Artist: MEGADETH
Album: RISK REMASTERED (CD)

Release date: 1999/ 2004
Media type: CD

MEGADETH made a respectable return in July 1997 with the 'Cryptic Writings' album which entered the American charts at number 10 selling 75'000 units in its first week of release. The album was surprisingly produced by ex-GIANT man Dann Huff. Used to unrelenting recording schedules Mustaine was somewhat taken aback when Huff, a committed Christian, explained he could not work on Sunday as he had to take his family to Church. MEGADETH solved this potential personality problem by Mustaine attending church with his family too. As time would reveal, this course of action would have consequences for the band further down the line.

Behind the scenes, MEGADETH had switched management from Ron Lafitte to Bud Prager, an industry veteran best known for his successes with AOR giants FOREIGNER. 'Cryptic Writings' would display a much more radio orientated direction than any previous band product, a trend which would pervade over ensuing releases. Fans would voice concern not only at MEGADETH's shift in musical values but their new found penchant for short haircuts and snappy clothes - a far cry from the band's Thrash roots.

The band toured Britain in June 1997, supported by KILL II THIS, still comfortably selling out venues. Returning to America where 'Cryptic Writings' remained firmly lodged in the album charts MEGADETH, with tour guests LIFE OF AGONY, set about touring with gusto to push the album past the Gold sales mark. Dates in Mexico had JUDAS PRIEST as special guests. In spite of its shortcomings, 'Cryptic Writings' still managed to surpass a million sales in the USA. The first half million copies were printed on a silver background, with subsequent manufacturing runs on black. In 1998 an interesting EP saw issue, 'Cryptic Death' hosting instrumental re-works of five tracks from the album.

Nick Menza took a leave of absence in 1998, actually later revealed to have been let go due to health concerns, turning up on the FIREBALL MINISTRY album 'Ou Est La Rock?' with ex-THE OBSESSED and GOATSNAKE bassist Guy Pinhas in 1999. Brian Howe stood in on drums for MEGADETH's inclusion of 'I'll Get Even' to the Sci-Fi cartoon inspired soundtrack record 'Songs Of The Witchblade' in 1998. That same year an erstwhile MEGADETH member, guitarist Jeff Young re-surfaced in a somewhat unlikely source, contributing to Brazilian Flamenco artist BADI ASSAD's 'Chameleon' album.

Eventually a permanent replacement was located in ex-Y&T, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES and WHITE LION drummer Jimmy DeGrasso. The resulting album 'Risk' found MEGADETH ploughing deeper into commercial territory. It drew an outcry of protest from fans and would only manage 350,000 sales in the USA. Nevertheless, the band put in a series of well attended American dates in 2000 as part of the 'Maximum Rock' tour alongside MЦTLEY CRUE and ANTHRAX.

TRACKLIST:

1. Insomnia
2. Prince Of Darkness
3. Enter The Arena
4. Crush 'Em
5. Breadline
6. The Doctor Is Calling
7. I'll Be There
8. Wanderlust
9. Ecstasy
10. Seven
11. Time: The Beginning
12. Time: The End

Bonus tracks:

13. Insomnia (Jeff Balding Mix)
14. Breadline (Jack Joseph Puig Mix)
15. Crush 'Em (Jock Mix)

LINE-UP:

Dave Mustaine (vocals/ guitar)
Marty Friedman (guitar)
Dave Ellefson (bass)
Jimmy DeGrasso (drums)