Scorching instrumental intro, check. Full-on thrash attack with blistering solos, check. Break neck speed double bass drums, check. Razor sharp vocals full of social commentaries, double-check! Megadeth are back and they're taking no prisoners this time around! Previous album United Abominations proved that frontman Dave Mustaine still had the fire burning within and brought Megadeth back in the game, but Endgame is what the hardcore droogies have been drooling for. This time around, the band is embracing their thrash roots with no remorse and no compromise, and the end result speaks for itself. Songs like 'This Day We Fight', 'Head Crusher' and the title track feature some of the best riffs and soloing you might hear this decade. 'The Hardest Part of Letting Go... Sealed With a Kiss' is a sorrowful and touching number on the level of gut wrenching classic 'In My Darkest Hour'. The whole album is simply catchy as hell, and it's hard to find any flaws against such a return to form. Musicianship is absolutely top notch, and all the whiners that are still wishing for the "classic lineup" to reform, should eat some crow while listening to Endgame. Axe-meister Chris Broderick (ex-Jag Panzer) is the latest addition in what is now a long line of amazing shredders in the Megadeth legacy, and his playing is simply flawless. Even the scalpel precision production, courtesy of Andy Sneap, elevates the elaborate controlled chaos to a truly exquisite audiophile experience. After so many years of soul searching, Dave has finally managed to bring the monster he created over 25 years ago full circle. One question remains, is the album title just another of Mustaine's witty double entendre, or should we read more into it... Could Endgame hint at the possible end of the road for Megadeth in the near future? Let's sure hope not, but It would be a worthy farewell no matter what!