Cryptic Writings [Extra tracks]

Megadeth | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 27, 2004)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Extra tracks
• Label: Capitol
• ASIN: B0002EXH4U
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (174 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,750 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #99 in Music > Hard Rock & Metal > Progressive Metal

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

Remastered reissue of gold release includes four bonus tracks, 'Trust' (Spanish version - prev. unreleased), 'Evil That's Within' (demo - prev. unreleased), 'Vortex' (Alternate version - prev. unreleased), & 'Bullprick' (prev. unreleased).

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you have 'Live Trax' and want 'Live Trax 2', this is 4U!, March 30, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Cryptic Writings (Audio CD)

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 $$$!

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Megadeth's best in years, October 5, 2005

By 

A. Stutheit "Teyad" (Denver, CO USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cryptic Writings (Audio CD)

In 1996, Dave Mustaine's former band (Metallica) alienated their cult following by releasing "Load," an album which was very commercial, simplified, and alternative. And even though Dave Mustaine and Megadeth would eventually follow suit and release "Risk" in 1999, they first made an album (1997's "Cryptic Writings") which pleased all metal fans, and helped make the Metallica fans less angry. Megadeth's seventh studio album was, at the time, definitely their best effort since "Rust In Peace" came out in 1990. "Cryptic Writings," which is kind of like a combinations of Megadeth's last two albums (1992's "Countdown to Extinction" and 1994's "Youthanasia"), is full of crunchy riffs, memorable hooks, and famous, acrobatic guitar solos from axemen Dave Mustaine and Marty Friedman. "Trust," "She-Wolf," and "Vortex" are all instant `Deth classics, and "Almost Honest" includes an incredible, long, wailing guitar solo. Elsewhere, "Use The Man" begins with acoustic strums and has a rhythm which subtly gains momentum and speed, "The Disintegrators" features fast, stutter-stepping riffs, "I'll Get Even" has a very infectious and memorable sing-along chorus, and "A Secret Place" has a catchy, "Rust In Peace"-esque vibe and rhythm. So, "Cryptic Writings" is definitely another great Megadeth album, it is a mostly successful attempt at returning to the thrash sound of the 1980's, and it is, in my opinion, better than both "Youthanasia" and "Countdown to Extinction." And if Dave Mustaine hadn't made "The System Has Failed" in 2004, this disc would still be Megadeth's best album this side of 1990. Plus, if you buy the remastered edition, you get an unreleased bonus track ("Bullprick") which is also essential for every diehard Megadeth collection.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I second that opinion!, March 16, 2008

By 

Torman Grant (Utah, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cryptic Writings (Audio CD)

I agree with Mr. Costa. This is an exceptionally good album. So it's catchy? Why is that a bad thing? If you want to listen to music with no recognizable melody, go buy some jazz. Just for the record, I have nothing against jazz. I'm just so sick of people complaining about how their favorite bands become too "commercial". I just want to hear great music played by talented musicians. If it's radio friendly, so be it. Just listen to all the Nu Metal crap out there. Those bands don't even compare to Megadeth. Someone said this album is light on solos compared to other Megadeth albums. Well, most guitarists in these newer bands can't even play a decent solo. People in this country have become lazier and lazier and this is reflected in modern metal as well. Dave Mustaine is twice the age of these modern "musicians" and he still rocks twice as hard to this day!!! He's the hardest working metal musician of all time! How many other people could recover from a devastating injury and play guitar with the same intensity that they did 20 years ago? Cryptic Writings is a great album. It is one of the best albums from the nineties.