Search - Megadeth :: Rude Awakening (W/Dvd)

Megadeth rule in style on Rude Awakening

howzat | 08/01/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Rude Awakening (2002.), a Megadeth live concert DVD/CD release



Thrash metal gods Megadeth have enjoyed a long and glittering career. Over that time Dave Mustaine and Co. have gained a great reputation for putting on an excellent live act. However, prior to the 2001-02 `World Needs A Hero' album tour, Megadeth was yet to release a full concert on DVD. Enter 2002's `Rude Awakening' DVD which shows the band in action at a concert in Arizona. Put simply, this is a concert DVD that any Megadeth fan should own. It is a fantastic snapshot of a legendary band on top live form. Granted, you're initial thoughts may be negative about the DVD given that the line-up in action is not the `classic' line-up that featured Marty Friedman and Nick Menza. However, this couldn't be further from the truth as quartet consisting of Dave Musitaine, Dave Ellefson on bass, Al Pitrelli on guitar and Jimmy DeGrasso on drums have great chemistry and perform as a solid unit.



This DVD is an awesome package (note I recommend the DVD for this over the CD version). Not only is there full footage of the concert but there is also band interviews, studio footage of the band recording `The World Needs A Hero' and some bonus live footage. The bonus live footage is especially great as it shows an excellent small underground live set that the band did, the highlights being a punchy performance of out-take classic `Angry Again' and another beautiful version of `A Tout Le Monde'. Returning to the main bulk of the DVD which is the live Arizona concert, there are many reasons why this release is a winner. Firstly, Dave Mustaine's performance at the forefront of the band speaks volumes. Dave never says too much to the crowd whilst on stage but then again he doesn't need to as he possesses a large amount of performance charisma and intensity that keeps the crowd drawn into the music. His vocals are excellent throughout the concert. Al Pitrelli will surprise many who watch this DVD who don't know of his ability on the guitar. He plays many of the band's solos like he's been a member of the group since they began and he trades off plenty of solos and melodies with Mustaine effortlessly. Mustaine himself comments in the interviews how good a guitarist Al is. Dave Ellefson is excellent on the bass and shows why he's been such a vital member of Megadeth through the years. Jimmy DeGrasso gives an insane, brutal and inspired performance on the drums which adds plenty of fireworks to the Megadeth sound.



The set list selection for the concert is a very strong one, mixing all parts of the band's career. Every album up to `The World Needs A Hero' is represented by at least one song except for the forgettable `Risk' album. I could talk all day about each song but instead I'll say what tracks were for me the highlights. `In My Darkest Hour' is performed with great emotion and intensity by the band making it a true stirring performance of the Megadeth classic. The band play an awsome extended version of `She-Wolf' which involves some amazing guitar trade off from Mustaine and Pitrelli that never lose interest or flair. Jimmy DeGrasso's drum solo to finish is MENTAL and sounds brilliant. `Hangar 18' and `Return To Hangar' are performed with power and finesse in vintage Megadeth style. Dave gives his usual speech about the `Mechanix' song before blasting out a high energy version of that timeless classic. The version of `Hook In Mouth' is excellent and the finishing songs in `Peace Sells' and `Holy Wars' make for full out headbanging!



Buying Megadeth's `Rude Awakening' is definitely money well spent in my book. Any Megadeth fan should own this; it is another viewing of a band that are true metal legends. This is a final snapshot of Megadeth before the temporary split due to Mustaine's hand injury and marks an excellent swansong to one chapter in Megadeth's career. I'd highly recommend this DVD as well as the recently released `That One Night In Buenos Aires' which shows the current Megadeth line-up in action on the `System Has Failed Tour'.



MY RATING: 9/10"

Awesome LIVE album finally!!

Deimos | Alberta | 03/19/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Megadeth are the bets live band so it's about time they released a great LIVE album and here it is!!"