In Defense of…Megadeth’s ‘Risk’

It just may be the most polarizing album in Megadeth’s extensive catalog. Some, myself included, love the album and understand what Dave Mustaine was trying to accomplish. Then there’s the thrash and heavier fans who hate the album. Because it is such a departure from albums such as ‘Peace Sells…But Who’s Buying?’ and ‘So Far So Good…So What?.’ Which is understandable. But if you really listen to ‘Killing Is My Business…’ all the way through ‘Risk,’ you’ll notice a natural progression of the songwriting that would inevitably end up producing an album like ‘Risk.’ It’s not even a far deviation from the previous album ‘Cryptic Writings.’ Which is one of the most praised Megadeth albums. So in defense of the album, here is an argument for it.

First off, the album does contain heavy moments that are often overlooked because the band decided to release ‘I’ll Be There’ and ‘Ecstasy’ as the singles. But the album opens with two killer tracks: ‘Insomnia’ and ‘Prince of Darkness.’ The former being a tremendous hard rock song that leans on the heavy side of the genre. It’s manic mood and drive certainly being oh so Megadeth. The latter being what I consider a classic late 90’s heavy metal piece. I just wish that the band would follow through with the song in their concerts. They open with the prolog dialog from the track but then cut it and go into a different opening. ‘Prince of Darkness’ could be a great opener for the hardcore fans. With a great breakdown chug rhythm. It’s especially tasty when there’s a solo over it. There’s also ‘Seven’ which is a driving hard rock song that packs a catchy riff punch. Not to mention ‘Crush ‘Em.’ A potential arena game signature. Despite it’s semi-beginner lyrics. ‘Time: The End’ is honestly a pretty classic Megadeth song. A chugging, groove heavy head banger.

But that’s not all. The other songs that aren’t that heavy are also great tracks. Whether the album retains classic Megadeth ‘heaviness’ is moot. Because pretty much all the songs are strong. ‘Breadline’ could have been a major hit had it been promoted and advertised properly. The melody in the chorus is so catchy. And Mustaine’s voice is in top form throughout the album. The best example being ‘Wanderlust.’ An epic, road trip and adventure singalong track that hits the sweet spot. Mustaine’s vocal passion shines throughout. It’s one of his greatest vocal performances. From a guy who never really considered himself a singer. ‘The Doctor Is Calling’ is a classic Megadeth track. It might not be as heavy as say ‘Take No Prisoners.’ But it retains a really creepy vibe. A prominent Megadeth trope obviously.

The three ballads may seem a little out of place for Megadeth. But that doesn’t take away from their strength. ‘I’ll Be There’ is still played sometimes and is clearly a crowd favorite on the ‘That One Night: Live in Buenos Aries.’ It’s a ballad, sure, but it’s a rockin’ ballad. And it’s not like Mustaine hansn’t balladed before. ‘A Toute Le Monde’ is a signature Megadeth song from the ‘Youthanasia’ album. ‘Ecstasy’ is a nice, mid-tempo ballad. You can def hear Megadeth going for a hit on the song. And I can see why it didn’t take with some hardcore fans. But never the less, it’s a great track. I just think that maybe people didn’t know what to think of a song like ‘Ecstasy’ from a band entitled Megadeth. ‘Time: The Beginning’ is the final ballad and softest track on the album. It possesses a deep Alice In Chains vibe. Which makes sense, it was 1999. Most bands were going for that kind of sound at the time. It’s a sad, slow track. Not entirely inappropriate for Megadeth. It’s not like he’s writing these bright, poppy songs that you hear from Coldplay and whatnot. Yet, that’s how the album is almost treated.

‘Risk’ is truly a great album. Tons of catchy hard rock songs, sprinkled with heavy metal. It’s a far cry from the early material but the album hold its own. It’s strength is in the song quality. And to be honest, the 2004 remaster sounds really really well produced and mixed. Which can’t be said for all of the remasters. It’s just as complete of a record in strength as any other Megadeth album.

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