Dystopia (Megadeth album)

Dystopia is the fifteenth studio album by American thrash metal band Megadeth. It was released on frontman and guitarist Dave Mustaine's Tradecraft label via Universal on January 22, 2016.[1] It is the first Megadeth album to feature guitarist Kiko Loureiro, the only album with drummer Chris Adler, and their last with bassist David Ellefson. The album was produced by Mustaine and Chris Rakestraw and features cover artwork by Brent Elliot White.

Dystopia
Studio album by
ReleasedJanuary 22, 2016 (2016-01-22)
RecordedApril–July 2015
StudioLattitude Studio South, Leiper's Fork, Tennessee
GenreThrash metal
Length46:51
Label
Producer
Megadeth chronology
Super Collider
(2013)
Dystopia
(2016)
The Sick, the Dying... and the Dead!
(2022)
Singles from Dystopia
  1. "Fatal Illusion"
    Released: October 1, 2015
  2. "The Threat Is Real"
    Released: November 25, 2015
  3. "Dystopia"
    Released: January 7, 2016
  4. "Post American World"
    Released: July 29, 2016

Prior to Dystopia's recording, longtime drummer Shawn Drover and guitarist Chris Broderick announced their departure from the band. These roles on the album have been filled by Lamb of God drummer Chris Adler and Angra guitarist Kiko Loureiro, respectively. Adler returned to Lamb of God shortly after the album's release, and was replaced by drummer Dirk Verbeuren.

Following the lukewarm response to Megadeth's previous album, 2013's Super Collider, Dystopia received mostly favorable reaction from critics, being considered a return to form for the band. The album holds a Metacritic score of 69/100 as of November 2020. The album debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 chart, making Dystopia the band's second highest charting album in the U.S. after Countdown to Extinction, which peaked at number two in 1992. Additionally, the title track earned the band its first Grammy win (for Best Metal Performance) at the 59th Grammy Awards after eleven unsuccessful nominations.[2]

Background and production

edit

Background

edit

In June 2013, Megadeth released its fourteenth studio album, Super Collider, to mixed critical reaction.[3] In the months following the album's release, frontman and guitarist Dave Mustaine revealed that he and the rest of the band had already begun to discuss a follow-up,[4] an urgency somewhat influenced by the then-recent death of Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman, which had reportedly given Mustaine a sense of mortality.[5]

Over the course of 2014, the band announced its intentions to start pre–production on the album. The band had been working on new material since December 2013, and in January 2014, Mustaine revealed that many riffs had already been written for the record.[6] In May 2014, prior to his departure, Drover revealed that he and Mustaine had entered the studio and began tracking some demo ideas.[7] The band originally planned to record in August 2014 and release the album in 2015.[6][8] Instead, plans were only made to demo new material that October[9] and start recording in January 2015.[10] Mustaine elaborated that, due to a reduced tour schedule for summer 2014, the band had more time to focus on songwriting.[11]

Additionally, several hardships struck the band in 2014. In May, bassist David Ellefson lost his brother Eliot to cancer, after which the band cancelled a number of scheduled shows.[12] On October 4, Mustaine's Alzheimer's-afflicted mother-in-law went missing from a campground. Her remains were discovered on November 26.[13] Furthermore, drummer Shawn Drover and guitarist Chris Broderick announced their resignations from the band that November.[14] The pair would later emerge in a new band, Act of Defiance.[15]

Despite everything, Ellefson announced that the band was still intent on starting work on the album in early 2015.[16] Ellefson additionally suggested that the album would "help determine" Broderick and Drover's replacements.[17]

Production and recording

edit
Chris Adler (left) of Lamb of God joined the band to record drum tracks, but left shortly thereafter. Kiko Loureiro (right) of Angra joined Megadeth in 2015

