United Abominations
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| United Abominations | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
|||||
| Studio album by Megadeth | |||||
| Released | May 15, 2007 | ||||
| Recorded | 2006 | ||||
| Genre | Thrash metal, speed metal, heavy metal | ||||
| Length | 47:57 | ||||
| Label | Roadrunner Records | ||||
| Producer | Dave Mustaine, Jeff Balding, Andy Sneap | ||||
| Professional reviews | |||||
| Megadeth chronology | |||||
|
|||||
United Abominations is the eleventh studio album by the American thrash metal band Megadeth. Released on May 8, 2007, United Abominations is the first Megadeth release distributed through Roadrunner Records, and was recorded with an all new lineup excluding the band's singer, guitarist, songwriter, and frontman Dave Mustaine. While touring to promote the album, guitarist Glen Drover left the band for personal reasons and was replaced by Chris Broderick.
United Abominations was well received by critics and debuted at number eight on the Billboard 200, the highest chart position for the band since 1994's Youthanasia. Greg Prato of All Music Guide stated Megadeth "sound reborn" on United Abominations.[1] The lyrics of the album deal with politics and the state the world is in, with Ed Thompson of IGN stated the album is the band's most politically charged.[2] The album was named the number one metal album of 2007 by Guitar World.[3][4]
Contents |
[edit] Background
Prior to the release of United Abominations, Megadeth signed a recording contract with Roadrunner Records. The band had troubles with music rights involving two former labels that carried Megadeth, Capitol and Sanctuary Records.[5] This is the first Megadeth album since the 2004 album The System Has Failed, which was released through Sanctuary. While on tour to support The System Has Failed, Megadeth frontman, guitarist, and vocalist Dave Mustaine contemplated breaking up Megadeth to record as a solo artist. At a sold-out concert in Buenos Aires, Mustaine stated the band would stay together. The show in Buenos Aires, where this info was announced at, was recorded and released on CD and DVD as That One Night: Live in Buenos Aires.[5]
Megadeth had a new band lineup, aside from Mustaine, comprising Glen Drover (guitar), James Lomenzo (bass guitar), and Shawn Drover (drums).[6][7] Mustaine chose these people for full time members rather than session musicians. He stated that he liked the Drovers' "sibling chemistry" and Lomenzo is a "legend".[8]
[edit] Writing and recording
Mustaine stated he did not "go into making this record with any pre-conceived notions". He said some of the lyrics on United Abominations were written about his frustration with his past record labels, stating "a lot of that translated into the intensity on the record."[9] Mustaine wrote the songs for the album in an attempt to "stir something in the minds of the listener".[9] The lyrics of the album are mostly written about the choices the American government make that Mustaine finds are foolish. Mustaine stated recording the new songs was "super fun", despite having troubles with some of the complex music and vocal usage.[9] All of the lyrics and all music, with the exception of one song, were written by Mustaine. "Never Walk Alone… a Call to Arms" was co-written by Mustaine and guitarist Glen Drover. When bassist James Lomenzo was asked about the lyrics of the album, he said to "talk to Dave about that". Although most of the band had no writing credits on the album, they stated that they were excited about recording the music.[10]
United Abominations was recorded in 2006 at SARM Hook End Studios, London, England; the Steakhouse, Studio City, California; Big Fish Encinitas, California and Backstage Productions. Additional overdubs were recorded at S.I.R. rehearsal studio, Hollywood, California and Mustaine Music, Fallbrooke, California. Most of the record was tracked in England because frontman Dave Mustaine admired the fact that his favorite band, Led Zeppelin, previously recorded there many times.[9] Mustaine produced the album, with additional production handled by Jeff Balding and Andy Sneap.
