Disco de Megadeth: “Cryptic Writings [Bonus Disc]”

In 1996, Dave Mustaine's former band (Metallica) alienated their cult following by releasing "Load," an album which was very commercial, simplified, and alternative. And even though Dave Mustaine and Megadeth would eventually follow suit and release "Risk" in 1999, they first made an album (1997's "Cryptic Writings") which pleased all metal fans, and helped make the Metallica fans less angry. Megadeth's seventh studio album was, at the time, definitely their best effort since "Rust In Peace" came out in 1990. "Cryptic Writings," which is kind of like a combinations of Megadeth's last two albums (1992's "Countdown to Extinction" and 1994's "Youthanasia"), is full of crunchy riffs, memorable hooks, and famous, acrobatic guitar solos from axemen Dave Mustaine and Marty Friedman. "Trust," "She-Wolf," and "Vortex" are all instant `Deth classics, and "Almost Honest" includes an incredible, long, wailing guitar solo. Elsewhere, "Use The Man" begins with acoustic strums and has a rhythm which subtly gains momentum and speed, "The Disintegrators" features fast, stutter-stepping riffs, "I'll Get Even" has a very infectious and memorable sing-along chorus, and "A Secret Place" has a catchy, "Rust In Peace"-esque vibe and rhythm. So, "Cryptic Writings" is definitely another great Megadeth album, it is a mostly successful attempt at returning to the thrash sound of the 1980's, and it is, in my opinion, better than both "Youthanasia" and "Countdown to Extinction." And if Dave Mustaine hadn't made "The System Has Failed" in 2004, this disc would still be Megadeth's best album this side of 1990. Plus, if you buy the remastered edition, you get an unreleased bonus track ("Bullprick") which is also essential for every diehard Megadeth collection.

When this album came out I despised it. Where was the whole scene going? Well, now it's gone and almost a decade later i've finally come to terms with it. Having discovered nothing new worth anything, I find myself discovering "over-looked" gems in the households of friends as we drink and build walls and try and forget the world of 2000 even exists. So we're playing cards and my buddy throws in Cryptic Writings. Jesus, at least I haven't heard it a thousand times. And man, by track five i'm like Holy S**t, this record is awesome. I can't believe I ever hated it. I mean, I know why hated it. I used to be King Metal. But the world killed that guy. Starved him to death. Or maybe just into a coma. But the song crafting and flow on this album really is incredible. It's actually pretty. This is music. Like Dream Theatre that doesn't suck, and nothing like that actually, but the same feeling. As it flows into the final tracks, it starts to sound more like filler and loses the cool groove, but if this was a record of old, it would be A sides and B sides. Two sides of a coin. You could get away with a lot more musical freedom and exploration like that. Like every record was two mini-albums. I miss that. It's so awesome that you can leave a band behind, leave em for dead, and years later discover this album they made. (...) My favorite band that no longer exists just put a out a new cd that rocks. I went back and listened to Youthanasia but it still sucks. Cryptic of course sounds nothing like early Megadeth, but it is really good music. If it had a different band name and a trend friendly image it would have been a monster success. Then again, maybe not. (...)

This, quite simply, eclipses any of Megadeth's previous work (including their pretty good new album, RISK). The band got a mixture of flack from old fans, and praise from critics on this album, and for once I'm going to side with the critics. As a collection of songs, as heavy metal that's supposed to give you energy, to make you want to rock out, Megadeth has really served up a classic here. Some fans detest this, but this album is truly like Metallica's BLACK album, but better. Now, I love Metallica, and in general like them more than Megadeth (I have ALL the albums by both bands), but this one changed my perspective (and I was let down a little by RISK). Anyways, this is more of a departure from the bands more progressive elements (where YOUTHANASIA really began the move towards a more accessible sound). However, while Megadeth has gone more commercial here, the result is an album that had great success on radio for a reason. "Trust" is Megadeth's best song, period. It's a bit like a catchier "Enter Sandmand". "Almost Honest", "A Secret Place", "Use The Man", this entire album is consistently strong, with the addition of one element that seriously elevates Megadeth's music-hooks! For fans of heavy metal (particularly fans of Metallica's BLACK album), this is a must-have. This is the place to start a Megadeth collection, as their most accessible album. The old stuff, from the PEACE SELLS...BUT WHO'S BUYING period is great, but CRYPTIC WRITINGS, like any truly great album, managed to change my perspective (for the better) of this band forever. My only fear is that they'll never live up to this album again.

This album contains 4 Rust In Peace style songs, 4 Countdown to Extinction style songs, and 4 Youthanasia style songs (as said in the CD booklet). This album contains a good mix of light and hard stuff. If you like stuff from Countdown to Extinction on then you will probably like the album. If you are a PRE-Countdown to Extinction person then this album might not leave you fealing satisfied. The guitar solos on this album, although still good, do not shine as much as they do on Megadeth's previous albums. The album starts up with lighter tunes where as it ends with some harder material. Certainly not their most technical album, but still contains a lot of great songs. I consider this album to be kind of a light-metal (although some songs do break through the barrier). I enjoy this album.

while it doesn't match up to their three previous cds, it is still solid megadeth, there is no fear of metallica-ish turning alternative here. 'FFF' sounds like something from 'rust in peace' and 'disintegrators' could almost have come from 'peace sells...' This may be a new high in sales for Megadeth, but it isn't a radio cd, it is still pure metal with no excuses, no attempts at going mainstream. It is similar to Youthanasia in one big way, it isn't what you expect. When i heard about Youthanasia, i was expecting a full cd of 'holy wars...the punishment due' and was of course very disappointed, but after i gave it another try about a month later, i loved it and to this day consider it right up there with RIP and Countdown as their best efforts. Cryptic Writings is the same way, listen to it a couple times and get the feel of it, and you'll realize it is still pure, unashamed metal that has never been toned down or made to play nice for radio time.