Countdown to Extinction

Countdown to Extinction

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Megadeth is one of the few metal bands to have successfully handled the transition to the '90s, and Countdown to Extinction is proof positive; although considerably more streamlined and commercially oriented than their previous efforts, it's still a fine album, and arguably one of their best. Lead singer and guitarist Dave Mustaine's lyric-writing has improved, and the results can be heard on "Countdown to Extinction," "Symphony of Destruction," "Architecture of Aggression" (it's a rare songwriter who can make a line like that fit in a chorus), and "Foreclosure of a Dream". This is arena metal at its best; Countdown to Extinction (a reference not to genocide, as one might assume, but to endangered species) manages the difficult trick of being commercially appealing and musically sound at the same time. -- Genevieve Williams

Product Description
Japanese Re-release Including Two Exclusive Bonus Tracks: Breakpoint, and Go to Hell. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Countdown to Extinction,Megadeth,Capitol,Heavy Metal,Pop,Rock

Average customer rating:

Foreclosure of a Dream

Original = Good, Remix = Poor

Dave's a big fibber.

One of Megadeth's Best Albums

Countdown To Extinction.

Countdown to Extinction
Megadeth
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
General | Rock | Styles | Music
General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Thrash & Speed Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
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Rust In Peace

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ASIN: B0002EXH4K
Release Date: 2004-07-27

Tracks:

Skin O' My Teeth
Symphony Of Destruction
Architecture Of Aggression
Foreclosure Of A Dream
Sweating Bullets
This Was My Life
Countdown To Extinction
High Speed Dirt
Psychotron
Captive Honour
Ashes In Your Mouth
Crown Of Worms - previously unreleased in the U.S.
Countdown To Extinction (Demo) - previously unreleased
Symphony Of Destruction (Demo) - previously unreleased
Psychotron (Demo) - previously unreleased

Customer Reviews:

Foreclosure of a Dream.......2007-07-11

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: This Was My Life, Sweating Bullets, Symphony of Destruction, Architecture of Aggression, Ashes in Your Mouth

Original = Good, Remix = Poor.......2007-06-17

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.

Dave's a big fibber........2007-06-04

Beware! If you have the original recording of this album, do not --repeat--DO NOT get rid of it. While it's stated on the case that it was remixed and remastered, it's become obvious to me that certain parts have been re-recorded as well. I can't speak for the vocal or guitar parts but the drum tracks, I'm fairly certain, have all been re-recorded. I'm a drummer with incredibly sensitive ears. I'm also intimately familiar with Nick Menza's work on this album (great work, too) and I can say without hesitation that he's not the person who played on this remix. Whoever it was is pretty good at imitating him but not perfect. I'm not sure why Dave would do this--maybe he wasn't able to get the sound he wanted from the original tracks. Whatever. Nice try, Dave. Download the extra songs off of I-tunes or something but avoid the rest of this one and find the original.

