This album represents a progression from "Youthanasia," but I still don't find it as satisfying as "Countdown to Extinction" and "Rust in Peace." The sound is something of a cross between the hard rock of "Youthanasia" and the speed metal of the first two Marty Friedman-era albums. Some people have claimed that the sound is therefore schizoid, incorporating two disparate elements. I disagree. Even the radio-friendly songs fit in. In any case, I consider the album to be essentially speed metal, though of an innovative sort.
Megadeth has for years been a favorite of those who enjoy melodic and technical speed metal, and this album lives up to those expectations. Unfortunately, as usual with Megadeth, the song structure remains fairly simplistic.
The lyrics are fairly disappointing as well. Megadeth has always had simple, even stupid, lyrics. But occasionally they show flashes of intelligence. In the second song, "Almost Honest," the following lines are a magnificent demonstration of wordplay not seen since Carcass burst forth in "Heartwork":
I was nearly pure
When I said I loved you
You were semi-sincere
You said I'd bleed for you
We were kind of candid
Now you've gone away
You were almost honest, almost
I was surprised to find the first two songs dealing with romantic love. Fortunately, they avoid descending into sappiness..
All in all, this album represents a unique departure for Megadeth. It has plenty of heavy songs to satisfy the old fans (such as myself), yet some of the songs should achieve widespread popularity among rock fans.