Cryptic Writings (Japan) [+Bonus Track] [Import]

Cryptic Writings (Japan) [+Bonus Track] [Import]

Track Listings

1. Trust

2. Almost Honest

3. Use the Man

4. Mastermind

5. Disintegrators

6. I'll Get Even

7. Sin

8. Secret Place

9. Have Cool, Will Travel

10. She-Wolf

11. Vortex

12. FFF

13. One Thing

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
In 1996, after Dave Mustaine released his experimental side project, MD.45's The Craving, there were scattered reports about how the metal veteran was turning over a new leaf with a new band. But any circulating rumors of Megadeth's demise have been greatly exaggerated. The group's seventh album Cryptic Writings is its strongest release since 1990's Rust in Peace. Not only are the songs crunchy and confrontational, they're suffused with crafty hooks that make them memorable without detracting from their primal power. Add some acrobatic guitar solos from Mustaine and Marty Friedman, and you've got a record that will unfurrow the brow of anyone who thinks Metallica sold out with Load. Granted, there's not much innovation on Cryptic Writings, but in an age of self-centered angst and watered down Nirvana riffs, Megadeth's unapologetic metal fury is as refreshing as a dip in the pool on a hot summer day. --Jon Wiederhorn

Product Description
Japanese edition of their 1997 album with 'One Thing' added as a bonus track 'One Thing'. 13 tracks total, also featuring the single 'Trust'. An EMI release.

Cryptic Writings (Japan) [+Bonus Track],Megadeth,Import [Generic],Heavy Metal,Pop,Progressive Metal,Rock,Speed Metal,Thrash

Average customer rating:

Megadeth mastermind another great release

Trust Me...This Is a Good Album

More megadeth goodness. Not the best, but still a good album.

One of the great Megadeth albums. Pure metal...

pure Megadeth greatness

Cryptic Writings
Megadeth
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
General | Rock | Styles | Music
Progressive Metal | Progressive | 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

Risk

So Far, So Good...So What!

Countdown to Extinction

Peace Sells...But Who's Buying?

ASIN: B0002EXH4U
Release Date: 2004-07-27

Tracks:

Trust
Almost Honest
Use The Man
Mastermind
The Disintegrators
I'll Get Even
Sin
A Secret Place
Have Cool, Will Travel
She-Wolf
Vortex
FFF
Trust (Spanish version) - previously unreleased
Evil That's Within (Demo) - previously unreleased
Vortex (Alternate version) - previously unreleased
Bullprick - previously unreleased

Customer Reviews:

Megadeth mastermind another great release.......2007-07-11

Cryptic Writings (1997.), Megadeth's seventh studio album

By the mid-1990's, change was in the air for the big names in metal. Nu metal was about to hit the mainstream and the big names from the previous decade had diversified their sound somewhat. Both Megadeth and Metallica had slowed down their sound, however Metallica had unfortunately gone one step further and pushed away a lot of long term fans with their `alternative' releases `Load' and `Reload'. So what was the score for Megadeth, afterall their previous two releases, `Countdown To Extinction' and `Youthanasia' were two classic releases, eventhough the band no longer had the thrashy element to their sound. `Cryptic Writings' was released in 1997 and thankfully kept the metal spirit alive and well in Megadeth. So how does the final effort from the classic line-up of Megadeth (Mustaine, Ellefson, Menza, Friedman) shape up to be?

Cryptic Writings is a continuation of the form the band had shown throughout the early `90s and serves up a selection of great songs. Granted, for me this album is not quite up to the standards set by `Rust In Peace', `Countdown To Extinction' and `Youthanasia' however the album is not short of some Megadeth classics. `Trust' received great airplay upon the album's release and tracks such as `She-Wolf' and `Vortex' display archetypal Megadeth riffage along with inspired fast solos and great harmonies. Lyrically Mustaine pens his usual strong blend of politically charged songs along with some powerful songs about relationships such as `Trust' and drug abuse `Use The Man'. Cryptic Writings is a fitting snapshot to mark the end of Megadeth's classic and most stable line up as drummer Nick Menza would shortly be fired from the band after the album's release.

Following Megadeth's re-union in 2004 with the release of 'The System Has Failed', Dave Mustaine personally helped remaster the band's back catalogue. With 'Cryptic Writings' the remaster is excellent. The remaster of the album contains a Spanish version of `Trust', an alternate version of `Vortex' as well as `The Evil That's Within' and `Bullprick', the latter being a version of `FFF' with alternate lyrics.