One of Megadeth's Best Albums.......2007-04-15

I bought Megadeth's 1992 effort "Countdown to Extinction (their 5th album overall) about 5 years back when I was a senior in high school, and this was the first Megadeth album I ever got into, and I suddently became a fan instantly. Then I would go on to buy other Deth classics such as "Rust in Peace", "Peace Sells But Who's Buying", "Killing is my Business, and Business is Good", "So Far, So Good, So What", and so forth. Sure "Countdown to Extinction" is not an all out thrash assault like their previous classics, but this album is Megadeth all the way through, and it's one of their best albums of all time as well. Frontman Dave Mustaine (who also has great vocals on here) is no doubt one of heavy metal's greatest and legendary guitarists of all time. Second guitarist Marty Friedman also rules on the guitar as well. You've got tons of great catchy riffs and awesome ripping solos from both Dave and Marty. David Ellefson has great heavy bass lines that will make your walls shake, and there's nice solid drumming courtesy of Nick Menza. The opeining track "Skin O'My Teeth" is a great addicting opener that starts off with a short but sweet drum solo then some catchy guitar riffs come in to play. The chorus is pretty catchy and the solo by Marty is great. "Symphony of Destruction" is one of the band's greatest songs ever written, and remains a true classic. Words can't describe how much I love that song. "Architecture of Aggression" is another classic which starts off with the sounds of war and gunfire, and is soon followed by some chugging riffs and heavy bass. This is a very political song too. Track four and of my all time favorite songs on here "Foreclosure of a Dream" is a sad and tragic look at the death of the American Dream and it also tells about the rise and fall of politics and economics. It also includes the famous "Read My Lips" speech from George Bush Sr. "Sweating Bullets" is another one of my favorites on here which includes a nice steady drum beat, some nice slow catchy riffs, a nice killer solo from Dave, and some pretty entertaining lyrics as well. "Pyschotron" is another favorite of mine in which I believe includes seven killer solos which were all done by Marty. Track ten "Captive Honour" lyrically tells about the prison system and the consequences of crime. There's also a mid song skit in where a judge and jury sentences a man to life in prison included as well. Great solos by Dave and Marty BTW. "Ashes in Your Mouth" is a great album closer with some good tempo changes, great fast riffs, killer solos, and a sick fast drum solo near the end. A great way to end the album. Every song rules, but the ones that I mentioned are my favorites. Please read on for the entire song list and the ratings (please note that the ratings on here apply to the original version of this album that I own)
Jeremy's song ratings:
1. Skin O'My Teeth - 10/10
2. Symphony of Destruction - 10/10
3. Architecture of Aggression - 10/10
4. Foreclosure of a Dream - 10/10
5. Sweating Bullets - 10/10
6. This Was My Life - 10/10
7. Countdown to Extinction - 10/10
8. High Speed Dirt - 10/10
9. Psychotron - 10/10
10. Captive Honour - 10/10
11. Ashes in Your Mouth - 10/10

Like I said before "Countdown to Extinction" may not be an all out speed/thrash fest like "Rust in Peace" or "Peace Sells But Who's Buying", but it's still Megadeth all the way, and if you're an open minded metalhead like myself, you'll definately love this album. If you don't have this album already, you are definately missing out on some great metal man. Overall highly recommended for fans of Megadeht, metal, or just good music in general.

ALL HAIL DAVE MUSTAINE!!
ALL HAIL MEGADETH!!

Also be sure to look for Megadeth's upcoming new release "United Abominations" on Roadrunner which will be coming out next month in May. Well Later Dudes.

Countdown To Extinction........2007-03-26

Following the lead of Metallica's Black album Megadeth have tried the same only with different results, this album showed the more commercial and mainstream sound that they continued to use throughout the 90's. Despite all of this Countdown To Extinction still rocks and still has a certain heaviness to it, some of my favorite songs are on this album including Symphony of destruction (this has the best lyrics for a Megadeth song ever), Skin O' my teeth, Foreclosure of a dream, Sweating bullets and Psychotron these are among the band's best. Even though there wasn't much to improve upon with the re-mastering that Dave did I still thought that the sound quality was good and there were some nice bonus tracks like Crown of worms. Countdown was a major turning point in Meagadeth's career as it was a huge success and it was a change from the heavy metal and thrash to a hard rock and metal album, they've slowed down a bit while not as good or perfect as Rust In Peace this album is excellent and shows Megadeth at thier best, I highly recommend this.

Average customer rating:

Countdown to Commercialism
another crappy album from 'Deth
Masterpiece #2
Countdown To Extinction
Anyone who likes metal and doesen't like this album is going telent deaf

Countdown to Extinction
Megadeth
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Thrash & Speed Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Youthanasia
Rust in Peace
Cryptic Writings
Peace Sells...But Who's Buying?
So Far, So Good...So What!

ASIN: B000002V0Q
Release Date: 1992-07-14

Tracks:

Skin O' My Teeth
Symphony Of Destruction
Architecture Of Aggression
Foreclosure Of A Dream
Sweating Bullets
This Was My Life
Countdown To Extinction
High Speed Dirt
Psychotron
Captive Honour
Ashes In Your Mouth

