Thats if you could even call this a band. Dave Mustaine has always been the primary song writer/dictator for Megadeth but this is quite literally a one man show. He fired all the members from their last lineup and wrote this entire record with session players. Anyways, back to the actual record itself. The System Has Failed is without a doubt the best thing Mustaine has done since Rust In Peace (the bands masterpiece, which I doubt anyone can top) but it still feels like its missing something.
The songs on this album have nearly all the ingredients that made us love oldschool Megadeth: lead guitar, double bass drums and headbanging thrash riffs. All of which have been lacking from the band for more than 10 years. The only thing that still hasnt returned is the edge. That sheer manic quality in Mustaine's voice and playing that was fueled by an excess of drugs and hatred (mainly for Metallica). Dont think he's singing about picking daisies...its just that "Blackmail The Universe" doesn't match up to "Wake Up Dead" or "Holy Wars."
Long time fans of the band must get this record. Just to support Dave and encourage him to keep cranking out the metal. The progression from The World Needs a Hero to now is amazing, just think how the next record could be?. Megadeth noobs on the other hand should start with the classics first, skip most of their work from the 90's and then check out The System Has Failed in the end.
Standout Tracks:
Blackmail the Universe
Die Dead Enough
Kick The Chair
Back in the Day