`Trust' is a fantastic opener for the album. An atmopsheric drum intro leads into one of Megadeth's finest songs with great lyrics and an unforgettable riff of the chorus. `Almost Honest' is a classic Mustaine penned title with a gripping verse line and blistering chorus showing that Megadeth are definitely not to be singled out of the metal mix. `Use The Man' contains some slower, acoustic sections which provide a nice contrast its heavier sections. Cointains some powerful lyrics about drug abuse. `Mastermind' is more vintage Megadeth complete with catchy guitar lines and an excellent Friedman solo. `The Disintegrators' is one of the more thrashier and faster songs on here, a song with plenty of aggression. `Ill Get Even' marks an unexpected but very welcome contrast. The guitars have a very different sound to them to what you expect from Megadeth - much more mellow and stripped down. This is a fantastic song though and will be sure to stick in your mind after a listen or two.

`Sin' marks a return to heavy guitars, not a stand out track but an enjoyable Megadeth staple none the less. `A Secret Place' is a longer, more epic track with plenty of strong melodies and more captivating interludes. ` Have Cool, Will Travel' is another solid track complete with an interesting addition of the harmonica. Theres a nice acoustic section mid way through. `She Wolf' is a classic Megadeth song which still gets lots of live play at the band's concerts. Galloping riffs get the song underway before another strong chorus kicks in. The song's exit solo and guitar harmony is a thrilling listen. `Vortex' is another album favourite of mine; another song with great riffs and excellent vocals, Friedman's guitar solo is awesome on this track - another testament to the guy's ability on the guitar. `FFF' is a crisp, short song to close the album with plenty of thrashy beats and speed.

Megadeth proved they still had what it takes with `Cryptic Writings' and gave a fans a great 50 minute serving of metal. Unfortunately, Megadeth would fall into the trap that caught Metallica with their follow up, the alternative, commercial sounding `Risk' (although Mustaine realised the mistake and was back playing metal again an album later!). Cryptic Writings is an excellent final showcase for arguably Megadeth's finest line up. A must for any big Megadeth fans, I would only recommend this album to new Megadeth fans who have listened to the bands two most definitive releases, `Rust In Peace' and `Peace Sells...But Who's Buying'.

MY RATING: 8/10

Trust Me...This Is a Good Album.......2007-07-11

Megadeth's carriere had a turning point when "Youthanasia" released...it wasn't that popular album...and "Cryptic Writings" didn't sell that good...although the singles were very popular. The songs in this album are quite peaceful...except "The Disintegrators", "FFF", and "Mastermind". This is a peaceful hard rock album...near Bon Jovi or Skid Row (I like those bands). There's however classic peaceful songs in this album, like "Trust", "Almost Honest", "I'll Get Even", "She-Wolf", "Use the Man", and "A Secret Place". Most of the lyrics are however quite raw: "Wicked temptress knows how to please, priestress says get down on your knees." from She-Wolf..."I got a doll with needles wishing you were dead..." from I'll Get Even..."I've Seen the Man Use the Needle, Seen then Needle Use the Man..." from Use the Man. There's also lyrics about love (or sex)...Almost Honest...about God...Trust. So the lyrics are quite raw but the sound is thin. The same goes in the next two albums "Risk" and "The World Needs a Hero".
Stars: She-Wolf, Trust, Almost Honest, Use the Man

