Megadeth has made some of the best songs in thrash metal history and The System Has Failed serves their legacy justice.
Dave Mustaine is among the greatest songwriters in the genre, so it was no doubt their 2004 release was going to crack skulls. The album also featured original guitarist Chris Poland, however there were a couple of songs that he didn’t play on.
One of these songs was Truth Be Told. Despite his absence from the track, it stands out as a memorable climax on the album. Dealing with the destructive behavior of mankind, the subject matter is perfectly translated in this five and a half minute powerhouse.
Beginning with a gripping intro, listeners can immediately expect a heavy tune and not one of the few boring ballads scattered throughout the record. It does get more melodic, but the chorus keeps the crowd chanting and headbanging.
Complete with an incredibly lengthy solo, Mustaine shows his chops as a one-man-machine with satisfying technical work. Coming out of it the same way as the intro, the entire band’s chemistry is masterful.
Instead of going back to the dreamy/soft-hearted melody, the tempo completely changes out of nowhere and takes off in true thrash metal style. The last couple of lyrics reinstate the natural cruelty of human behavior. The final words in the song suggest that no matter how many evil people we get rid of, there will always be more in the future. World peace is irrational, because we’re too busy playing God with our species and killing each other as collateral damage. Dating back to the most ruthless targets including Adolf Hitler and Osama Bin Laden, man will inherently continue to commit atrocities and repeat disasters from the past.
Overall, Truth Be Told is the full Megadeth package in one track. Offering some melodic moments that became traditional since the 90’s, but also keeping the metalheads pleased with badass riffs and shredding guitar.
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