Cool, Duke! I was hoping to see your take on these sometime soon. One big thing that needs to be addressed is that these are not simple remasters - they are remixes from the ground up. Each album was mixed as if it was brand new, with Mustaine going back to the originally recorded master takes of each instrument and mixing it to remove the really sadly dated effects the producers back in the day added to make it sound so "modern." What we get to hear now is about as close to the natural sounds of the instruments and vocals as you'll ever hear coming out of a major label studio effort. It's also interesting to note that Mustaine re-recorded the vocals for Rust In Peace's "Take No Prisoners," which has had some fans up in arms over on the Megadeth fan forums. Me? I don't care - it sounds amazing and if you'd never heard the original, you'd never know the difference (and might not know the difference, period.)

I picked these all up the week of release and each one has had quite a bit of rotation since then, but like you suggest, it's those later ones that just don't call me back as often. I have to say, however, that when I put Cryptic Writings on, I was STUNNED at how much better that album was than I'd remembered it being, It's been a while since I'd heard it, actually, having sacrificed it to the used-CD gods for other "necessary" stuff that I probably also sacrificed someday later on, but I immediately noticed, and thanked Mustaine in my thoughts, for removing the really cheesy vibrato-guitar from the chorus of "Almost Honest," like the live version found on Rude Awakening. (Yes, I'm not ashamed, I actually do love that song, and actually much of the whole album.)

Even Risk has turned out to be pretty fun listening - as long as I don't expect it to sound like Megadeth. Mustaine's liner notes about the time really go along way to excusing the changes - afterall, having the label, the producer, AND rest of the band leaning on you to produce a commercial hit can likely lead to a little loss of dignity. Happily, the follow up, on Sanctuary records, The World Needs A Hero is a return to the post-Countdown, pre-Risk era, with a little of the frantic power of the earlier four thrown in for good measure (except "Moto-Psycho" - seriously, was this a Risk leftover?)

The original MD.45 is worth seeking out - the differences are not just in the vocals. But Ving's vocals are also kind of fun, kind of choked and deeper than Mustaine's, giving the album a more punk feel than the new remix. I think you can likely track down a copy in a used shop - I see them all the time - or on something like half.com or Amazon. It's worth owning if you enjoy the new one so much.

Tom, thanks loads for the info!

I tried to talk as much as possible about the remastering, but you now how it is when you've got 8 records for to write about! Your input is really, really appreciated.

I've been hearing good things about the later record you mention, The World Needs A Hero, and apparently the upcoming The System Has Failed is great too. Who knows? I'll seek out the original MD 45, based purely on your reccomendation, and also, obviously, the fact that i loved this version.

Again, thank you.

Duke, the little teasers of The System Has Failed that I've heard (via mp3s posted by Mustaine at Megadeth.com - you can also hear "Die Dead Enough" as an e-card at the site now) indicate it's going to be a great album, covering pretty much everything the band has done so far, but with a lot more fast Rust In Peace-era riffing.

2004's been an incredible year for metal . . . and it's only a little over half-finished!

I saw a set of all eight albums (pre-release) for sale for $45 at the local, monthly record show. I was tempted, but didn't have the cash on me. If thats there next month, I'm totally picking it up.

theory, i'd say thats quite the bargain. I could live without the last three megadeth releases, but still, 45 quid is a fine price. The others are all fantastic, and sound great.

yo u all dont like criptic ritings u can suk mi dik bcuz its da shit just like all their other albums

by the way probly 1 of the most crucial Megadeth songs eveer is RATTLEHEAD i looooooooove killing is my business it kicks so much ass!!!!!!peace n anal grease