More megadeth goodness. Not the best, but still a good album........2006-08-07

Megadeth continues to shine, releasing such great albums. I think Crytic Writings is a standout, not because Countdown and Youthanasia are worse, but because Cryptic writings in my opinion is quite different. In my opinion the only flaw that there is too much filler. Here are my opinions on the tracks on the album:
1.) Trust: A good tune; not one of Megadeth's more talented or skillful work, but a decent opening to the album. (7/10)
2.) Almost Honest: Following the same kind of rhythm as Trust, in my opinion it kind of draws out that somewhat droning intro. (7/10)
3.) Use the Man: I love this song. A welcome break from the first two songs, with an acoustic riff, it is catchy and fun to listen to. (9/10)
4.) Mastermind: This song reminds us of Countdown to Extinction. It's a good one but not THAT great. The riff is quite catchy. (7/10)
5.) The Disintegrators: A good somewhat thrashy song that shows some skill, and very catchy. (8/10)
6.) I'll Get Even: Out of all of the Megadeth songs without guitar solos I would have to say this is the best one. Anyone can like this song. (10/10)
7.) Sin: This one's okay. Still the catchy riffs but not as good as the earlier tracks. (6/10)
8.) A Secret Place: Good, but still a little ordinary compared to songs like Use The Man, I'll Get Even, and Disintegrators. (7/10)
9.) Have Cool, Will Travel: Once again trying to mimic their old style. Not bad I guess, but a little bit of a filler. (6/10)
10.) She-Wolf: Some may like it, but im not a fan of this song...it just didn't click. (6/10)
11.) Once again, back to their earlier stuff, but this time they do a great job. I love this song. (10/10)
12.) Fight For Freedom (FFF): Hmm, It's good, it's fast, but it's just not AS good...just not as catchy or good-sounding as much of the other stuff. (6/10)
13.) Trust (Spanish version): The lyrics don't rhyme or fit in with the rhythm of the song. (5/10)
14.) Evil That's Within: Pretty much the same song as Sin, but with different lyrics. I don't like it as much. (5/10)
15.) Vortex (Alternate version): Alternate lyrics of the song Vortex. Not as fast and not as great, but still good. (7/10)
16.) Bullprick: Alternate lyrics of the song FFF. I like this one better. (7/10)

One of the great Megadeth albums. Pure metal..........2006-07-22

This is a must-have metal album. Every song is great. Highlights would have to be "Trust", "Almost Honest", "She-wolf", "FFF", "Have Cool, Will Travel".

To think that Metallica's "Re-Load" came out the same year as this makes me laugh. Megadeth > Metallica. Good for us Dave got kicked out of Metallica.

pure Megadeth greatness.......2006-06-05

INTRO: Megadeth is one of the trash metal pionners while they changed their sound over the years and many lineup changes this album aint their best but its a great one with many good songs like`Trust`.That album marks the end of the classic lineup as drummer Nick menza leaves the band after this album.

Many fans doubted that Megadeth could beat their best album and thats true they didnt but they made a great record its their best in years many classic songs`she-wolf` and `vortex``the desingrators`among them and many others.Dave Mustaine said that this was a difficult album but the results paid off in this record.

Menza plays on a Megadeth album for the last time and puts on a good performance as well as the rest of the band.This being a remaster you wouldnt expect anything good from it but Megadeth remasters have extra tracks,unreleased songs wich makes them great.The songs are all good not any filler songs just an awsome album by Megadeth.

While Metalica putted out a self-destructible record in 1996 with st-anger,Megadeth responded with `Cryptic Writings`a great album.Definetly buy this record if you ever have the chance its a must-have!

Average customer rating:

Megadeth mastermind another great release
Last blast from the classic lineup
pure Megadeth greatness
Great!
One of my favorite CDs of all time...

Cryptic Writings
Megadeth
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Thrash & Speed Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Youthanasia
Risk
Countdown to Extinction
So Far, So Good...So What!
Peace Sells...But Who's Buying?

ASIN: B000002U5D
Release Date: 1997-06-17

Tracks:

Trust
Almost Honest
Use The Man
Mastermind
The Disintegrators
I'll Get Even
Sin
A Secret Place
Have Cool, Will Travel
She-Wolf
Vortex
FFF

Amazon.com

In 1996, after Dave Mustaine released his experimental side project, MD.45's The Craving, there were scattered reports about how the metal veteran was turning over a new leaf with a new band. But any circulating rumors of Megadeth's demise have been greatly exaggerated. The group's seventh album Cryptic Writings is its strongest release since 1990's Rust in Peace. Not only are the songs crunchy and confrontational, they're suffused with crafty hooks that make them memorable without detracting from their primal power. Add some acrobatic guitar solos from Mustaine and Marty Friedman, and you've got a record that will unfurrow the brow of anyone who thinks Metallica sold out with Load. Granted, there's not much innovation on Cryptic Writings, but in an age of self-centered angst and watered down Nirvana riffs, Megadeth's unapologetic metal fury is as refreshing as a dip in the pool on a hot summer day. --Jon Wiederhorn

Album Description

Japanese edition of their 1997 album with 'One Thing' added as a bonus track 'One Thing'. 13 tracks total, also featuring the single 'Trust'. An EMI release.

Album Details

Contains Bonus Track 'One Thing' Exclusive to Japanese Pressing.

