Megadeth — United Abominations

Let's face it: Megadeth haven't released a solid album since Countdown To Extinction, and elitists would argue that there hasn't been a great one since 1990's Rust In Peace. Yet Dave Mustaine remains relevant in the metal world and, after a serviceable comeback with 2004's The System Has Failed, it seems the frontman still has a lot to complain about on United Abominations. The good news is it's not Youthanasia, but the bad news is it ain't much better. Things start off on a high note with "Sleepwalker," but "Washington Is Dead" comes in immediately after with the line, "How can there be any logic in biological war?" While Mustaine is trying really, really hard to be sardonic, his serrated cynicism has clearly been dulled. The guy's turned into the crotchety old grandfather whose ramblings you have to suffer politely because, once upon a time, there was a reason to respect him.