In February 2015, Ellefson revealed that the album was "pretty much written".[18] The band entered Latitude South Studios in Leiper's Fork, Tennessee, in April 2015,[19] and recording finished in July.[20] It was initially unclear as to who would produce the album. Mustaine suggested that instead of rehiring Johnny K, who produced both Thirteen (2011) and Super Collider (2013), the band would possibly opt for a new producer.[21] While Mustaine initially indicated an interest in working with producer Max Norman, who had mixed Rust in Peace (1990) and produced Countdown to Extinction (1992) and Youthanasia (1994),[22] it was later revealed that Mustaine would be producing the effort along with Toby Wright.[23] However, Wright was let go early on,[24] and Mustaine instead produced the album with Chris Rakestraw.[20]

While there was initial speculation that Mustaine and Ellefson might try to reunite the Rust in Peace-era lineup, there was initially no statement from the band on the matter. It later came to light that the band had in fact been in discussions with former members Nick Menza (drums) and Marty Friedman (guitar), but were unable to reach an agreement.[25][26] The opportunity would not arise again, as Menza died of a heart attack in May 2016.[27]

During March 2015, several rock music news websites speculated that Lamb of God drummer Chris Adler would perform drums on the album,[28][29] which was later confirmed by the band.[30] It was also announced in the same month that Angra guitarist Kiko Loureiro joined the band.[31] Mustaine revealed a track listing for the then-untitled album on July 27 and announced production of the album was completed a month later.[32][33]

Album cover

edit

The cover was done by New York artist Brent Elliott White, who was given the idea to go for a post-apocalyptic approach. Vic Rattlehead is depicted as a cyborg, with a virtual reality headset in place of the riveted visor, a headset instead of metal caps on the ears, and a mouthpiece resembling a mask. The pose, holding the head of a cyborg resembling the Statue of Liberty and a katana, is an homage to Seven Samurai. The setting homages 12 Monkeys by having a deserted and destroyed city, Mad Max by putting Vic under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and The Walking Dead with the "drones meant to be like Michonne’s enslaved zombie buddies".[34] In the 2016 Burrn! magazine Readers' Pop Poll, the cover was awarded Best Album Cover.[35]

Songs

edit

Mustaine elaborated on possible lyrical themes, revealing that he had been reading about world history and "crazy science stuff".[4] Both Mustaine and Ellefson had indicated that the album would feature a different musical and stylistic approach from the previous album, including a move away from a radio-oriented sound,[36][37] which was subsequently characterized as a move back towards a thrash-oriented sound.[38][39] Mustaine also stated his belief that the album sound and songwriting would be influenced by his 2014 guest performance alongside the San Diego Symphony.[26]

In May 2015, the band posted several videos clips on PledgeMusic featuring snippets of new songs, titled "The Emperor" and "Conquer... or Die".[40] One song, "Poisonous Shadows," was stated by Mustaine to feature piano parts performed by Loureiro. Additionally, he indicated that it would include orchestral arrangement by Ronn Huff, father of record producer Dann Huff who worked with the band in the late 1990s.[26] It was also announced that the album would feature a guest appearance from country musician Steve Wariner, who would perform steel guitar parts.[41] However, neither Huff nor Wariner were credited in the album's liner notes.[20]

Release

edit

In spite of the departures of Broderick and Drover, Ellefson stated that the band initially intended to release the album late in 2015.[42] In January 2015, the album, yet to be titled at the time, was listed by Loudwire as one of the "30 Most Anticipated Rock + Metal Albums of 2015". It was suggested that the departures of Broderick and Drover, as well as the lack of details about possible replacements fueled anticipation on the part of fans and critics.[43] With an official title and release date confirmed, the album also made Loudwire's 2016 list.[44] Upon its release for streaming, Loudwire's Joe DiVita praised the album's title track.[45]

A teaser launched in late September hinted that the song "Fatal Illusion" would be released as the album's first single on October 2. Mustaine had previously announced that a single accompanied with a video would premiere during the holidays.[46] "The Threat is Real", the album's second single,[47] was released for streaming on November 25.[48] On January 7, 2016, the title track was released for streaming.[45]

