With the new MEGADETH 2022 release many of you asked for the band’s break-through album “Countdown To Extinction” in its best version. We think this audiophile Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab (MoFi) pressed on 24kt Gold CD UltraDisc II is the one to choose. Remastered and including 4 bonus tracks, “Countdown To Extinction +4 [Ltd Edition MFSL Gold CD remastered]” sounds fabulous.
Megadeth became one of the leading bands from the metal scene since the mid-’80s. Each album the band released went at least gold, and they continually sold out arenas world wide. By the early ’90s, they had toned their music down slightly, yet that simply increased their following; all of their proper ’90s albums debuted in the Top Ten.
1991 saw rival metal band Metallica break through to the mainstream with their self titled Black album. Sensing the possibility for similar success, leader Dave Mustaine and the recording label talked about a fresh musical approach.
Megadeth traded in their previous lengthy, progressive compositions for streamlined, tightly written and played songs more conducive to radio and MTV airplay.
The results were artistically (as well as commercially) successful; songs like the mega-hit “Symphony of Destruction,” “Skin O’ My Teeth,” “Foreclosure of a Dream,” and “Sweating Bullets” are among the band’s best.
Released in the summer of 1992, ‘Countdown To Extinction’ entered the US Billboard chart at number two. The record went double-platinum and became the band’s biggest hit, confirming that they had retained their audience in the wake of grunge.
Co-produced by Mustaine with the skilled Max Norman (Ozzy, Y&T), “Countdown To Extinction”, the second Megadeth album featuring both virtuoso guitarist Marty Freidman and hard hitting drummer Nick Menza, is considered by critics and fans worldwide as the band’s most pivotal release in their entire catalog.
Now we need to clarify this: “Countdown To Extinction +4 [Ltd Edition MFSL Gold CD]” not only has been remastered, but slightly remixed as well by Ralph Patlan & Dave Mustaine.
While many rabid fans only would accept the original 1992 version, in my opinion this new one is much better. The guitars now sound awesome.
Mustaine’s remixes breathed new life into many of these songs, making the overall album sound updated and fresh.
Additionally, there’s a noticeable ‘polished feel’, something more ‘melodic hard’ oriented listeners will enjoy.
A must have album into any respected Rock collection, this out of print “Countdown To Extinction +4 [Ltd Edition MFSL Gold CD remastered]” worth the investment to enjoy its crystalline remastering treatment.
A Classic
01 – Skin O’ My Teeth
02 – Symphony Of Destruction
03 – Architecture Of Aggression
04 – Foreclosure Of A Dream
05 – Sweating Bullets
06 – This Was My Life
07 – Countdown To Extinction
08 – High Speed Dirt
09 – Psychotron
10 – Captive Honour
11 – Ashes In Your Mouth
BONUS TRACKS:
12 – Crown Of Worms (B-side)
13 – Countdown To Extinction (Demo version)
14 – Symphony Of Destruction (Demo version)
15 – Psychotron (Demo version)
Dave Mustaine – rhythm and lead guitar, lead vocals
David Ellefson – bass guitar, backing vocals
Marty Friedman – lead and rhythm guitar, acoustic guitar, backing vocals
Nick Menza – drums, backing vocals