. The sound is not typical Megadeth, which is one of the downsides, but it has a good sound to it. It's tremendous writing, but its not thrash metal. Background singing and effects sometimes ruin the guitar as well. // 6
Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics are definetely Dave Mustaine, with talk of government on a couple of the tracks. Some of the lyrics are cheesy but overall I really like them. His singing skills are still great, but in the some of the songs I just wish he'd shut up the background singing, it's terrible. // 8
Impression: It doesn't compare to other Megadeth albums. I'm used to being able to listen to all the songs on Megadeth cds, but on this one its kind of dull. "Kick The Chair" is an outstanding song, I'd compare to "Take No Prisoners" and "Tears In A Vial" is very catchy. If it were stolen I would buy it again, it's worth the money. // 8
Metallica is better than Megadeth if you ask me. Not trying to get in a fight, I just think they're better. And not because they're more popular.
~Love, Dallas~
Abnormal, you do know that Metallica used leads that Dave Mustaine wrote for their first three albums dont you? IMO Dave Mustaine put Metallica on the map, and when he got kicked out it just gave him a chance to make a band that could actually make music and not **** "chuga chuga" stuff.
Metallica is way better!The reason why their first albums where better, is because of cliff burton who has died, not because of mustaine!when Jason Newsted came in the band, they became softer.
why is it that whenever megadeth and metallica are mentioned in the same thread its about hoos better.
i prefer metallica, but kirk hammet is a seriously over-rated guitarest, the riffs are awesome
megadeth, much better lead guitars but not as good at other areas.
Good album, not as thrashy, but very technical guitar riffs. Die Dead Enough and The Scorpion are the best songs on it, to bad die dead enough video sucks though.
thankgod for metallica! they gave us another great band! Megadeth are legendary and this album is too
i remember posting a message JUST like that a while back...
I think metallica has slighlty less talent than Megadeth, way less in songwriting, but metallicas talent is more like concentrated in their better songs where they leave the crappy songs for you to find out about when you buy the cd. Megadeth spreads the goodness out, i have yet to here a 'bad' Meagadeth song.
Mustaine is a much better singer, and an infinitely better lyricist, than Hetfield. He is also a much better riff writer than Hammet. The only reason these kids say Metallica is better, is because they've heard much more Metallica, and they don't understand Megadeth. TSHF is just another example of Megadeth staying strong as they always do, unlike that "St. Anger" bologna.
Mustaine is a much better singer, and an infinitely better lyricist, than Hetfield. He is also a much better riff writer than Hammet. The only reason these kids say Metallica is better, is because they've heard much more Metallica, and they don't understand Megadeth. TSHF is just another example of Megadeth staying strong as they always do, unlike that "St. Anger" bologna.
Abnormal, you do know that Metallica used leads that Dave Mustaine wrote for their first three albums dont you? IMO Dave Mustaine put Metallica on the map, and when he got kicked out it just gave him a chance to make a band that could actually make music and not **** "chuga chuga" stuff.
Not true, homeboy. I've heard No Life 'till Leather and Hammet barely starts the solos the same way as Mustaine and they are different from there. Mustaine wrote the chords to Ktulu and some in Ride the Lightning I think and maybe 1 or 2 more on Ride but Puppets is 100% Metallica. And we all know Mustaine only knows the blues scale so it's kind of a stretch to say that Hammet's modal arpeggios on Ktulu were Dave's licks. I do believe Megadeth got a raw deal in the cultural legacy department, believe me. But Metallica also did not just get lucky either. Metallica's legacy and fame are justified by their classic early work, and Megadeth should be held in the same regard. But Mustaine wrote Master of Puppets? Give me a ****ing break...
You see, the entire reason for Megadeth's existance is to be better than metallica. Mustaine saw the reaction Metallica got from tweaking their sound slightly, so now, you can listen to every single megadeth album without knowing the difference! (this is coming from a big megadeth fan and metallica fan)
Abnormal, you do know that Metallica used leads that Dave Mustaine wrote for their first three albums dont you? IMO Dave Mustaine put Metallica on the map, and when he got kicked out it just gave him a chance to make a band that could actually make music and not **** "chuga chuga" stuff.
