MEGADETH – Countdown To Extinction

                      [Remixed & Remastered]

Capitol Records

Posted:  8/21/05

Reviewed by: Dirt

Category: Heavy Metal

Original Release: 1992  Remastered: 7/27/04

Label URL: www.capitolrecords.com

Artist URL: www.megadeth.com

Countdown To Extinction was the pinnacle of Megadeth's career.  The perfection of this recording is undeniable as Dave Mustaine's 'clenched teeth' vocals and lyrics, the variety of guitar riffs and rhythms, and the punch of the drums and bass are all spot on.  While Rest In Peace was a technical extravaganza, it didn't fully find the band interested in writing songs with hooks.  Countdown maintained the instrumental prowess, while delivering anthemic songs.

MTV embraced this record, airing clips for "Countdown To Extinction," "Foreclosure Of A Dream," and "Sweating Bullets" during daytime and primetime hours, pushing the album into the mainstream. "Skin Of My Teeth" didn't get the same airplay for some reason, though.

This 2004 remix/remaster only makes Countdown better, punching up the sound a bit more.  Now, the volume and kick of the drums in more in line with recently produced cd's.  Also, three demos for "Countdown," "Symphony," and Psychotron" are added as bonus tracks," along with "Crown Of Worms," a track that was previously unreleased in the USA.

The Bloody Truth: Mustaine has yet to repeat the glory of Countdown.  Not only was this the only Megadeth album without a weak track, but it was the album where the band balanced their thrash roots with commercial appeal.  Early fans could appreciate this cd, as well as new, mainstream fans.  Unfortunately, the band did not follow-up this record with a better one, or at least an equal one.  More on that in our next review.