The album was released on January 22, 2016, by Mustaine's Tradecraft label, distributed by Universal Music, and was made available on CD, vinyl and digital download formats.[49] In the United States, a version of the album including two bonus songs was available exclusively at Best Buy. This version was also available on iTunes.[50] In addition, a deluxe version was announced featuring a virtual reality headset and including a code to download video of the band performing five songs from the album.[49]

Dystopia debuted at number three on the Billboard 200, with 48,000 copies sold in its first week,[51][52] in addition to another 14,400 copies in its second week, when it fell to number 30 on the Billboard 200.[53] Dystopia sold over 110,000 copies in the US fourteen weeks after its release. The album was a bigger seller than Super Collider, which took 43 weeks to reach 80,000.[54] The album sold 148,000 copies in the US by December 2016, becoming the second biggest-selling heavy metal album released in 2016.[55]

To support Dystopia, Megadeth embarked on a North American tour in February–March 2016, with supporting acts Children of Bodom, Suicidal Tendencies and Havok.[56] The band toured the United States with Suicidal Tendencies again in September–October 2016, with Metal Church, Amon Amarth and Butcher Babies replacing Children of Bodom and Havok.[57][58]

On May 10, 2017, in Japan, a Deluxe Edition SHM-CD was released with four exclusive bonus tracks and a live DVD.[59]

Critical reception

edit
Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
AnyDecentMusic?7.0/10[60]
Metacritic69/100[61]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic     [62]
Blabbermouth.net8.5/10[63]
Consequence of SoundC+[64]
Exclaim!6/10[65]
Kerrang!     [66]
The Guardian     [67]
Metal Hammer     [68]
NOW     [69]
PopMatters6/10[70]
Rolling Stone     [39]

Dystopia has received generally positive reviews from critics, and holds a Metacritic rating of 69/100.[61] Commending the band's return to a more aggressive style, Calum Slingerland of Exclaim! wrote that Dystopia put the band back on track and started a new chapter in the band's storied career.[65] Sarah Rodman of The Boston Globe liked the combination of energetic riffs and cynical lyrics about the state of the world.[71] Loudwire's Chad Bowar said Dystopia was a first-rate Megadeth album and praised the interplay between Mustaine and Loureiro.[38] Record Collector's Joel McIver called the album a return to form for Megadeth, and a big improvement over the previous two records.[72]

A favorable review was posted on heavy metal news site Blabbermouth.net. Reviewer Ray Van Horn, Jr. proclaimed "Dystopia isn't monumental, but it's a damned good (often magnificent) album. The entire foursome in this incarnation of Megadeth goes for the win and Dystopia readily scores."[73] Thom Jurek from AllMusic agrees, saying "It's easy to appreciate the music on Dystopia; it showcases Mustaine and a crack new version of Megadeth at a creative peak."[62] Dom Lawson of The Guardian called the album an "absolutely blistering return" to the style "of past glories like Rust in Peace and Endgame."[67]

Writing for Rolling Stone, Kory Grow declared that Megadeth "sound reborn" on the album and said the band has "rarely sounded tighter or more cutting." Grow also stated that despite the "grim" lyrical themes of conspiracies and impending doom, Mustaine managed to insert some humor into the album, citing lyrics from "The Emperor."[39] John Semley of Now called Dystopia "a great record" and praised Loureiro's playing on the record. Semley argued that despite the album's plusses, however, it would likely be overshadowed by Metallica's followup to 2008's Death Magnetic, tentatively due for a 2016 release.[74] Metal Hammer's Dom Lawson credited band turmoil following the release of Super Collider for the creation of "one of the finest records Megadeth have ever made."[68]

A more moderate opinion of the album came from Jon Hadusek of Consequence of Sound. Hadusek called the album "worthy of bearing [the band's] name," but criticized several aspects of the release. He opined that Loureiro's playing was largely "cold, calculated and emotionless," and suggested that Mustaine's lyrics form "a loose concept album of post-capitalist suspicions, X-Files conspiracies, and pseudo-Libertarian rhetoric."[75]