Customer Reviews:

Megadeth mastermind another great release.......2007-07-11

Last blast from the classic lineup.......2007-06-06

Some people will call the first incarnation of a band the classic line up. Nonsense, any bands classic line up is the one that produced the best music. And for Megadeth their classic line is the one of Mustaine, Ellefson, Friedman and Menza who produced some of the best metal of the 90's. On this album from 1997 we find the boys in good, solid form though not quite capturing the splendour of Rust or Countdown.

One of the first things you notice about this album is the superbly lush production qualities. The next thing that hits you is the sprawling lead track of Trust which rides a Nick Menza beast of a beat. In contrast the next track Almost Honest is dependant on an effects driven guitar riff. This variety is somewhat representative of the album in that the years of songwriting has honed the teams skills. The tunes are well thought out metal musings with more mature lyrical constructs than the band would of been capable of ten years previously. That's not to say that there aren't some full metal racket blast-fests here. There are. My personal favourite of such a tune would be The Disintegrators. Listen to a sample if you can and you'll hear a fast paced rivethead rocker, an absolutely wonderfully brainless metal tune.

My personal feeling is that this is a four star release perhaps on the low side of those four stars. My reasons for this would be the sense of filler on some of the tunes, a feel of anonymity in some of the tracks that means that even after several listens you have trouble actually remembering the tunes, or what tune goes with which name.

Overall though the combination of some really good songs, wonderful production and attention to detail means this is a good buy for any lapsed Megadeth fan. For newcomers my belief is you'd be better off getting Rust in Peace and Countdown to Extinction before moving onto Youthanasia and then Cryptic Writings

pure Megadeth greatness.......2006-06-06

INTRO: Megadeth is one of the trash metal pionners while they changed their sound over the years and many lineup changes this album aint their best but its a great one with many good songs like`Trust`.That album marks the end of the classic lineup as drummer Nick menza leaves the band after this album.

Many fans doubted that Megadeth could beat their best album and thats true they didnt but they made a great record its their best in years many classic songs`she-wolf` and `vortex``the desingrators`among them and many others.Dave Mustaine said that this was a difficult album but the results paid off in this record.

Menza plays on a Megadeth album for the last time and puts on a good performance as well as the rest of the band.This being an 0riginal copy you dont need the remasters but 0 Megadeth remasters have extra tracks,unreleased songs wich makes them great.The songs are all good not any filler songs just an awsome album by Megadeth.

While Metalica putted out a self-destructible record in 1996 with st-anger,Megadeth responded with `Cryptic Writings`a great album.Definetly buy this record if you ever have the chance its a must-have!

Great!.......2005-12-01

Don't listen to the mullet headed naysayers, this is a fantastic album.

Is it thrash?

No.

Does it make you want to punch someone in the face?

Not really.

What it does do is make you reach for the volume knob so you can crank it. What Mustaine & Co. have delivered here is a great hard rock album.

This album never fails to put a smile on my face, it's tuneful and has some great melodies, as well as that testicular fortitude that is so lacking in today's music. Plus you gotta love when they throw you a bone, that bone being Vortex. Straight thrash with an awesome lead.

Buy this album.

One of my favorite CDs of all time..........2005-08-28

This is just one of those rare albums that you can listen to all the way through without finding a weak song. The opening song "Trust" sets the tone nicely featuring a tune that careens between heavy and soft and giving you a little of what to expect on the rest of the CD. Theres a good dose of totally unique hard rock on this album that no band can produce other than Megadeth themselves. There is even a nice slower song "Use the Man" which sets into a nice groove. This whole album is a lot of fun to listen to and one of my favorite CDs of all time.

Average customer rating:

Cryptic Writings

ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock & Metal | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000295V76
Release Date: 2005-05-17

Average customer rating:

Cryptic Writings
Megadeth
Manufacturer: EMI
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

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

Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

Hard Rock & Metal | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0002FQM9G

Tracks:

Trust
Almost Honest
Use the Man
Mastermind
Disintegrators
I'll Get Even
Sin
Secret Place
Have Cool, Will Travel
She-Wolf
Vortex
FFF
Trust [Spanish Version][*]
Evil That's Within [*]
Vortex [Alternate Version][*]
Bullprick [*]

Album Details

Digitally Remastered with Four Bonus Tracks

Average customer rating:

If you have 'Live Trax' and want 'Live Trax 2', this is 4U!

