Countdown To Extinction (Remastered)by Megadeth

Megadeth followed up their thrashterpiece Rust In Peace by pulling things back a bit. Much like Metallica did with their self titled effort, Dave and company decided to try to change their sound into something simpler with more mainstream appeal rather than firing on all cylinders. Dave Mustaine had the goal of seeing this album reach the coveted number one spot on the charts. Alas, the group just missed the mark with Countdown To Extinction reaching the number two position becoming Megadeth's most commercially successful entry and a career landmark that proved the band could create strongly crafted songs with broader appeal while still retaining the thrash edge they were known for. The album was praised upon release by critics for its socially conscious commentary. By all accounts this fifth album is Megadeth's "black album" and my personal favorite. From beginning to end there isn't a weak moment to be found (well maybe one weaker moment...) and the improvement in songwriting and formula shows Megadeth maturing into a band that could still rock hard without their music needing to sound like a battering ram all the time. Skin O' My Teeth makes for a perfect segue from their previous effort to this album. This opener is a speed metal track that is one of the few on the album to sound similar to the thrashy numbers on Rust In Peace. The song also drew a small amount of controversy as it was written about a failed suicide attempt by Dave Mustaine. The album continues with Symphony Of Destruction which is probably Megadeth's most well known song to date and their biggest hit. The song is well known for its sharp, cutting riff and Dave's sinister delivery of the verses. Lyrically Symphony details the danger of people who blindly follow elected leaders who serve as political puppets to their own detriment. The album's ballad Foreclosure Of A Dream changes things up a little starting off slow before a rocking chorus and eventually erupts into a fast, almost airborne solo. The song is a statement of disdain for the agricultural companys that put many farmers out of business under President Ronald Reagans policies. The other big single from the record is Sweating Bullets in which Dave carries on dialogue with himself in rather humorous fashion. The song deals with themes of insanity, paranoia and schizophrenia. The track begins with a slow buildup to the verses and features Dave delivering excellent verses with memorable lines such as "if the war inside my head won't take a day off i'll be dead, my icy fingers claw your back!" A music video was also released featuring Dave interacting with other versions of himself inside of a prison. The title track further pushes the lyrical variety of the album condemning the hunting of animals to extinction. It is a middle of the road track that is given a sense of urgency by the anthemic guitar riff. The album closes with Ashes In Your Mouth which as with the opening track is one of the faster, thrashier moments on the album. The track is one of the longest on display here and contains verses with jagged guitars, quick drumming and an excellent solo. Its lyrics are centered around pondering life and what happens to us after death. The remastered version of the album contains a bonus track called Crown Of Worms. For all intents and purposes i believe this album serves as Megadeth's magnum opus because it pushed the boundaries of Megadeth's music that would allow for more musical diversity in subsequent releases. If you are new to Megadeth or thrash metal in general this is a great place to introduce yourself to their catalogue. I highly recommend adding this to your music collection.