Amazon.com

Megadeth is one of the few metal bands to have successfully handled the transition to the '90s, and Countdown to Extinction is proof positive; although considerably more streamlined and commercially oriented than their previous efforts, it's still a fine album, and arguably one of their best. Lead singer and guitarist Dave Mustaine's lyric-writing has improved, and the results can be heard on "Countdown to Extinction," "Symphony of Destruction," "Architecture of Aggression" (it's a rare songwriter who can make a line like that fit in a chorus), and "Foreclosure of a Dream". This is arena metal at its best; Countdown to Extinction (a reference not to genocide, as one might assume, but to endangered species) manages the difficult trick of being commercially appealing and musically sound at the same time. -- Genevieve Williams

Album Description

Remastered reissue of double platinum album includes four bonus tracks, 'Crown Of Worms' (prev. unreleased in U.S.), 'Countdown To Extinction' (demo - prev. unreleased), 'Symphony Of Destruction' (demo - prev. unreleased), & 'Psychotron' demo - prev. unreleased).

Album Details

Japanese Re-release Including Two Exclusive Bonus Tracks: Breakpoint, and Go to Hell.

Customer Reviews:

Countdown to Commercialism.......2007-07-25

Most people may construe my choice of review title in a negative manner, however in my opinion I don't consider the move to a more commercial sound to be a bad thing (though it gets blown way out of proportion in later albums). In fact I consider this to be in the top five of Deth's catalogue. The other's being Rust In Peace, Peace Sells, The System Has Failed and United Abominations/So Far so Good So What (Still Tossin up between the two). This album was released on the heels of the almighty Rust In Peace (RIP) album, and as such has a lot to live up to. This album and its follow up (youthanasia) are the one's which will separate the Megadeth fans from the Metal fans, as mustaine and company defer from the Complex, progressive sound of RIP (their most aggresive til United Abominiations in my opinion) to a more focused, groove based sound minus the pummeling riffs and drums. Most material offered on the album are shorter, less complicated songs following a verse-chorus format, opening the band to be received by a wider audience. The only offering bearing any semblance to the RIP era i.e. in style and speed is the last track being Ashes In Your Mouth. However, song themes remain consistent with what Megadeth has been known to offer, in fact I find these to be some of mustaine's best lyrical offerings overall, with lyrics aimed at politics (foreclosure of a dream), military activity (architecture of agression) and even dabbling in schitzoprenia (sweating bullets) and suicide (Skin O' My Teeth). In Short this album is a must have for the Megadeth fan and an essential not necessarily for the metal head but for those bordering the hard rock/metal edge.
Album Highlights - Symphony of Destruction, Architecture of Aggression, Foreclosure of a dream, Sweating Bullets, Ashes in Your Mouth.
Personal Favs - all of the above, This was my life, COuntdown to extinction and captive honour

another crappy album from 'Deth.......2007-07-18

get their greatest hits and maybe a couple others and stay away from the rest. mustaine's music/lyrics all sound very similiar. best MEGADETH song of all time is symphony of destruction.

Masterpiece #2.......2007-06-06

In a world where many bands trundle away for years without ever having an utter masterpiece (Gamma Ray, Primal Fear, Exodus etc etc etc) Mustaines machine produced two such albums back to back. After Rust in Peace blew most of the competition out of the water the band unleashed this. Once again Megadeth have steered clear of hysterical thrash to construct metal of the most pure alloy. Countdown is a batch of songs that are different to the tunes on Rust.. - which makes it's quality even more of an achievement and a track by track synopsis would be;