Actually, Mustaine only wrote some material for the 'Kill Em All' album. He was kicked out of Metallica before they even recorded that album.
cant u just agree both are amazing bands. metallica are alot better known but megadeth are an awsum band that deserve but be more known. personaly sum of mustaines vocals are plain wierd, but i really hate how metallica turned so crappy. so ther tied.
this is y i hate site like this u get a bunch of clowns who do not nothin bout music. megadeth is better then metallica. reason are one . mustaine is a betterng songwriter and guitar player. also look at what type of music we are talkiNG bout THRASH METAL . look wat metallica became out with after and justice for all....crap!!!!"and nothing else matters"lol look at the megadeth carreer there songs and solo are insane. hanger 18 return to hangar holy war rust in piece ..ect i can list all day. as for metallica MOP was the last cool album even then literally half the songs suck(the thing that should not be .. wat the @#$% is that). u guys say mustaine didnt play a big part in metallica ... look at kill em all when u are in a band u share ideas b4 u record right. so i wouldnt be surprised if james got all of his ideas from mustaine. explaining metallica turned to shit(running out of cool ideas)...look at phantom lord that song kicks ass reason mustaine's work same with the fourhorse men . dave mustaine!!! 1990 metallica- black album(lame and gay), megadeth rust in piece!!!!
this is only one example there are many. i play guitar megadeth is so much harder to play and the lead are crazy."wat about master of puppets" some say that beats any megadeth some....hmm holy wars, rust in peace polaris, hanger 18, return to hangar, ashes in your mouth,go to hell..whcih are all cool..the Mop solo slow one is gud but the fast on blow a2@s...even megadeth album art is @#$%in coolerlmao. so all u clowns get educated b4 saying metallica is better. i dont care bout personal opainion but musically in all THRASH metal ways megadeth pwns metallica! if u dont think so pick up a metallica tab book and a megadeth tab book and see 4 ur self.cliff was awsone bassist but wasnt the reason y metallica was gud . mustaine was.. proof ..ride the lighting ..id cliff was the man behind all the gud music then y does for whom the bell tolls, escape and traped under ice suck, fade to black is gud but not thrash metal and there hadly any bass work in it. p.s james sing like a b@#$% now his voice started to suck ..as for mustaine's still kicks ass! looking at the facts,OVERALL ABLUMSthe system has failed(not a fast but very gud for 20years later -st. anger 1(stop hitting a garbage can with drum sticks exampl, and complexity mustaine and megadeth rule over metallica!
you all are so stupid, stop trying to compare. they are both great. you guys need to understand that no matter who plays the music, or what it's like, that there is still billions of people out there that like it. jesus get over it.
Metallica = Thrash metal (complex).
Megadeth = Speed metal (fast).
I love Metallica. I like Megadeth. HOWEVER. The System Has Failed is miles ahead of the Black Album and Metallica's following albums STRICTLY in the sense of genre. I like how Metallica evolved more than how Megadeth stuck with their roots.
Mustaine didn't send Metallica on the road to revolution; the COLLECTION of their (Hetfield, McGovney, Ulrich, Hammett, Mustaine, Burton) efforts sent them on the path to world domination. Ktulu is too repetitive, and Phantom Lord and Metal Militia are stale; The Four Horseman was Mustaine's only good contribution. Fight Fire With Fire is very bland and really only worked as an opener for the rest of Metallica's songs off of Ride the Lightning. Of course, Master of Puppets is considered their best work -- WHICH, Mustaine had no part of. ...And Justice For All is the most complex heavy metal album out there, more complex than -anything- Megadeth has written. Don't believe me ? Look at the Tab.
OVER ALL. Megadeth is faster and has much better solos; you can pick out at least five songs Metallica's ever written and they'll probably have the same solo. Creeping Death, Leper Messiah, and Fade to Black I think all have roughly the same, for starters.
