Sinister Reviews

So if you’ve been living under a rock for the last year or so, then you are well aware that Megadeth has decided to put out one final album. On Thursday, January 29, 2026, they released their self titled album. So knowing that this is their very last album (or so Dave says) let’s take a look……

Well, here we are. The last new album ever from Megadeth.  Now I know they released a couple of singles leading up to this album’s premiere and I decided not to listen to them because I wanted to enjoy the album in full. So what do I think of the album?? well I’ll be completely honest, I’ve heard better from this band.  Sure there are some decent tracks, but as a whole, it’s nothing special.  I don’t think I have an ear for production, but it doesn’t sound good.  The guitars sound thin, the lyrics are kind of cheesy and cringey at times, the vocals sound overproduced, and the drums sound really weak.  It is too bad that the drums don’t sound as full because Dirk Verbueren is one hell of a drummer, and he seems to be very underutilized. Now, of course I also have to address the fact that the bonus track is a cover of “Ride The Lightning.”  So how does it compare to Metallica’s version?? It does have a bit of a punkier feel but it pales in comparison and reminds me that there’s a better version. 

I’m not saying that this album is completely unlistenable or that it’s another Risk or Super Collider but given the amount of albums that this band has, I was expecting more.  Overall, it’s just a very underwhelming record.  Again, I’ll be completely honest and say that the last great album that they put out was probably 2016’s Dystopia. Was I expecting Rust In Peace part 2?? No absolutely not.  When a band says they’re putting out their last record, I guess I was expecting it to be an all encompassing album. Maybe pull elements from all of their records both good and bad and combine it all to make one great record.  At the end of the day, Dave Mustaine is a legend and a pioneer and that is something that I respect.  However, it seems to me that they are kind of going out with a whimper rather than a roar.  

Score: 4/10

Standouts: Tipping Point, Made To Kill, Puppet Parade

New Album Rankings (conspiracy edition):

Before all these wonderful albums of course he created the Heavens and the Earth and of course he invented music itself which resulted in……………

1. And Justice For All
2. Rust In Peace
3. Ride The Lightning 
4. Master Of Puppets
5. Reign In Blood
6. 72 Seasons
7. Show No Mercy
8. Haunting The Chapel
9. Peace Sells But Who’s Buying
10. The Black Album
11. Dystopia 
12. Death Magnetic
13. Load
14. Hardwired To Self Destruct 
15. Hidden Treasures
16. The Sick, The Dying….And The Dead
17. So Far So Good So What
18. Countdown To Extinction 
19. Endgame
20. The System Has Failed
21. United Abominations
22. Killing Is My Business And Business Is Good
23. Kill Em All
24. Megadeth 
25. Cryptic Writings
26. Reload
27. Th1rt3n
28. Youthanasia 
29. The World Needs A Hero
30. Super Collider
31. Risk
32. St. Anger

New Album Rankings (the real ones):

1. Rust In Peace
2. Peace Sells But Who’s Buying
3. Dystopia 
4. Hidden Treasures
5. The Sick, The Dying….And The Dead
6. So Far So Good So What
7. Countdown To Extinction 
8. Endgame
9. The System Has Failed
10. United Abominations
11. Killing Is My Business And Business Is Good
12. Megadeth
13. Cryptic Writings
14. Th1rt3n
15. Youthanasia 
16. The World Needs A Hero
17. Super Collider
18. Risk