Album Reviews : Megadeth – Rust In Peace: Live (DVD)

The stage is set, the lights go dim and an all to familiar Dave Mustaine speaks; “You all know why we are here, right!?” The crowd screams as the band catapult into Holy Wars…The Punishment Due. It’s business as usual for Megadeth.

Filmed on location at the Hollywood Palladium in March, 2003. Megadeth celebrate one of their most respected and praised album’s on this 20th anniversary celebration.

If the title wasn’t obvious enough, this is the entire Rust in Peace album performed live with the addition of well known Megadeth anthems, including Symphony of Destruction, Trust and Peace Sells. During my adolescence I didn’t care much for Megadeth’s political statements nor did I understand what they were expressing at the time. I was merely a young and naive teenager taking part in steadily growing musical movement further perpetuated by black t-shirts and a crude attitude towards “the establishment”. Now after what seems like a lifetime I have grown a new appreciation for this much loved classic release. Not only from a musical stand point,  but lyrically as well. The album’s lyrics and themes seem as poignant today as they were twenty years ago when the album was released.

Now lets get down to the nitty gritty. First up, I have to say that this is one of the best performances I have ever seen and heard of Megadeth in a very long time. It’s as good as the recently released ‘Big 4’ in Bulgaria, minus the ridiculous crowd size  The mix sounds flawless. A little to flawless I must say,  but in a very respectful way. Dave Mustaine’s vocals seem a bit fabricated with the slight tweaking of his vocals sounding almost robotic. The most obvious being, Lucretia. Keep in mind that this is subtle post production tweaking and takes nothing away from the all round experience of Dave Mustaine’s signature raspy vocals. Generally speaking, the whole band just sound amazing from start to finish. Chris Broderick has been a great addition to the band. At times I feel he gives Dave Mustaine a run for his money when it comes to solos, but its all in good fun. Dave Ellefson seems to fit well with the “new” line-up. He was in the band for like 25 years, so seeing him again on stage feels like he barely left at all.

Megadeth are perfectionists and that comes quite clear when songs like Tornado of Souls and Hanger 18 come up. Included in the package is a special feature with a brief look backstage with snippets of screaming fans and band rehearsals. It’s no in depth look at the inner workings of Megadeth, but its great to see what the band does. Even if its just Dave at times talking on the phone to his PA.  I have to say I was a little disappointed with the bonus feature as it was lacking certain informative elements of the tour.

One major gripe I do have with this release is the Blu-Ray version. Visually, it looks bloody amazing but for some unknown reason it does not include the bonus audio CD of the performance which comes with the DVD version. I mean its the same price, so what’s the deal with that?

Petty complaining aside. I had a blast watching this performance. Having just come off a major high of seeing Megadeth perform the entire Rust in Peace album in Melbourne late last year. I was overcome with immense joy when I sat down and watched this little gem. It brought back some great memories. For $25 you can’t go wrong. 9/10

1. Holy Wars… The Punishment Due
2. Hangar 18
3. Take No Prisoners
4. Five Magics
5. Poison Was the Cure
6. Lucretia
7. Tornado of Souls <- Reviewer’s Choice
8. Dawn Patrol
9. Rust in Peace… Polaris
10. Holy Wars (Reprise)

Bonus Tracks:
11. Skin o’ My Teeth
12. In My Darkest Hour
13. She-Wolf
14. Trust
15. Symphony of Destruction
16. Peace Sells

Band: Megadeth
Album: Rust in Peace: Live
Year: 2010
Genre: Thrash Metal
Origin: USA
www.megadeth.com