Appreciate one band, or the other, or both; don't bash and use opinions or bias to try and glorify one of them.
or even the underrated "Risk" (modern concept, industrial, more mainstream spirit).
Risk is NOT under-rated. It blows.
Why is it so hard for people to believe that good bands can put out turds. Just look at Metallica and St. Anger, Load and Reload.
love them both
but latley seems like metallica is trippin a bit
and c'mon st. anger wasn't THAT horrible. it was jsut that the other albums were so good that some mediocre album makes it look like nothing.
and there was no solos in st.anger
pissed me off
this is y i hate site like this u get a bunch of clowns who do not nothin bout music. megadeth is better then metallica. reason are one . mustaine is a betterng songwriter and guitar player. also look at what type of music we are talkiNG bout THRASH METAL . look wat metallica became out with after and justice for all....crap!!!!"and nothing else matters"lol look at the megadeth carreer there songs and solo are insane. hanger 18 return to hangar holy war rust in piece ..ect i can list all day. as for metallica MOP was the last cool album even then literally half the songs suck(the thing that should not be .. wat the @#$% is that). u guys say mustaine didnt play a big part in metallica ... look at kill em all when u are in a band u share ideas b4 u record right. so i wouldnt be surprised if james got all of his ideas from mustaine. explaining metallica turned to shit(running out of cool ideas)...look at phantom lord that song kicks ass reason mustaine's work same with the fourhorse men . dave mustaine!!! 1990 metallica- black album(lame and gay), megadeth rust in piece!!!!
this is only one example there are many. i play guitar megadeth is so much harder to play and the lead are crazy."wat about master of puppets" some say that beats any megadeth some....hmm holy wars, rust in peace polaris, hanger 18, return to hangar, ashes in your mouth,go to hell..whcih are all cool..the Mop solo slow one is gud but the fast on blow a2@s...even megadeth album art is @#$%in coolerlmao. so all u clowns get educated b4 saying metallica is better. i dont care bout personal opainion but musically in all THRASH metal ways megadeth pwns metallica! if u dont think so pick up a metallica tab book and a megadeth tab book and see 4 ur self.cliff was awsone bassist but wasnt the reason y metallica was gud . mustaine was.. proof ..ride the lighting ..id cliff was the man behind all the gud music then y does for whom the bell tolls, escape and traped under ice suck, fade to black is gud but not thrash metal and there hadly any bass work in it. p.s james sing like a b@#$% now his voice started to suck ..as for mustaine's still kicks ass! looking at the facts,OVERALL ABLUMSthe system has failed(not a fast but very gud for 20years later -st. anger 1(stop hitting a garbage can with drum sticks exampl, and complexity mustaine and megadeth rule over metallica!
Maybe if you could write a good sentence and spell correctly, your opinion would be taken seriously.
There was also bass work in all of those songs you mentioned. The only album without bass work was ...And Justice for All.
I love both Metallica and Megadeth. I like Metallica a little more, but I got into them earlier, and just recently bought Rust in Peace, then Countdown to Extinction. I also have a record of Peace sells but whos buying. I love them all.
Both are good in there own right. I do agree that Megadeth is more technical though.
O yeah, Cliff taught James some music theory and stuff. So ya. Whatever
One more thing, I have been listening to Megadeth more than Metallica. Just becuase I have been listening to Metallica for a while and it is Megadeth's turn. But for the most part I like Metallica better than Megadeth.
How about this, compare Metallica and Megadeth to Neo and Mr. Smith. Each one is the others equal, made to balance each other out. I'm not gonna say who is who though, it is up to your personal preferance.
or even the underrated "Risk" (modern concept, industrial, more mainstream spirit).
Risk is NOT under-rated. It blows.
Why is it so hard for people to believe that good bands can put out turds. Just look at Metallica and St. Anger, Load and Reload.
It's easy to believe, its just none of those albums you mentioned are examples of that. Risk IS underrated and so is St Anger! Why is it so hard for YOU to believe and accept that talented artists like those two bands are NOT monotone and can pull off multiple styles equally well?