The lyrical content of the album was received less favorably. While J.J. Anselmi of The A.V. Club declared that the album features "masterful instrumentation," he heavily criticized lyrics displaying Mustaine's "offensive politics" and "xenophobia,"[76] a sentiment shared by Benjamin Aspray of Slant Magazine.[77]

Accolades

edit

Year-end rankings

Publication Accolade Rank
Burrn! 2016 Readers' Pop Poll for Best Album
Loudwire 20 Best Metal Albums of 2016
Revolver 20 Best Albums of 2016
Rolling Stone 20 Best Metal Albums of 2016

Decade-end rankings

Publication Accolade Rank
Consequence Top 25 Metal Albums of the 2010s
Guitar World 20 Best Guitar Albums of the Decade
Louder Sound The 50 Best Metal Albums of the 2010s
Loudwire The 66 Best Metal Albums of the Decade

Awards

edit
Year Ceremony Category Work Result Ref.
2017 59th Grammy Awards Best Metal Performance "Dystopia" Won [2]

Track listing

edit

All tracks are written by Dave Mustaine, except where noted.[20]

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."The Threat Is Real" 4:22
2."Dystopia" 5:00
3."Fatal Illusion" 4:16
4."Death from Within" 4:48
5."Bullet to the Brain" 4:29
6."Post American World"4:25
7."Poisonous Shadows"
  • Mustaine
  • Loureiro
6:02
8."Conquer or Die!" (instrumental)
  • Mustaine
  • Loureiro
3:33
9."Lying in State" 3:34
10."The Emperor" 3:54
11."Foreign Policy" (Fear cover)Lee Ving2:28
Total length:46:51
Japanese edition bonus track
No.TitleLength
12."Me Hate You"3:44
Total length:50:35
Deluxe Limited box, iTunes and Best Buy edition
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."The Threat Is Real" 4:22
2."Dystopia" 5:00
3."Fatal Illusion" 4:16
4."Death from Within" 4:48
5."Bullet to the Brain" 4:29
6."Post American World"
  • Mustaine
  • Loureiro
4:25
7."Poisonous Shadows"
  • Mustaine
  • Loureiro
6:02
8."Look Who's Talking" (bonus track) 4:14
9."Conquer or Die!" (instrumental)
  • Mustaine
  • Loureiro
3:33
10."Lying in State" 3:34
11."The Emperor" 3:54
12."Last Dying Wish" (bonus track) 3:49
13."Foreign Policy" (Fear cover)Lee Ving2:28
Total length:54:54
Japanese Deluxe edition
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."The Threat Is Real" 4:22
2."Dystopia" 5:00
3."Fatal Illusion" 4:16
4."Death from Within" 4:48
5."Bullet to the Brain" 4:29
6."Post American World"
  • Mustaine
  • Loureiro
4:25
7."Poisonous Shadows"
  • Mustaine
  • Loureiro
6:02
8."Look Who's Talking" (bonus track) 4:14
9."Conquer or Die!" (instrumental)
  • Mustaine
  • Loureiro
3:33
10."Lying in State" 3:34
11."The Emperor" 3:54
12."Last Dying Wish" (bonus track) 3:49
13."Foreign Policy" (Fear cover)Lee Ving2:28
14."Me Hate You" (bonus track) 3:44
15."The Threat Is Real" (bonus track; live at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan on October 9th, 2016)  
16."Poisonous Shadows" (bonus track; live at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan on October 9th, 2016)  
17."Dystopia" (bonus track; live at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan on October 9th, 2016)  
Japanese Deluxe edition bonus DVD
No.TitleLength
1."The Threat Is Real" (live at Hellfest 2016) 
2."Tornado of Souls" (live at Hellfest 2016) 
3."Dystopia" (live at Hellfest 2016) 
Spotify bonus track
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
12."Melt the Ice Away" (Budgie cover)3:28
Total length:50:19