At track 8, "À Tout le Monde (Set Me Free)" is a remake of "À Tout le Monde" originally appearing on the 1994 album Youthanasia. The song is a more uptempo version of the original song, and features Lacuna Coil vocalist Cristina Scabbia singing backing vocals.[11] Scabbia stated she was "really surprised about it because 'À Tout Le Monde' is a song that I've always loved. It was a big surprise for me to get this invitation —I was really honoured to be part of it."[11] Mustaine chose Scabbia over three other choices because of her "reign in the heavy-metal business".[11]
The song "Gears of War" is featured on the soundtrack to the video game of the same name. Initially, the song had no lyrics; however, Microsoft approached Megadeth, asking to use the song in Gears of War. The band accepted the offer and wrote lyrics for the song, but it was too late to use the lyrics in the version for the video game, as the game was near completion.[9]
[edit] Album artwork
All artwork for the album was selected from a contest held by DeviantArt.[12] The contestants were asked to design a new version of Vic Rattlehead, the band mascot which appears on nearly every Megadeth album cover. Mustaine chose from the top 11 finalists to be included in the CD booklet.[12] The cover was unveiled in August 2006. Although the cover of the CD was not the winner of the contest, Mustaine chose it as his favorite picture, and wanted it for the cover. No photographs of the band were taken for the CD booklet, leaving the entire design as fan-made artwork.[6][12]
[edit] Release and promotion
.JPG/175px-Megadeth_(5).JPG)
United Abominations was originally set for an October 2006 release, but with the scheduled release date rapidly approaching, Mustaine told Billboard magazine in August 2006, "We're putting the finishing touches on it. We've got a little more work before it's finished, but it should be out some time next year."[13] The completed album was leaked on to the internet in April 2007 and the first official pressing of the album was released exclusively in Japan on May 8 and contained a cover of the 1970 Led Zeppelin song "Out on the Tiles".[14] The album was released internationally with a missing track on May 15, and a day later in the United States. A week after its release in the United States, the album had sold nearly 60,000 copies and debuted at number eight on the Billboard 200, 10 places higher than the band's previous album, 2004s The System Has Failed.[15] The album debuted at number two in Finland, five in Canada, and the top 30 in seven other countries.[16][17][18]
Megadeth started touring in March 2007 in support of the album in Canada opening for Heaven and Hell and Down, followed by a North American tour opening for Heaven and Hell and touring with Machine Head.[19] On this tour, which lasted until May, the band debuted the songs "United Abominations", "Washington Is Next!" and "Sleepwalker".[9] After the Heaven and Hell tour, Megadeth started the worldwide Tour of Duty, which lasted until March 2008.[19] Megadeth also toured in Australia on Gigantour with Static X, DevilDriver, Lacuna Coil, and Bring Me the Horizon as supporting acts.[19] At one concert in Australia, Cristina Scabbia performed on stage with Megadeth for "À Tout le Monde (Set Me Free)".[20]
[edit] Departure of Glen Drover
On January 14, 2008, it was announced that guitarist Glen Drover was leaving Megadeth to focus on his family and that the constant touring was starting to have a negative effect on him.[21] Mustaine said he was happy with Drover's decision and is pleased that his replacement is former Jag Panzer and Nevermore guitarist Chris Broderick, whom he said was "doing just fine".[22] Former Nevermore band member Van Williams commented that Megadeth is "getting one hell of a good player, more importantly they're getting a great guy to hang out with and a true friend."[23] Broderick said, "I realize I have some big shoes to fill and I will do my best."[24] His first concert with the band was on February 4, 2008 in Finland.[21] Mustaine announced Gigantour 2008—lasting from April to May—and that Broderick will be playing on the tour. The opening acts for the tour will be High On Fire, Job For A Cowboy, Children Of Bodom and In Flames.[19]
[edit] Critical reception
United Abominations received generally positive reviews, and was thought of as a return to form for Megadeth by critics. Don Kaye of Blabbermouth.net said the album "is an unabashedly guitar-driven album, stuffed with riffs and leads coming from all directions. The sense of explosive instrumentation under precise control that was a hallmark of early Megadeth efforts is back, which means that Megadeth, in many ways, is back too."[25] About.com reviewer Chad Bowar stated the album "is the best Megadeth album in at least a decade."[26] Greg Prato of All Music Guide praised the album, stating "Megadeth's crunchy, venomous thrash has remained intact. Megadeth were never afraid to show off their prog-worthy chops, and the 2007 lineup appears custom-made for tackling 'tricky bits'. Mustaine and company certainly sound reborn."[1] Rolling Stone reviewer Evan Serpick noted a downside to the album, stating it sounded too much like all of the band's previous albums.[27] Ed Thompson of IGN praised the album and its political lyrics, saying "cranks out so much attitude, so much opinion, and so much firebranded speech that the album could be mistaken for a political rally."[28] Commenting on the Megadeth's new lineup, Jon Weiderhorn from MTV said "Once again, the system is fully operational."[29] United Abominations was voted the best metal album of 2007 by the reader's poll in the March 2008 issue of Guitar World and the Brave Pick of 2007 by Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles.[3][4][30]
On July 10, 2007, a rebuttal was posted by Mark Leon Goldberg on the United Nations affairs blog against the accusations made in the title track of the album, "United Abominations". Goldberg reviewed the song verse-by-verse, pointing out false accusations.[31] The blog stated that "we at UN Dispatch refuse to let Megadeth's witless screed go unchallenged. We listened [to the song] so you don't have to".[31]
[edit] Track listing
All songs written by Dave Mustaine, except where noted.
