Megadeth - Countdown to Extinction

Not as good as Rust.

Like Metallica.
Like Slayer.
Megadeth were unable to follow up their best disc (Rust) with somthing even better.
Pity.
It's not a bad disc by any means. Compared to later Megadeth releases it's quite brilliant really.
Definitly worth checking out for speed metal fans. May 16, 2008

I will rate this anyway

First off so called speed metal seems to favor continuous brain dead speedy guitar masturbation over actually creating songs that are in anyway memorable, interesting, or remotely good in any way. I think most listeners would agree that speed metal is generally unbearably boring after about 10 seconds. This album, however, is excellent throughout so it's obviously not speed metal. This album and Rust In Peace are the only two albums that I've heard by Megadeth that are worth a serious listen. I have not heard the remaster/remix versions of these albums, but this album is interesting enough to consider having both versions. One last thing, virtuoso players can not always be expected to subdue their amazing talents in the service of making a great song --- I get that --- but wouldn't be nice if they did it a little more often --- I mean, really, who in their right mind can listen to an entire Yngwie Malmsteen album straight through? December 11, 2007

I'm sold on both after 3 years...

Well, a little over 3 years since the Remix/Remastering Campaing that Dave and Capitol records did, I think I've finally made up my mind about this record and some of the others...Just listen to both! I'm going to tell you that Megadeth and Pantera are my 2 favorite metal bands of all time outside the death/black metal genres.(and I still love old Sepultura with Max)

Really, the orgianl recordings of their 3 90's masterpieces (Countdown,Youth and Cryptic)were perfect to me, so there wasn't really too much to do to improve them. But, let me tell you, I think maybe Dave did know what he was doing after all.
Now when these first came out about 3 years ago, Man! I couldn't stand these Remixes at all! I noticed every little thing that was different right off the bat b/c I grew up on these releases. I think I jammed Countdown in the 5th grade (I got into Metal in the 4th grade by the way). So I mean I noticed every little Remixed part, the snare sound bugged me at first to the point where I coudln't get past it! But, I kept trying to spin these Remixes and now, I love them!

It may you take a while too b/c if you grew up on the album then you'll notice every little thing that's different too at first, and you'll be wondering, Dave, what the pie did you do?!! But give it some good listens and over time you might grow to love it too, but I'd say keep your original too for sure!

Now, I didn't really talk about the music b/c i can't really add anything new that hasn't already been said. This is where Megadeth started to rock the back row at their concerts, but they still managed to keep it 100% Metal unlike some other bands. They actually still have heavy riffs and some double bass drumming.
And for all the Dave's voice haters, hetfield can't sing either so get over it. Hetfield's performance on that Cunning Stunts dvd is the worst live vokills that I have ever heard in my entire life.

So, in conclusion, Megadeth rocks the backrow with their stripped down sound, but at the same time they still keep it Metal and this Remix is actually really very good!
But keep both, I spin the original and Remix!!
I love and recommend both! December 7, 2007

Foreclosure of a Dream

Many Megadeth fans prefer "Rust in Peace" and "Peace Sells But Who's Buying" but this Megadeth is the best-selling album. This is also one of the heaviest Megadeth album, there's only the title track that is quite peaceful. The album has some great moments with "Skin o' My Teeth", "Symphony of Destruction", "Sweating Bullets", "Ashes in Your Mouth", "High Speed Dirt", and "Psychotron"...excellent strange lyrics in every song and also great hard heavy metal riffs. "This Was My Life" is my favourute song in this album. Dave Mustaine's voice is very deep and he can do the song very good. "Foreclose of a Dream" has quite peaceful moments too but this is quite little.
Stars: Sweating Bullets, Symphony of Destruction, Ashes in Your Mouth, Skin 'o My Teeth July 11, 2007

Original = Good, Remix = Poor

I own both the original and the remixed/remastered version. The original is no "Rust in Peace", but it's still a pretty good album. I give the original 4 stars. However, the mix on the first album is perfect and the remix ruins many of the songs. It's hard to put in technical terms, but it just doesn't sound right. One problem is that it sounds like each instrument is playing a different song. Things just don't "fit" anymore. Also, the album also sounds less intense than the original. Usually with remasters (though not always remixes), the newer version sounds heavier. It's not all bad though. I kind of like the new intro to "Sweating Bullets". I prefer the original intro to "Captive Honour", but the new intro is still a somewhat interesting alternative.
The only other "remixed and remastered" version I've heard is "So Far, So Good...So What!". Although people complained about that one too, I actually liked the new version. This, however, is far worse than the original.
If you haven't heard the album before, then hunt down the original. If you have it already and are a serious fan, then you should pick this version up for the "Crown of Worms" bonus track. It's no classic, but it's pretty good and fits in well with the album. The three demo tracks are no good, but "Crown of Worms" makes it a worthwhile purchase if you're a serious fan. June 17, 2007

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