MEGADETH – Rude Awakening

What a smart-ass I can be – as I stated in my review of the last studio record, The World Needs A Hero, that the album was an end of an era. The band, meaning leader Dave Mustaine, chooses to step into eternity, or oblivion (?), with the live album Rude Awakening. A good mix of songs from their 9 album carrier, with the weakest ones from the two of the best albums, Countdown To Extinction and Youthanasia, the track list is however satisfying.

Al Pitrelli was never my favorite Megadeth player (nor Savatage player – and that’s understatement of the year), though he certainly learned a trick or two from Mega-Dave, while the rhythm section is simply major kicking ass. Mustaine himself was never a good singer, even worse whenever he tried to be melodic, and this CD shows why it’s time to call it a day. Just like labelmates Queensrÿche, the band’s live CD should have come out 10 years earlier. This album gives meaning to the saying that live CDs are only made to fulfill contractual obligations, and is not at all a very respectful way to end what once was a great carrier. But do I really believe that this is it?