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Dystopia
by
Dystopia Image
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 153 Ratings

  • Summary: The 15th studio release for the Los Angeles metal band features new guitarist Kiko Loureiro and Lamb Of God's Chris Adler on drums.
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Top Track

Dystopia
What you don't know, the legend goes, can hurt you If you only want to live and die in fear They tell us to believe just half of what we see And... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 12
  3. Negative: 1 out of 12
  1. The Guardian
    Jan 28, 2016
    100
    Dystopia is an absolutely blistering return to the state-of-the-art bombast and refined technicality of past glories like Rust in Peace and Endgame.
  2. Boston Globe
    Jan 27, 2016
    80
    The band is brawny yet nimble, wriggling and writhing in a groove one moment, pivoting into pummel mode the next.
  3. NOW Magazine
    Jan 27, 2016
    80
    Newly installed guitarist Kiko Loureiro weaves blistering licks around Mustaine’s own, elevating the frontman’s sorta sardonic, sorta goofy politicized lyrics. Longtime bassist Dave Ellefson ramps up his low-end pyrotechnics, with Fatal Illusion boasting maybe the grooviest Megadeth bass line since Peace Sells.
  4. Rolling Stone
    Jan 20, 2016
    70
    With everything working in concert, Megadeth sound reborn on Dystopia. Gone are the surprisingly un-metal banjo interludes of their last record, 2013's Super Collider; in their place is some of the most vital and menacing thrash that Mustaine has concocted in years.
  5. PopMatters
    Feb 26, 2016
    60
    While it’s a decent comeback effort Dystopia is nothing close to recent comeback triumphs like last year’s Purple from Baroness, or 2013’s The Next Day from David Bowie, however that doesn’t mean it’s a flop.
  6. Exclaim
    Jan 20, 2016
    60
    The confident strut and orchestral accents of "Poisonous Shadows" are somewhat cheapened by ill-advised whispered backing vocals, and the songwriting bottoms out in a handful of places. Still, it's miles ahead of their rather forgettable last album, and there's still enough here for fans to celebrate Megadeth getting back on track and starting a new chapter in the band's storied career.
  7. The A.V. Club
    Jan 22, 2016
    25
    The music is ferocious, catchy, and arguably the band’s best since the early ’90s; but many of Dystopia’s lyrics have nauseating connotations.

See all 12 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 32
  3. Negative: 1 out of 32
  1. vgmkyle
    Jan 25, 2016
    10
    Few Megadeth fans rarely dislike a new release, and this one is no different. This album is definitely as good as Endgame, and the criticsFew Megadeth fans rarely dislike a new release, and this one is no different. This album is definitely as good as Endgame, and the critics really made some mistakes with their reviews otherwise the Megadeth community would have a problem with it as well. Megadeth is one of the few thrash bands left that releases great metal regularly.… Expand
  2. winterhombre
    Jun 17, 2016
    10
    A score of 69?! Get the **** outta here, this is Megadeth's best album since 2004's The System Has Failed. What else do you want? Lyrics aboutA score of 69?! Get the **** outta here, this is Megadeth's best album since 2004's The System Has Failed. What else do you want? Lyrics about the real situation of world, heavy and mind boggling riffs, the addition of mr. Kiko Loureiro was perfect to say the least (he's the second best guitarist in Megadeth), David Ellefson continues to make the bass present and relevant with his amazing tone.
    The downtuning really affected their sound, but in a positive way, they sound (heavier than ever and) much better than in the last album.
    Maybe I'm biased because I was totally not expecting this but the album's a must have if you like metal, and especially if you like Megadeth    … Expand
  4. MegatronNM156
    Jan 22, 2016
    10
    What a return to form for the mighty Megadeth. After the absolute car crash that was Super Collider, this is a most welcome entry into theWhat a return to form for the mighty Megadeth. After the absolute car crash that was Super Collider, this is a most welcome entry into the Megadeth catalog. I was beginning to think after the last two albums that we might have another Metallica on our hands i.e. their finest albums were all behind them but much to my happiness the band return with a blistering new entry.

    The first 4 songs blew me away, a great mix of crunch, melody and in your face metal, Death From Within being my personal favourite on the new album.

    All in all if you are a Megadeth fan then this album definitely ticks all the right boxes and I promise you that you will not be disappointed.    … Expand
  5. TheQuietGamer
    Jun 17, 2016
    9
    The politics may offend, but it's hard to criticize the level of talent displayed in the music itself. You can spend your time whining aboutThe politics may offend, but it's hard to criticize the level of talent displayed in the music itself. You can spend your time whining about Dave Mustaine's "offensive" views or you can grow up, realize that people have different political views, and enjoy some excellent thrash metal. I chose to do the latter.

    It's heavy and aggressive in sound. A strong return to form for the band. The instrumental work is incredible. Solos and riffs are blistering in their ferocity and talent. Mustaine's vocal work is just as fantastic. There's a youthful energy to his voice that blends nicely with seasoned tones of age.

    It's simply an excellent addition to the genre by one it's most notable names. Megadeth doesn't disappoint with their sound. As long as you can get past the lyrics, which should be easy unless you are an easily offended, entitled child who thinks everyone needs to see the political landscape your way, then you should get your hands on this album. It's some of the best thrash metal in recent years and a welcome return to form for Megadeth.

    9.5/10    … Expand
  6. imthenoob
    Mar 23, 2019
    9
    This is the best Megadeth album to come out in quite some time. From start to finish, The band drags you in with hit after hit. It's a great album.
  7. manonthemoon68
    Feb 2, 2016
    8
    Great riffs throughout and Dave always seems to be at his best when he's pissed off and railing against the system. Probably the best effortGreat riffs throughout and Dave always seems to be at his best when he's pissed off and railing against the system. Probably the best effort since The World Needs a Hero.… Expand
  8. JUXXXLIO
    Aug 22, 2022
    0
    This album is somehow even more pretentious and irredeemable than Beyonce's new album. Imagine stroking your hand through sand and pulling outThis album is somehow even more pretentious and irredeemable than Beyonce's new album. Imagine stroking your hand through sand and pulling out crap. That's how I feel about.… Expand

See all 32 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

41
#41 Most Discussed Album of 2016

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