Sometimes reviewers get it right but others, you've got to say, they talk a great deal of shite.

How can anyone who has listened to The System Has Failed' more than once dismiss it as 'deeply unsatisfying'. This is the best 'Deth record since 'Countdown to Extinction'. No question.

The review I read made frequent reference to the fact that the album didn't seem to know what it's doing. I disagree - this album knows what it's doing and not only that it does it extremely well. The first two songs are case in point. One a complex thrash metal epic circa the 'Peace Sells...' era (Blackmail the Universe) complete with gorgonzola lyrics. The opening to this track is awesome and grabs your attention instantly. The American newsreader over that riff is really really effective. The other track - Die Dead Enough wouldn't have felt that out of place on the 'Cryptic Writings' album. However 'Die Dead Enough' would have been the stand out track on that record. It sounds heavy. This song has one eye on the radio but it sounds like Megadeth whereas 'Risk and 'Cryptic' were an attempt by the band to be something they're not. 'Die dead enough' is melodic but it's not commercial. Strange but true.

'Kick the Chair' sees Mustaine back into snarl mode and this song again reminds me a little of 'Peace Sells…'. In fact the entire album has that feel to me. You can tell Mustaine is attempting to reconnect with his old fan base with this one. The difference is now that Mustaine can mix those ultra complicated 'Peace Sells..' type riffs with more simple and sometimes more effective ones. 'Kick the Chair' is good evidence of this.

For me though the stand out track is 'The Scorpion'. This is lyrically adept, catchy as fuck and as heavy as a blue whale with a lorry on its head. What is shining through here and on the entire record is that his vocals have got a lot lot better.

'Back in the Day' has to be the first song in a long time written by any of the so called 'Big Four' which actually celebrates metal again! Cheesy as fuck but I loved it!! Yeah we love METAL you fuckers!! Let's sing about it. I was so pleased when I listened to it because sometimes these stars seem to forget when it was in their blood and not just a corporate enterprise.

There are a couple of fillers on here (Tears in a Vial etc) but for the main it's a worthwhile comeback. 'Shadow of Deth' is another highlight. The solos aren't as good as what you'd normally expect (Poland must have been his fifth choice) but that's sacrificed for much better songs than the previous 3 outings.

7/10.

Tracklisting

1.Blackmail The Universe
2. Die Dead Enough
3. Kick The Chair
4. The Scorpion
5. Tears in a Vial
6. I Know Jack 7. Back In The Day
8. Something I'm Not
9. Truth Be Told
10. Of Mice and Men
11. Shadow of Deth
12. My Kingdom Come