United Abominations

Leave it to Megadeth to come out raging against the machine in their latest protestation on the state of the nation, United Abominations (delivered in thrash metal clothing of course).

Call it a concept album or one that just charts the concerns of Mega man Dave Mustaine but he's not for war. Skidding over terrain like religious hostility ("Amerikastan") and the violent and fearful myths that occupy dream life ("Sleepwalker"), some fans are calling this Megadeth's best in years.

The name Megadeth has been a trusted brand in metal music ever since its 1985 debut Killing Is My Business And Business Is Good. After all these years, some of them including difficulties (rehab, a longstanding feud with Metallica), it's inspiring to hear Mustaine still thrashing onward. The latest lineup for his dreamchild includes Glen Drover on lead guitar, James Lomenzo on bass and Shawn Drover on drums; the tight unit is capable of shredding with the best of them.

Long known for dealing with political concerns, the album doesn't shy away from the controversial topics of the day. "Washington Is Next!" is a power-packed statementabout the deterioration of the quality of American life at the hands of greed, with evocative dueling guitars. "Never Walk Alone" is about a reliance on a greater power. "United Abominations," the album's title opus, is an investigation into hypocrisy while it uses different sounds and styles to form a collage of contemporary sound. "Gears Of War," cranks it up, in blueprint, Black Sabbath, old-school style, for another terrifying journey into darkness.

"Blessed Are The Dead" is a mourning song for those who've died at the hands of war, delivered with spit and anger by Mustaine. "Play For Blood" slaps with the sound of funk metal. "A Tout Le Monde (Set me Free)," is a moody ballad and letter from the otherside of this life.

"Amerikastan" denounces religious wars as it includes some alternating shredding solos by Glen Drover and Mustaine. Often you'll notice an album winds down toward its end but not so with this Megadeth mood piece: it's gnarly through and through. Mustaine takes on one of his bigger themes of addiction for the final, burning cut, "Burnt Ice."

Whether he's taking on war or Metallica's Lars Ulrich, Dave Mustaine remains a fearless voice in metal. United Abominations is no disgrace; rather, it's another medal for his full metal catalog.