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A 2006 remixed&remastered version of MEGADETH's 1992 hit album. Released as an "ORIGINAL MASTER RECORDING" by Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab, well know pioneers of the gold audiophile CDs. Most people will compare this CD to METALLICA's self-titled CD from the same period. Likewise, MEGADETH's change in style is apparent in a way that many songs on the album follow a more traditional structure, with verses and choruses (unlike on many of the band's previous albums). MEGADETH trades in their lengthy, progressive compositions for streamlined, tightly written and played songs more conducive to radio and MTV airplay. The result was that the album turned out to be one of the band's most appraised. Cries of "sellout" seem pointless when the results are artistically (as well as commercially) successful; songs like the mega-hit "Symphony of Destruction," "Skin O' My Teeth," "Foreclosure of a Dream," and "Sweating Bullets" are among the band's best. Despite softening up the sound, the music still remains enjoyable and the band still maintains its identity, something that they lack in albums like Risk. Though MEGADETH opted for a lighter album (and it isn't exactly light to begin with) traces of the bands former thrash metal sound can still be found on songs such as "Architecture of Aggression" or "Ashes in Your Mouth". COUNTDOWN TO EXTINCTION is no RUST IN PEACE, but it is still an ultimately enjoyable ride. Now a word on this particular MFSL gold CD release. Talking about Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab is talking about audiophile and sonics. While the company is well known and praised among music-lovers for its "ORIGINAL MASTER RECORDING" philosophy, unfortunatelly this is not the case here. The source of this remastered CD is not the original master tape from 1992, but the one already remastered, remixed and expanded with bonus tracks from 2004. This means you are not getting a sonically better version of the original recording, but a slight improvement over the remaster from 2004, which by many audiophiles sound too loud and with compressed dynamics. Not to mention the 2004 release is remixed, having guitar parts rerecorded, added or removed. All this kills the magic of the "ORIGINAL MASTER RECORDING" initial idea and is not welcome by purists. This is the main reason for me to give this particular CD a "GOOD" and not an "EXCELLENT" rating. Don't get me wrong though - this is still a solid release that is sonically much better than most CDs that hits the market nowadays. It's just that it could have been outstanding, was it remastered from the original tapes.Read full review
This is an absolute must-have album for any music enthusiast. The sound clarity of evey detail in the music can be heard,even on albums that one would think couldn't possibly sound better that the first time they heard it. Every riff of the guitar and beat of the drums are as crisp & clear as if the band were set up & playing for you LIVE, in your living room or car, ect. I purchased this album after I purchased a used gold edition cd by another METAL band (Ride the Lightning by Metallica),and was absolutely blown away by the very same details I heard Countdown to Extinction. Though some titles can prove to be a bit expensive (depending on the artist), I would highly recommend anyone to purchase one, see & hear for themselves the difference. You will NOT be disappointed. My only hope is that Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab will jump on board to redo other great artists like Alice in Chains and Pantera. Other noteworthy releases still somewhat available are Metallica and Nirvana, but save your money up before going to purchase because those artists and their titles are very pricey- from $150.00 and up to $600.00 for still sealed copies. Happy listening to you all!Read full review
I am proud to say I've owned this album since it was released. Dave Mustaine was kicked out of Metallica for his drug use and alcoholism. He wishes he had made better choices and was still in Metallica, but I hate to wonder what life would be like without this gem. Symphony of Destruction, Sweating Bullets, Foreclosure of a Dream, and the title track are pure metal mayhem that are as good if not better than Metallica's tunes. It's like apples to oranges. I prefer Megadeth's best tunes personally to Metallica's best tunes, but Metallica's longevity with good music has eclipsed Megadeth, which may be the reason Dave Mustaine is apathetic. I mean which would you rather be? A pawn in a much bigger scheme, or the King of a smaller one? I don't know the answer to that, I guess Dave would've rather been the pawn, but I prefer him being the King. Maybe without him getting kicked out of Metallica, he would have never been able to have as much creative control as he has had with Megadeth. Thank you Metallica for kicking him out, because otherwise these exceptional albums (especially this one) may have never seen the light.Read full review
A great Megadeth album to get the Mobile Fidelity Sound lab treatment. Countdown to Extinction went No.2 on its release and is one of my favourite megadeth album. Higlights on this album would be the guitar solo on Symphony of Destruction and the intro to Countdown to extinction among all the other great songs. Nick Menza is in fine form through out the album, nick's subtle fills and double bass drumming are mighty impressive. lastly Mustaine vocals stand out on Sweating Bullents and Captive Honor. In my world Countdown to Extinction is a NO.1 album on any Music chart.
I have always loved this cd...darn near a classic. But the regular record company release (esp. early 90's discs) was the same ol' same ol'. Bright, thin, with cardboard box drums. But the mfsl disc has balls! Plus much better sound stage. I got lucky and got it for $15, but even at the Music Direct, etc, price of aprox. $25, it is well worth it. Buy it!
very niice mobility gold cd beautiful sound very satisfied with this purchase.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Great 24k gold cd
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
i think this cd has some good songs,it spawned a few videos and was a very worthwhile album to listen to.i did not like the whole cd though.it had some hot spots and this is cd is worth owning for diehard megadeth fans.i bought it for collectors reasons.
I wish MFSL would have used the 1992 original master tapes.
Verified purchase: No