One of the most anticipated releases of the year; legendary thrash master Dave Mustaine has been planning his comeback for almost a decade. Following a string a commercial failures such as “Cryptic Writings”, “Risk” and “The System Has Failed” (all of which had some great songs) Megadeth has returned to the metal Valhalla with its new offering “United Abominations”.

Aside for one true abomination, a remake of “A Tout Le Monde” (featuring Cristina Scabbia of Lacuna Coil on vocals) which is pointless and unnecessary, the album features an impressive range of riffs that bring back memories of the band’s glory days of “Rust in Peace” and “Countdown to Extinction”. With the exception of the aforementioned horrible remake, virtually every song on this album is an instant Mega-classic. The driving drums and technical riffs plague every song, starting with “Sleepwalker” and its great chorus. “Washington is Next”, “Never Walk Alone…A Call to Arms”, “Amerikhastan” and the title track all have great bass lines, Megadeth’s signature riffs, impressive guitar duels between Dave Mustaine and Glen Drover, and the swift lyrical approach Mustaine has towards his words. Mustaine also gives his best vocal performance ever since 1994’s underrated “Youthanasia”.

Whether you agree or not with Mustaine’s political views, it all works for the better, as Megadeth have yet again written a very political album that is very well cemented in the current state of affairs worldwide. The album’s highlight is “Gears of War” which has one of Mustaine’s best riffs since “Symphony of Destruction” hit the airwaves back in 1992. The song is inked with war criticism and a classic vocal performance from Mustaine. The album isn’t as fast as the Megadeth of old, most of the songs on this album are mid tempo, but it doesn’t undermine what the band has achieved.

After all is said and done, “United Abominations” can be considered the comeback many were expecting from this band. It is a solid album with all the elements that made Megadeth such an important band in the early days of trash metal; great riffs, pulsing drums, heavy bass lines, and screaming guitar solos.