- "Sleepwalker" – 5:53
- "Washington Is Next!" – 5:19
- "Never Walk Alone… a Call to Arms" (Mustaine, Glen Drover) – 3:54
- "United Abominations" – 5:35
- "Gears of War" – 4:26
- "Blessed Are the Dead" – 4:02
- "Play for Blood" – 3:49
- "À Tout le Monde (Set Me Free)" – 4:11 (featuring Cristina Scabbia)
- "Amerikhastan" – 3:43
- "You're Dead" – 3:18
- "Burnt Ice" – 3:47
[edit] Bonus track (Japan pressing)
- "Out on the Tiles" - 4:03 (Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, John Bonham) – 4:03 (Led Zeppelin cover)
[edit] Bonus track (pre-ordered copies)
- "Black Swan" – 4:04
[edit] Personnel
|
|
|
[edit] Chart positions
| Chart | Peak position [16][17][18] |
|---|---|
| Billboard 200 | 8 |
| UK Top 40 | 23 |
| Swedish Top 60 | 15 |
| Australia | 23 |
| Austria | 17 |
| Canada | 5 |
| Germany | 28 |
| Finland | 2 |
| Italy | 24 |
| Ireland | 31 |
| Netherlands | 49 |
| Norway | 21 |
| Switzerland | 38 |
[edit] References
- ^ a b Prato, Greg. United Abominations All Music Guide review. All Music Guide. Retrieved on 2008-02-02.
- ^ Thompson, Ed (2007-05-17). IGN - United Abominations. IGN. Retrieved on 2007-07-09.
- ^ a b "Reader's Poll" (March 2008). Guitar World.
- ^ a b 2008 Guitar World Readers Poll Results!. Guitarworld.com. Retrieved on 2008-02-04.
- ^ a b Epstein, Dan (May 2007). "My Last Words?". Revolver Magazine.
- ^ a b (2007) Album notes for United Abominations by Megadeth. Roadrunner Records (180272).
- ^ (2004) Album notes for The System Has Failed by Megadeth. Sanctuary Records (84748).
- ^ "Going postal – Megadeth" (March 2008). Revolver Magazine.
- ^ a b c d e f Myden, Chuck (2007-04-20). Dave Mustaine says United Abominations is a true Megadeth record. Blabbermouth.net. Retrieved on 2008-02-28.
- ^ Carras, Mark. Megadeth bassist discusses United Abominations. Roadrunner Records South America. Retrieved on 2008-02-02.
- ^ a b c Megadeth: "A Tout Le Monde (Set Me Free)" Video Posted Online. Blabbermouth.net (2007-04-19). Retrieved on 2008-02-03.
- ^ a b c Megadeth: United Abominations Artwork Unveiled. Blabbermouth.net (2008-08-02). Retrieved on 2008-02-05.
- ^ Graff, Gary (2006-08-23). Megadeth 'United' For Roadrunner Debut. Billboard charts. Retrieved on 2007-05-22.
- ^ Prato, Greg. United Abominations (bonus track) overview. All Music Guide. Retrieved on 2008-02-03.
- ^ Hasty, Katie (2007-05-23). Linkin Park Scores Year's Best Debut With 'Midnight'. Billboard charts. Retrieved on 2008-02-03.
- ^ a b Megadeth – Artist Chart History. Billboard charts. Retrieved on 2008-02-02.
- ^ a b Megadeth: United Abominations Enters Irish Chart At No. 31. Blabbermouth.net (2007-05-22). Retrieved on 2008-02-02.
- ^ a b Megadeth: United Abominations Enters Finnish Chart At No. 2. Blabbermouth.net. Retrieved on 2008-02-02.
- ^ a b c d Killing Road. Megadeth.com. Retrieved on 2008-02-03.
- ^ Megadeth performs "A Tout le Monde (Set Me free)" with Cristina Scabbia. Blabbermouth.net (2007-11-11). Retrieved on 2008-02-02.
- ^ a b Glen Drover: 'I Have A Lot Of Great Memories' From My Time With Megadeth. Blabbermouth.net (2008-01-14). Retrieved on 2008-02-03.
- ^ Dave Mustaine: New Megadeth guitarist is "Doing just fine". Blabbermouth.net (2008-01-17). Retrieved on 2008-02-04.
- ^ Nevermore drummer: Megadeth is getting "One Hell Of A Good Player, Great Guy And True Friend". Blabbermouth.net (2008-01-16). Retrieved on 2008-02-04.
- ^ New Megadeth guitarist: "I Realize I Have Some Big Shoes To Fill". Blabbermouth.net (2008-01-16). Retrieved on 2008-02-04.
- ^ Kaye, Don. Album reviews – United Abominations. Blabbermouth.net. Retrieved on 2008-02-04.
- ^ Bower, Chad. About.com - United Abominations. About.com. Retrieved on 2007-07-09.
- ^ Serpick, Evan (2007-06-31). Megadeth United Abominations. Rolling Stone. Retrieved on 2008-03-29.
- ^ Thompson, Ed (2007-05-17). Everyone is entitled to Mustaine's opinion. IGN. Retrieved on 2008-04-04.
- ^ Weiderhorn, Jon (2006-07-17). Megadeth Heading Back To The Old School With United Abominations. MTV. Retrieved on 2008-04-04.
- ^ Hot Flashes. Bravewords.com. Retrieved on 2008-03-14.
- ^ a b Goldberg, Mark Leon (2007-07-10). Critic Watch: Megadeth Smackdown Edition. Undispatch.com. Retrieved on 2008-02-05.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
