After the recent series of reissues made by BMG Music for the early 00's of MEGADETH's discography, guys, we are in for another treat with a next in line series of remastered reissues of one of the Big Four juggernauts. First one to go under the blade is the originally released Roadrunner Records of 2007's album, "United Abominations".

Passing the rather intricate "The System Has Failed", featuring Dave Mustaine along with his master guitarist of the band's classic years, Chris Poland, along with two hired guns as rhythm section, another change came to pass. The recruiting of EIDOLON's artistic brotherhood of Glen (Guitars) / Shawn Drover (Drums) and ex-OZZY OSBOURNE / ex-BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, James LoMenzo, turned out to be a wonderful accomplishment by Mr. Mustaine. And slightly afterwards, there you have it with the manifestation of "United Abominations".

The fresh BMG reissue comes along in a high quality Digipack, deploying the album's strong messaged artwork, encasing a booklet. Unlike most of the BMG reissue series of the past, there are no specially written words or interviews regarding the album, but merely the lyrics, photos and credits. Furthermore, a bonus track for collectors with a LED ZEPPELIN cover of the Blues Rock tribute to "Out on the Tiles".

Let's be honest, I was slightly hoping for a little history lesson, as this album is one hell of a political and dystopian horror tale. Correct me if I am wrong, but this album is surely the much provocative offspring of its predecessor "The System Has Failed", theme wise of course. Oh well, the fictional agent's story was nice nonetheless. Sound wise, even though the album is only twelve years old, it received a well reserved treatment and it ended up grand, tune in with headphones as well.

Musically, and I have the feeling that some of you die-harders will not agree with my conceptions, yet in my view "United Abominations" proved itself to be MEGADETH's one prolific releases since the band's escape from the tedious "Cryptic Writings" / "Risk" eras. Though Mr. Mustaine had its comings and goings with writing music, his peers in the band helped to assert the musical creations to escalate to the levels of the band's early 90s crown achievements of "Rust In Peace" and "Countdown To Extinction". With respects to Shawn Drover and James LoMenzo, Glen Drover is no less of a riff lord than Mustaine, and also his signature sound in EIDOLON shows signs on this album. In a way, the high level of musicianship and creative songwriting, which generated downright swiftness, lustful melodies and tentative aggression, may serve as a sort of combination between the two classics mentioned into a single tight unit.

Some of the tremendous creations that I felt to be a contribution to the band's legacy are in the image of "Gears Of War", "Sleepwalker", which is no less sweet than a few clicks of the technical prowess of "Rust In Peace". There is of course the blackened political "United Abominations", hard and heavy "Never Walk Alone... A Call to Arms", the recreation of' "Youthanasia"'s "Á Tout le Monde", featuring LACUNA COIL's frontwoman Cristina Scabbia and the fledgy yet with a heavy dose of soloing combustion, "Burnt Ice".

For those who have yet to be introduced to "United Abominations", it would be best to start here. Those who didn't give it a rightful chance, once again, the time is now. Trust me, it is worth it, be a little open minded about it.