1- Skin of My Teeth:- A blasting opening tune of metallic fury with aggression, written from the point of view of someone quite obviously unhinged with a bit of gore thrown in for good measure.
2- Symphony of Destruction:- A slow burn metal number, not a personal ode such as the first track was. In fact it addresses a more general and darker concept applicable to corporate as well as government organisations.
3- Architecture of Aggression:- A direct follow on from the previous track in terms of being a cynical look at power and it's corrupting influence. High brow concept with killer execution.
4- Foreclosure of a Dream:- Apparently inspired by Dave Ellefsons parents having the band foreclose on their property, this is mentally very heavy stuff. Musically the chorus rides a tasty groovy in direct juxtaposition to what the song is about.
5- Sweating Bullets:- On this tune Megadeth have continued the slower structures prevalent on much of this album. It explains the subject of mental illness and the protagonist is a slightly nastier type of person than the narrator of Anthrax' Madhouse tune. Not a tune for the mentally feint of heart.
6- This Was My Life:- Yet more mental disintegration though you don't necessarily want it to stop. Introspection here from the point of view of a killer but whereas in '85 Mustaine probably would of spiced it up with some gore or just brutality here he throws in the angle of the killers crime being the result of passion which adds a human dimension to proceedings.
7- Countdown to Extinction:- The title track to the album addresses hunting, extinction and conservation themes and rails against senseless killing. Nuff said.
8- High Speed Dirt:- A less intellectual tune here, this track is in posession of perhaps the most syncrhomeshed guitar work on the album and is a straight ahead metal stomper. Which by this stage of proceedings is a welcome relief.
9- Psychotron:- More blazing metal here as the band blast through a semi sci-fi number with, once again, mental illness undertones. A song with a clipped musicaly style that speeds along to it's conclusion.
10- Captive Honor:- A look at imprisonment and unlike the idiotic gangsta rap genre here Megadeth look down at both the criminal and the dehumanising gaol experience with no sympathy for either party.
11- Ashes in Your Mouth:- Probably the least impressive tune on the album, as the title implies it's an anti-war diatribe.

All up this Mustaine + Max Norman produced album isa strong challenger for best Megadeth album, one of 92's best hard albums and pretty much universally regarded as a metal classic. And for good reason.

Countdown To Extinction.......2007-04-24

Megadeth-Countdown To Extinction ***

This is not your older brothers Megadeth. No this is the rebirth of the band. For Countdown To Extinction the band went for more of a hard rock mainstreem sound rather then their previous thrash metal sound of their earlier records. Dave Mustain and Marti Freidmen play some of the greatest guitra of their careers here though that is for sure. Mustain would hate me for saying this but this album is to Megadeth what the self titled black album is to Metallica.

The album opens with a killer track called 'Skin O My Teeth' which features a face melting guitar solo. An excelent way to start off the album, it really sets the pace for the rest of the record. 'Symphony Of Destruction' is one of the bands biggest and best known songs. The song is incredible featuring one of the freatest guitar solos in all of rock history, just fantastic. 'Architecture Of Aggression' is another great song. Very simular to 'Skin O My Teeth though. 'Foreclosure Of A Dream' is actually one of Megadeths all time best songs. Great time changes, a nice acoustic inro, interesting lyrics, the songs a sure win. 'Sweating Bullets' is an interesting song. It is also one of the bands best known songs. The pschitzofrinic lyrics are scary as hell, which makes for a killer song. 'This Was My Life' while is a great song but because it come after such a classic as 'Sweating Bullets' it suffers a little, it leaves you wanting more. 'Countdown To Extinction' the title track, is good but could be a whole lot better. The main guitar riff makes the song sound like a really bad and really slow power-metal song, like a demo to a Yngwie Malmsteen song. The album would have been better off with out it. 'High Speed Dirt' is another throw away, there is nothing high speed about this song. 'Psychotron' is only saved by the guitar and other wise it is actually pretty boring. 'Captive Honour' is also quite boring and features some spoken word clips and that also takes away from the song. You can feel that the song could be really good but it is missing something. 'Ashes In Your Mouth' is a great song, and probably the best song to close the album. If there were more songs like it on the album then the album would be a whole lot better. This is a great song that leaves you wanting more when it is finished and not it a bad way.

It seems that the band lost focus about half way through the album. The first half of the album is excellent, but the second half is just boring really. This is concidered one of the bands better albums and I dont see why. The songs that are goo dare really, really good so maybe that is what everyone is comparing it by, but honestly the band has many better albums so this could be added to your collection, but you will be fine with out it to be honest.

Anyone who likes metal and doesen't like this album is going telent deaf.......2006-12-12

One of the best. This owns metallica black album in every way. Truly great classic Megadeth songs, lyrics, and riffs. Get this now if you like Megadeth, one of their best albums.

