By: Jesse Striewski

I found myself actually excited for a Megadeth album for the first time in a long time upon first glimpse of Vic Rattlehead on the cover. But I must admit, their eager dismissal (again) of original bassist David Ellefson last year left a sour taste in my mouth (and that’s no disrespect to returning bassist James LoMenzo – I’ve seen the band live with each bass player in the past, and both are masters of their crafts).

But I digress; The Sick, the Dying…and the Dead – the band’s sixteenth full studio release – is an admirable effort from Dave Mustaine and company nonetheless, filled with the typical crunching riffs and intricate guitar solos that’s come to be expected on a Megadeth album, with the epic title track charging the way and setting the tone right off the bat.

Sure, the lyrics at times can be a bit on the generic side (another common trait with Megadeth records), but overall, tracks like “Life in Hell,” “Night Stalkers” (featuring a brief appearance by Ice-T) “Dogs of Chernobyl,” “Killing Time,” and “Soldier On!” can easily fit alongside any of the band’s previous material up until now.

I may have lost touch with Megadeth in more recent times as previously alluded to, but The Sick…may just be the album that gains the interest of many older fans such as myself again. Check it out for yourself and see if you agree.

Rating: 4/5 Stars