Megadeth
Anthology: Set The World Afire

October 2008
Released: 2008, Capitol/EMI
Rating: 4.5/5
Reviewer: Celtic Bob

Another compilation from one of Metal’s finest. Is there really a need? The answer is no but for Megadeth fans and completists it is. Also it serves as a perfect starting point for a new fan to get into the band as well as a casual listener to get some of their favorite songs in one spot.



Disc One is the Megadeth that this reviewer is most familiar with. Upon hearing classics like “Peace Sells”, “Wake Up Dead” and “In My Darkest Hour” memories of High School come flooding back. These songs are timeless and sound just as new today as they did back in the late 80’s. How can you not enjoy cranking up the stereo when “Holy Wars” , “Hangar 18” or “Sweating Bullets” comes on? It is near impossible to do. Add in a previously unreleased demo of “High Speed Dirt” and you have a great compilation…so far.



Disc Two is a real treat for older fans that never really followed the band throughout the 90’s and into the new century. It is now time for us to get reacquainted with the band. This disc contains a good sampling of some of the music we missed out on. The song “A Tout Le Monde” is like no other Megadeth song I ever heard before. It is a relatively mellow song and Dave’s voice is lacking that old familiar snarl. A fantastic song that was a real surprise. Mustaine gets back to classic style ‘deth with “The Killing Road” which is another great song. A few of the choices here are not the greatest but the do give an overall sampling of the band.



The biggest downfall of this collection is that UNITED ABOMBINATIONS is only represented by one song and THE SYSTEM HAS FAILED is not covered at all.