Anyway this album (TSHF) kicks ass! Even though now UA is out everyone seems to have forgotten this little gem it's still a great listen!
pantera pwns megadeth according to me, but still i respect megadeth for the influential and successful metal band they are, definitely worthy of being one of the big four, too bad there wasn't a big five so that pantera can get more recognition..not that they're already being loved and recognised by millions of fans of which i am one...go dime!!
Well, Megadeth is a righteous band... enuff said. Mustaine is amazing, on guitar and in vocals. Poland is a welcome addition back into the crew for this album. Die Dead Enough, The Scorpion, & (especially) Kick The Chair are the better songs on this album although they are all good in their own right.
TSHF deos not come close to the classics (mainly the first 4 or 5 lps) I don't know why anyone would think that! But having said that its the first enjoyable release from MegaDave for me since Cryptic Writings. Each track stands on its own almost as if each one was written at a completely different time period idk maybe they were. Some tracks could of easily been on past efforts and fit in just fine for example "Die Dead Eough" has Countdown vibe all over it, "Tears In A Vial" "Truth Be Told" could find in youthanasia, "kick The Chair" maybe could fit in RIP lol you catch my drift. Highlights for me are "Kick the Chair" Back in the Day" and "Shadow of Deth" despite my dislike for religion. Worth buying.
Blackmail the Universe is one of the most retardedly difficult songs Megadeth has ever done. Every couple of months, I try to learn it and then get pissed off and quit guitar.
thankgod for metallica! they gave us another great band! Megadeth are legendary and this album is too
i remember posting a message JUST like that a while back...
I think metallica has slighlty less talent than Megadeth, way less in songwriting, but metallicas talent is more like concentrated in their better songs where they leave the crappy songs for you to find out about when you buy the cd. Megadeth spreads the goodness out, i have yet to here a 'bad' Meagadeth song.
right , you have yet to hear a bad megadeth song , have you listened to train of consequences..
metallica rule at songwriting mate , kirk hammet rules and is not overrated.. i like megadeth nd that , but TOC was awful.
Blackmail the Universe is one of the most retardedly difficult songs Megadeth has ever done. Every couple of months, I try to learn it and then get pissed off and quit guitar.
Really? I found it very very easy and I suck at guitar haha!
Metallica = Thrash metal (complex).
Megadeth = Speed metal (fast).
....
Appreciate one band, or the other, or both; don't bash and use opinions or bias to try and glorify one of them.
Well said in the last bit! Both bands rock. I can't agree with Metallica being more "technical" though. Sure, their songs are longer, and have more parts, but the guitar playing and stuff is nowhere near as advanced as what Megadeths is!
I prefer Megadeth personally. Gonna have to get this CD, looks pretty good!
Metallica = Thrash metal (complex).
Megadeth = Speed metal (fast).
....
Appreciate one band, or the other, or both; don't bash and use opinions or bias to try and glorify one of them.
Well said in the last bit! Both bands rock. I can't agree with Metallica being more "technical" though. Sure, their songs are longer, and have more parts, but the guitar playing and stuff is nowhere near as advanced as what Megadeths is!
I prefer Megadeth personally. Gonna have to get this CD, looks pretty good!
Go listen to ...And Justice For All.
Personally I'm a fan of both bands, though I do prefer Metallica.
im a fan of both bands
but metallica are better songwriters imo
and if anyone has seen mustaine's vid's on guitar world dvd
he doesnt know a damn thing about music
oh and the four horsemen kicks the mechanix's arse
I love both bands, and wasn't around for the whole rivalry or for anything that either band did that sucked. So really, all I've been given to hear of them has been good, so my opinion of them is Megadeth is an amazing, fast paced, heavy band, and Metallica is the same, but not always as fast paced. But really I'd say they are two very different bands, enough so to a point where you might call them different sub genres of metal, which would render them incomparable to a point of opinion and bias.
