"Endgame" is the 12th studio album by American thrash giants, Megadeth. It was released in 2009 on Roadrunner Records and produced by Dave Mustaine & Andy Sneap. The line-up for the album was Dave Mustaine (vocals/guitar), Chris Broderick (guitar), James LoMenzo (bass) and Shawn Drover (drums).

The thrash masters are back with "Endgame", the follow-up to 2009s "United Abominations", and Megadeth is back with a vengeance. To put it in a short sentence, "Endgame" is a masterpiece, and Dave Mustaine is a genius.

The best thing Metallica ever did back in 1983 was to fire Mustaine from the band, thus giving to the world the beast that is Megadeth. Line-up changes have always been a major factor within the band, and that's nothing new with this album. Out goes Glen Drover and in comes Chris Broderick on guitar, who sounds as though he's been with the band for years. This guy is as fast as any guitarist I've ever heard. Also to note that this would be the last album with James LoMenzo; Long-term bassist David Ellefson was to return to the fold shortly afterwards.

The album begins with a solo-infused instrumental, "Dialectic Chaos" before steaming into "his Day We Fight!", and more solo's galore. In fact, you'd not expect anything else from a band with Mustaine in it, and if you're a fan of soloing, you're not disappointed.

There are slower songs on the album, tracks such as "Bite the Hand", "44 Minutes" and the almost ballad-like record, "Bodies". However, there are also songs on here for the pure thrashaholics. "Head Crusher", "1,320" and "This Day We Fight!" are all full-blooded.

In summary, Megadeth does for me what a lot of bands can't even get close to. "Endgame" is an album you can't afford not to buy. There are certain albums by certain bands which you have to purchase, and in Megadeth's discography, you can't go wrong with "Endgame". It's not just one of the best Megadeth albums out there, it's one of the best heavy metal albums out there.

1. Dialectic Chaos
2. This Day We Fight!
3. 44 Minutes
4. 1,320
5. Bite the Hand
6. Bodies
7. Endgame
8. The Hardest Part of Letting Go... Sealed With a Kiss
9. Head Crusher
10. How the Story Ends
11. The Right to Go Insane

My rating: 9/10