Megadeth--Cryptic Writings

Megadeth--Cryptic Writings (1997/Capitol) Rating--8.0

Better than 'Youthanasia,' but still not worth the hair on the ass of 'Rust in Peace'.
A bit of a return to the 'Countdown to Extinction' album, as there are more chord and riff mixings within the songs, and overall a bit of a heavier feel. Feels like a 1993 release, right between 'CTE' and 'Youth'. Perhaps this is a sign the boys are moving more towards cutting loose in the near future...?
Opening track "Trust" features a nice little groove, and a driving riff and bassline starts off "Almost Honest"... but the song doesn't stay heavy through-and-through, which is a drawback.
A good pickup in "Mastermind" beckons to the somewhat "mechanical" sound of 'CTE,' and "I'll Get Even" is a creeping, mood-infested, bass-driven romp. Very atmospheric... Good stuff!
The faster and heavier "Vortex" mixes chords with rapid riffs, and "She-Wolf" also smokes with a razor gallop.
Both "Sin" and "A Secret Place" are above-average tracks, with the latter having a nice raw feel.
If you were disappointed with 'Youth,' this one is a bit of a reprise. But you may want to borrow it first, lest ye be expecting a tornado of souls...
TRACK LIST: Trust/Almost Honest/Use the Man/Mastermind/The Disintergrators/I'll Get Even/Sin/A Secret Place/Have Cool, Will Travel/She-Wolf/Vortex/FFF

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