Cryptic Writings
Megadeth
Manufacturer: Import [Generic]
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Metal | Progressive | 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
ASIN: B000007WO1
Release Date: 1999-06-01

Tracks:

Trust
Almost Honest
Use the Man
Mastermind
Disintegrators
I'll Get Even
Sin
Secret Place
Have Cool, Will Travel
She-Wolf
Vortex
FFF

Tracks:

Almost Honest
Tout le Monde
Sweating Bullets
Symphony of Destruction
Anarchy in the U.K.
Almost Honest [Environmental Science Mix]
Almost Honest [Supercharger Mix]

Album Details

Japanese Release featuring a Bonus Live CD for Initial Pressing Only. Bonus CD Tracks: Almost Honest, a Tout Le Monde, Sweating Bullets, Symphony of Destruction, Anarchy in the UK, Almost Honest (Environmental Science Mix), and Almost Honest (Superchar.

Customer Reviews:

If you have 'Live Trax' and want 'Live Trax 2', this is 4U!.......1999-03-31

Disc 1 is nothing more than the Japanese release of 'Cryptic Writings'. The 2nd disc on the other hand, is called 'Live Trax II', and was recorded in Phoenix, AZ (a.k.a. Megadeth, AZ), right before the release of 'Cryptic Writings'.

The show was recorded in a smaller venue, so you feel as though they are performing a special show just for you. It is a great performance, and the love songs consist of:

1) Almost Honest 2) A Toute Le Monde 3) Sweating Bullets 4) Symphony Of Destruction 5) Anarchy In The U.K.

And then there are 2 remixes which I could care less about of 'Almost Honest'. If you have to have only one of the 2 Live Trax CDs, get the 1st.

But, if your like me and cannot get enough live Megadeth, get this CD! Its worth the $$$!

Cryptic Writings
Average customer rating:
Cryptic Writings
Megadeth
Manufacturer: Capitol Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000OWYDCA

Average customer rating:

Megadeth mastermind another great release

Last blast from the classic lineup

pure Megadeth greatness

Great!

One of my favorite CDs of all time...

Cryptic Writings
Megadeth
Manufacturer: Import [Generic]
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music
Progressive Metal | Progressive | 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

Risk

Countdown to Extinction

So Far, So Good...So What!

Peace Sells...But Who's Buying?

ASIN: B000005RRM
Release Date: 1999-11-02

Tracks:

Trust
Almost Honest
Use the Man
Mastermind
Disintegrators
I'll Get Even
Sin
Secret Place
Have Cool, Will Travel
She-Wolf
Vortex
FFF
One Thing

Amazon.com

Album Description

Japanese edition of their 1997 album with 'One Thing' added as a bonus track 'One Thing'. 13 tracks total, also featuring the single 'Trust'. An EMI release.

Album Details

Contains Bonus Track 'One Thing' Exclusive to Japanese Pressing.

Customer Reviews:

Megadeth mastermind another great release.......2007-07-11

Last blast from the classic lineup.......2007-06-06

pure Megadeth greatness.......2006-06-06

INTRO: Megadeth is one of the trash metal pionners while they changed their sound over the years and many lineup changes this album aint their best but its a great one with many good songs like`Trust`.That album marks the end of the classic lineup as drummer Nick menza leaves the band after this album.

Many fans doubted that Megadeth could beat their best album and thats true they didnt but they made a great record its their best in years many classic songs`she-wolf` and `vortex``the desingrators`among them and many others.Dave Mustaine said that this was a difficult album but the results paid off in this record.

Menza plays on a Megadeth album for the last time and puts on a good performance as well as the rest of the band.This being an 0riginal copy you dont need the remasters but 0 Megadeth remasters have extra tracks,unreleased songs wich makes them great.The songs are all good not any filler songs just an awsome album by Megadeth.

While Metalica putted out a self-destructible record in 1996 with st-anger,Megadeth responded with `Cryptic Writings`a great album.Definetly buy this record if you ever have the chance its a must-have!

Great!.......2005-12-01

One of my favorite CDs of all time..........2005-08-28

Average customer rating:

As always, great stuff from deth

Cryptic Writings Ep
Megadeth
Manufacturer: Pid
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock & Metal | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00000DMPM
Release Date: 1998-11-17

Tracks:

Almost Honest
Vortex
Trust
A Secret Place
She-Wolf

Album Description

Japanese release featuring instrumental versions of fivetracks from their 1997 album 'Cryptic Writing', 'Trust','A Secret Place', 'She-Wolf', 'Vortex' and 'Almost Honest'.Standard jewel case. 1998 EMI release. The full title is'Cryptic Sounds - No Voices I

Customer Reviews:

As always, great stuff from deth.......2000-06-19

Megadeth continues its legacy with Nick Menza, Marty Friedman in the two spots of the band that have been changed so many times. This album has the same hard feel coupled with melody that was in their previous album, youthanasia.

