Megadeth's highly anticipated final album features a new rendition of Metallica's classic track, "Ride the Lightning," co-written by Dave Mustaine. The release has sparked considerable discussion among fans, with reactions ranging from praise for its vintage Megadeth sound to criticism over its faithfulness to the original.
Key Takeaways
- Megadeth's final album includes a cover of Metallica's "Ride the Lightning."
- Dave Mustaine co-wrote the original "Ride the Lightning" with Metallica.
- Fans express mixed opinions, citing both a return to Megadeth's early sound and a lack of originality.
- Mustaine views the cover as "completing the circle" and a tribute to his former bandmates.
Mustaine Reflects on "Completing the Circle"
Dave Mustaine, Megadeth's frontman, had hinted at a cover song on the band's 17th studio album, which was later confirmed to be their last. The inclusion of "Ride the Lightning" holds particular significance for Mustaine, who contributed to the original composition during his time with Metallica.
Mustaine described the decision to revisit the track as a moment of closure and respect. He shared his perspective on the creative process behind the re-recording.
"That was the beginning of my songwriting career... So doing 'Ride the Lightning,' it was kind of completing the circle and I think it's cool in so much as it's paying my respects to the band that I first went to the dance with," Mustaine explained.
Did You Know?
Dave Mustaine also expressed his admiration for his former bandmates, James Hetfield's guitar playing and Lars Ulrich's "unorthodox and beautiful" songwriting.Fan Sentiment on Reddit: A Divided Opinion
Online communities have become a primary hub for fan discussions, and Reddit's Megadeth page shows a clear divide in opinions regarding the new "Ride the Lightning" cover. Some listeners appreciate the nostalgic feel, while others desired a more distinct Megadeth interpretation.
One Reddit user praised the track, noting its similarity to early Megadeth material:
"I literally just finished listening to that song. I really liked it as a cover it sounds like Megadeth from the early years. If I didn’t know the original song existed I’d be like, 'Holy shit that was amazing.'"
However, the same user also acknowledged the unique status of the original, adding a humorous take:
"But as much as I liked it, if I ask someone to play 'Ride the Lightning' and they put this version on I’d look at them like the black snake moan meme."
Historical Context and Musical Fidelity
Another fan highlighted the historical significance of the cover, calling it "metal history." This individual pointed out specific musical elements that remained faithful to Metallica's version.
The fan noted that the opening harmonies, originally written by Cliff Burton and Lars Ulrich, were retained. Furthermore, the solos reportedly stay true to Kirk Hammett's original performance, with Mustaine allowing Teemu Mantysaari to handle a significant portion of the lead guitar work.
Background
"Ride the Lightning" is a title track from Metallica's second studio album, released in 1984. It is widely considered a thrash metal classic, known for its intricate arrangements and powerful lyrical themes.Critiques on Vocals and Originality
Not all reactions were positive. Some fans expressed disappointment, particularly regarding the vocal delivery and the perceived lack of Megadeth's signature style in the re-recording.
A Reddit thread dedicated to the track included a critical assessment:
"The vocals do not work and it just sounds like any band could’ve covered it."
Another commenter echoed this sentiment, questioning the artistic choice behind a note-for-note cover at this stage in Megadeth's career:
"I’m most upset that it’s a note for note cover. Why cover a song at this point in your career if you don’t inject your own sound into it?"
Social Media Reactions Mirror Reddit Discussion
The mixed reactions observed on Reddit are largely mirrored across other social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter). Fans on X have shared a similarly diverse range of opinions, from enthusiastic endorsements to critical analyses of the cover's execution.
The conversation highlights the passionate nature of metal fans and their deep connection to classic tracks. The re-imagining of an iconic song, especially one with such a intertwined history between the two bands, was always likely to provoke strong reactions.
This release provides a unique opportunity for fans to reflect on the legacies of both Megadeth and Metallica, and the enduring impact of their early collaborations. It also underscores the high expectations placed on legendary bands when they revisit pivotal moments in their genre's history.
The Enduring Legacy of Thrash Metal's Big Four
The discussion around Megadeth's new cover also brings renewed attention to the broader legacy of the "Big Four" of thrash metal: Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax. These bands have shaped the genre for decades, and their albums continue to be debated and ranked by fans worldwide.
Each band has had its share of triumphs and experiments throughout their careers. For instance, Metallica's 1991 self-titled album, often called "The Black Album," introduced them to a wider audience, becoming their most accessible effort. It features five RIAA platinum or gold-certified singles, including "Enter Sandman" and "Nothing Else Matters."
Defining Moments and Controversial Releases
Megadeth's discography also includes defining albums like 1990's Rust in Peace, which many consider one of the most refined thrash metal albums of its era. This album marked the classic lineup with Marty Friedman and Nick Menza, contributing to its critical acclaim.
Conversely, some releases have been met with significant fan backlash. Metallica's 2003 album, St. Anger, is often cited as one of their most controversial, largely due to its extreme sonic direction and the absence of Kirk Hammett's guitar solos. Similarly, Megadeth's 1999 album, Risk, was an attempt to push further into mainstream and alternative rock, which many fans consider a misstep.
- Metallica's Master of Puppets (1986): Widely regarded as the best and most defining document of thrash metal, essential for understanding the genre's evolution.
- Slayer's Reign in Blood (1986): A ferocious album that cemented Slayer's genre supremacy in under 30 minutes, featuring iconic tracks like "Angel of Death."
- Anthrax's Among the Living (1987): An album rich with mosh-worthy agility and hostility, known for its allusions to pop culture and Stephen King.
These discussions highlight that even decades later, the creative choices of these legendary bands continue to resonate deeply with their dedicated fan bases, sparking passionate debate with every new release or re-interpretation.