Dave Mustaine and co. are back with a signature thrash album. ‘The Sick, The Dying…And The Dead’ is another chapter in the high quality thrash journey that Megadeth has been on since 1985.
Finishing the album alone is honestly quite a triumph. The many line-up changes that have plagued the band since 2016’s ‘Dystopia’ are significant. Session drummer Chis Adler, lending his talents from Lamb of God, bowed out when that album was done. And original bassist and founder David Ellefson got into his own trouble over the pandemic. Resulting in his firing. But Dave Mustaine rallied his troops together and released yet another classic album with ‘The Sick, The Dying…And The Dead.’ The title sees the return of the original pattern of album markings. Such as ‘Peace Sells…But Who’s Buying’ and’ So Far, So Good…So What.’
The opening title track is an instant thrash classic. Keeping in line with Megadeth’s heavy metal legacy. The thematic element of the black plague creates relevant lyrics to modern society. ‘Life In Hell’ is a perfect follow up track. A triumphant thrash classic. ‘Night Stalkers’ takes the album to eleven (I know I say that a lot, but it does). And just on the third track. A raging thrash masterpiece that sees Dave Mustaine’s musicality hasn’t let up a bit. Ice-T lends his old school rapping abilities. Giving the album some diversity. Without compromising its purpose. ‘Dogs Of Chernobyl’ has a classic chug and swing. While ‘Sacrifice’ keeps them momentum going with a killer quality riff. And some progressive elements as well.
‘Junkie’ is a typical metal track. Another great riff. The interlude ‘Psychopathy’ displays an interesting introduction the the next track ‘Killing Time.’ Which is one of the highlights of the album. A song that could fit perfectly on the ‘Thirteen’ or ‘Countdown’ albums. ‘Soldier On!’ is obviously about the recent trials and tribulations of Mustaine. ‘Celebutante’ continues the classic thrash vibes of the record. ‘Mission To Mars’ fails to spark any energy. The music is alright. But the lyrics are so lame they suck any quality out of the song. ‘We’ll Be Back’ is yet another thrash classic. The album is filled with them. From top to bottom. Musically, it’s a banger.
The bonus tracks, ‘Police Truck’ and the Sammy Hagar featuring ‘This Planet’s On Fire (Burn In Hell) add a nice extra treat at the end. Honestly, I didn’t think Hagar and Mustaine would blend well. But I was proven wrong with the stellar song.
Overall ‘The Sick, The Dying…And The Dead’ is everything one would come to expect from Megadeth. A classic thrash metal album. A sound that’s proven to have stood the test of time. It’s not as political in subject matter this time around. Instead, Mustaine opts to sing about more tradition metal tropes. Such as the black plague, relationship problems and drug addiction. Which heightens the strength of the album. At the end of the day, a classic, strong Megadeth album. Which Metallica would have the same amount of quality and output. 3.5 out of 5 stars.