Average customer rating:

Cryptic Writings
Megadeth
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000LYWHTM

Average customer rating:

mastepiece instrument
A fun CD to have
not bad
don't let the review fool you......
WOW

Cryptic Writings
Megadeth
Manufacturer: EMI
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

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

Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

Hard Rock & Metal | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00000I2K9
Release Date: 2002-09-10

Tracks:

Trust
Almost Honest
Use the Man
Mastermind
Disintegrators
I'll Get Even
Sin
Secret Place
Have Cool, Will Travel
She-Wolf
Vortex
FFF

Album Description

Album Details

Japanese Only 5 Track Instrumental Ep.

Customer Reviews:

mastepiece instrument.......2006-01-28

this is an instrumental version of cryptic writings and some of the songs are completely different from the original, she wolf was played in spanish guitar style and almost honest & secret place also has some different background sounds

A fun CD to have.......2005-02-11

'Cryptic Writings' isn't the best album of Megadeth, but is probably the one most fit for playing in the car again and again. This effort of Marty Friedman, using songs from 'Cryptic Writings,' is like a little brother, with its unique moments. For example, after Dave Mustaine's solo in 'A Secret Place,' Marty comes up with a very 'Introduction'-like rendition of the main melody, with clean guitars and orchestra-simulating sounds. Imagine an oboe-like sample for a Megadeth song! I actually wish Marty did more of this throughout this album. The only other far-out thing Marty does in this five-piece CD is an acoustic rendition of 'She-Wolf,' its verse and chorus filled with beautiful, harmonized runs done with only acoustic guitars.
While Marty's solos here are as exciting as his usually are, I wish he went a bit more overboard. As opposed to Joe Satriani's arrangements, which play out the main melody, then a crazy solo part, and back to the main melody, Marty pretty much mimics the songs' vocals throughout, with only the occasional wild ad-libbing (such as the end of 'Almost Honest,' very raw sounding).
Overall this is a very pleasing CD to listen to, but one wishes (I at least) that Marty were more adventurous. I think if he were given total free rein without worrying about what producers Dann Huff, Dave Mustaine and co. thought about it, 'No Voices in Your Head' would be as bipolar an album as his solo album 'True Obsessions,' and that would get five stars from me.
The production and mixing of this CD is not as big and solid as the original 'Cryptic Writings,' but I think Marty intentionally wanted to lessen the impact of crunch and distortion.
Ultimately, pros outweight the cons. You'll get your money's worth, especially if you're a Megadeth-90s-era fan. Pick it up!!!

not bad.......2003-03-26

Not a bad cd if your into the whole instrumental thing.The only reason why i gave it 3 stars is because they play the Vocal Melody through a guitar and it kind of ruins it.But "A Secret Place" Sounds Awesome.And the Mexican Style of "She Wolf is Great too.oh yeah...The cd Is Too short also but I recommend this to any Die Hard Megadeth Fan.

don't let the review fool you.............2002-11-09

After I recieved this disk I decided that you don't have a true Megadeth collection without it. Not trying to offend any true-blue fans that don't own this, just trying to signify the urgency in which to obtain it. Not for the casual listener (simply because of the price), this is a jewel for those of you who thought you had it all. If you have watched Behind the Music, then you know were Marty is musically. This is a prime example of the "color" he is refering to. The She-Wolf is rad, no it doesn't rip( at least not at the beginning) but it really shows the talent of ALL the members of the greatest band ever! I just wish it were longer(and the it were Al instead of Marty!), that is all the 4 star rating was in regards to. Other than that a definite 5! Are you the real deal? If yes,then buy!

WOW.......1999-10-15

When i first heard that there was an album that had all the good songs in it, but flushed out the words, I was all in for it. I admire Dave and his voice, but I was always into Megadeth because of the great guitars and music. This was damn right amazing. I suggest that not just Megadeth fans, but those who're into guitar music, listen to this awesome album. I wish they coul do more, instead of seclude it as an import release. Megadeth at their best....

Music Track:

Music Track

music track

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Waka Jawaka [Original recording remastered]

Wild Thing [Import]

Utopia Triumphans

Universal Hall

Vectorselector [Import]

Top Ten

Tiger's Paw

In the Flesh Live