But the comments like "Most technical music out there, more complex," and "Best metal album out there." Really that's all ridiculous, because I can name three much more complex bands, whether you like them or not, in metal. Gojira, Dream Theater, Opeth. I don't particularly like those bands (except Gojira) but if you want complex music, Metallica, despite how great they are, does not win the ticket, neither does Megadeth.
And greatest metal album out there? Nothing by Metallica classifies as such. If you can name a single song on an album you didn't like than it is immediately not the greatest anything. Best metal album out there? It's all speculation. But in my opinion, 'From Mars to Sirius,' Gojira.
But really I'd say they are two very different bands, enough so to a point where you might call them different sub genres of metal, which would render them incomparable to a point of opinion and bias.
Yet there are people who think Risk and St Anger are a good comparison!
Honestly for me Megadeth are my #1 band, and Metallica are equal 2nd with a couple others. That's based on my opinion, and I'm aware that there are more technical, heavier etc bands out there. You're right, people need to stop with the whole attitude that they're the only 2 bands in the world.
Obviously we all know why people compare the two; but based on that same logic people should compare Metallica to Exodus, Ozzy Osbourne, Suicidal Tendencies and Black Label Society. Megadeth too should thus be compared with OHM, Nevermore, Savatage, King Diamond, Eidolon, Blue Oyster Cult, others I cbf thinking of/looking up and of course also Black Label Society. Just cus someone was once in the band, doesn't mean their band now must be connected with that band for life.
Noverion :
why is it that whenever megadeth and metallica are mentioned in the same thread its about hoos better.
i prefer metallica, but kirk hammet is a seriously over-rated guitarest, the riffs are awesome
megadeth, much better lead guitars but not as good at other areas.
simple
Megadeth has better music. James has a better voice. Mustaine has a unique voice that could be recognized anywhere. James has a somewhat unique voice, sometimes I mistake another band for metallica. Metallica have lost their chops. Megadeth is just a technical and still metal. Risk wasn't crap it had some good songs. The Time songs. Prince of Darkness. Wanderlust is pretty good. The whole album is good AS A WHOLE. Albums like Load get a little stale. Ride the Lightning is a good album. And as far as anyone will ever know, Mustaine obviously had an influence of James. Mustaine came up with the thrash riff style. The only song Metallca had before Dave taught James his style of riffing is Hit The lights (riff). Mustaine also showed Kerry King his style when Kerry played in Megadeth. That's three bands sounds of the big four that he's influenced. Not saying James had no style because he built off Daves style and made his own style. Dave had to change his style when Kill em all came out with his music. Some metallica songs aren't good. I own and have heard every song by both bands. I love every Megadeth song ever made. I love some Metallica songs from the early days.
But that doesn't matter cause I'm going to listen to Dark Angel now.
James Hetfield > Dave Mustaine
Kirk Hammett < Dave Mustaine
Kirk Hammett = Marty Friedman
Kirk Hammett + Chris Poland < Chris Broderick
Cliff Burton > David Ellefson
Jason Newsted < David Ellefson
Robert Trujillo = David Ellefson
Lars Ulrich < Gar Samuelson
Lars Ulrich = Nick Menza
Lars Ulrich = Shawn Drover
Lou Reed + Bob Rock < Dave Mustaine
isn't math awesome?
i don't think anyone can convert this into a formula though. it'll take scientists from a heavy metal planet or something.
James Hetfield > Dave Mustaine
Kirk Hammett < Dave Mustaine Kirk Hammett = Marty Friedman
Kirk Hammett + Chris Poland < Chris Broderick
Cliff Burton > David Ellefson
Jason Newsted < David Ellefson
Robert Trujillo = David Ellefson
Lars Ulrich < Gar Samuelson Lars Ulrich = Nick Menza
Lars Ulrich = Shawn Drover
Lou Reed + Bob Rock < Dave Mustaine
isn't math awesome?
i don't think anyone can convert this into a formula though. it'll take scientists from a heavy metal planet or something.
You have got to be trolling. Comparing Menza to Ulrich is like comparing Portnoy to some hobo off the street.