Average customer rating:

Countdown to Extinction
Megadeth
Manufacturer: Mobile Fidelity Koch
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Thrash & Speed Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000FGFUMM
Release Date: 2006-06-27

Tracks:

Skin 'O My Teeth
Symphony of Destruction
Architecture of Aggression
Foreclosure of a Dream
Sweating Bullets
This Was My Life
Countdown to Extinction
High Speed Dirt
Psychotron
Captive Honour
Ashes in Your Mouth
Crown of Worms [#][*]
Countdown to Extinction [#][*][Demo Version]
Symphony of Destruction [#][*][Demo Version]
Psychotron [#][*][Demo Version]

Average customer rating:

Countdown to Extinction

ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock & Metal | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000295V6W
Release Date: 2005-05-17

Album Description

Megadeth is one of the few metal bands to have successfully handled the transition to the '90s, and Countdown to Extinction is proof positive; although considerably more streamlined and commercially oriented than their previous efforts, it's still a fine album, and arguably one of their best. Lead singer and guitarist Dave Mustaine's lyric-writing has improved, and the results can be heard on 'Countdown to Extinction', 'Symphony of Destruction', 'Architecture of Aggression' (it's a rare songwriter who can make a line like that fit in a chorus), and 'Foreclosure of a Dream'. This is arena metal at its best; Countdown to Extinction (a reference not to genocide, as one might assume, but to endangered species) manages the difficult trick of being commercially appealing and musically sound at the same time. Includes four bonus tracks 'Crown Of Worms', 'Countdown To Extinction' (Demo), 'Symphony Of Destruction' (Demo), and 'Psychotron' (Demo).

Average customer rating:

Countdown to Commercialism
another crappy album from 'Deth
Masterpiece #2
Countdown To Extinction
Anyone who likes metal and doesen't like this album is going telent deaf

Countdown to Extinction
Megadeth
Manufacturer: Import [Generic]
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Thrash & Speed Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock & Metal | Imports | Stores | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Youthanasia
Rust in Peace
Cryptic Writings
Peace Sells...But Who's Buying?
So Far, So Good...So What!

ASIN: B000007V1I
Release Date: 1999-10-05

Tracks:

Skin O' My Teeth
Symphony of Destruction
Architecture of Aggression
Foreclosure of a Dream
Sweating Bullets
This Was My Life
Countdown to Extinction
High Speed Dirt
Psychotron
Captive Honour
Ashes in Your Mouth

Amazon.com

Album Description

Album Details

Japanese Re-release Including Two Exclusive Bonus Tracks: Breakpoint, and Go to Hell.

Customer Reviews:

Countdown to Commercialism.......2007-07-25

another crappy album from 'Deth.......2007-07-18

get their greatest hits and maybe a couple others and stay away from the rest. mustaine's music/lyrics all sound very similiar. best MEGADETH song of all time is symphony of destruction.

Masterpiece #2.......2007-06-06

Countdown To Extinction.......2007-04-24

Anyone who likes metal and doesen't like this album is going telent deaf.......2006-12-12

One of the best. This owns metallica black album in every way. Truly great classic Megadeth songs, lyrics, and riffs. Get this now if you like Megadeth, one of their best albums.

Average customer rating:

Good album

Countdown to Extinction
Megadeth
Manufacturer: EMI
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Thrash & Speed Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock & Metal | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0002FQM8W

Album Details

Digitally Remastered with Four Bonus Tracks.

Customer Reviews:

Good album.......2005-02-23

I'm not gonna write a lengthy review, instead i'll write a track-by-track analysis.

1. Skin O' My Teeth- My 2nd favorite song here. I LOVE the chorus: "No escaping fate/You belong to me/Clinging onto life by the skin o' my teeth". 5/5

2. Symphony Of Destruction- Megadeth's biggest hit. Also, this is my favorite song here. 5/5

3. Architecture Of Aggression- The heaviest song on the album. 5/5

4. Foreclosure Of A Dream- Along with Symphony of Destruction, my favorite song here. 5/5

5. Sweating Bullets- The worst song on the album, but it's still great! I like Dave's vocals here. 4.5/5

6. This Was My Life- Good song. 5/5

7. Countdown To Extinction- I LOVE this song! The 3rd best here! 5/5

8. High Speed Dirt- A good song. 5/5

9. Psychotron- Another good song. 5/5

10. Captive Honour- See above^. 5/5

11. Ashes In Your Mouth- Great way to end a great album. 5/5

Overall:
If you want to start a Megadeth collection that's not a 'best of'
collection, pick this up.