Personnel

edit

Credits adapted from Dystopia liner notes, unless otherwise noted.[20]

Megadeth

Additional musicians

Production and design

  • Produced by Dave Mustaine and Chris Rakestraw
  • Engineering by Chris Rakestraw
  • Mixed by Josh Wilbur
  • Pre-production by Cameron Webb
  • Additional production by Jeff Balding
  • Mastering by Ted Jensen
  • Brent Elliott White – cover artwork

Charts

edit

Dystopia achieved success on international music charts. It charted in the top ten in a dozen countries, and entered into the top twenty in four more. The album debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200, selling 48,000 copies (and streaming equivocal to another 1,000 copies) in its first week. This both topped the position and sales of the preceding album, Super Collider, and marks the band's second highest domestic chart position, after Countdown to Extinction, which reached number two in 1992. The album also charted at number three in Canada and Finland, and reached number two in Japan.

References

edit
  1. ^ Megadeth - Dystopia Album Reviews, Songs & More | AllMusic, retrieved 2023-10-21
  2. ^ a b "Megadeth Wins 'Best Metal Performance' Grammy Award'". Blabbermouth.net. February 12, 2017. Retrieved February 12, 2017.
  3. ^ "Super Collider - Megadeth". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved 17 June 2013.
  4. ^ a b "Megadeth's Dave Mustaine Talks About Writing Process for Next Album". Blabbermouth.net. September 3, 2013. Retrieved September 5, 2013.
  5. ^ Giles, Jeff (July 25, 2013). "Dave Mustaine Worries About Dying". Ultimateclassicrock.com. Retrieved June 4, 2016.
  6. ^ a b Kajzer, Jackie (January 15, 2014). "Megadeth's Dave Mustaine Talks Creative Risks, "Super Collider" Album + Band's Future Plans". Loudwire. Retrieved January 15, 2014.
  7. ^ "Megadeth Tracking 'Heavy' Demo Ideas For Next Studio Album". Blabbermouth.net. May 30, 2014. Retrieved May 31, 2014.
  8. ^ "Megadeth to Enter Studio Next Summer". Blabbermouth.net. December 18, 2013. Retrieved December 19, 2013.
  9. ^ Wang, K. S. (July 25, 2014). "Celebrity Drive: Grammy-Nominated Megadeth Frontman Dave Mustaine". Motor Trend. Retrieved July 27, 2014.
  10. ^ "Megadeth to Enter Studio in January, Says Dave Mustaine". Blabbermouth.net. November 6, 2014. Retrieved December 13, 2014.
  11. ^ Kajzer, Jackie (July 15, 2014). "Megadeth's Dave Mustaine Talks Touring, New Album Progress + More". Loudwire. Retrieved July 16, 2014.
  12. ^ Lach, Stef (May 22, 2014). "Megadeth Cancel Gigs as Ellefson Mourns Brother". Classic Rock. Retrieved June 21, 2015.
  13. ^ "Body of Missing Woman Found in Julian". CBS8.com. November 27, 2014. Retrieved November 28, 2014.
  14. ^ Kielty, Martin (November 26, 2014). "Broderick & Drover Quit Megadeth". Classic Rock. Retrieved June 1, 2016.
  15. ^ Childers, Chad (February 26, 2015). "Chris Broderick + Shawn Drover Name New Band Act of Defiance, Ink Deal With Metal Blade". Loudwire. Retrieved February 27, 2015.
  16. ^ "David Ellefson: Megadeth To Start Work On New Album In Early 2015, Spend Much Of Next Year 'Off The Road'". Blabbermouth.net. December 7, 2014. Retrieved December 7, 2014.
  17. ^ "Megadeth's David Ellefson: The New Album is Gonna Help Determine the Band's Lineup". Blabbermouth.net. February 17, 2015. Retrieved February 18, 2015.
  18. ^ "David Ellefson Says Megadeth's Next Album is "Pretty Much Written", Comments on Possible Reunion With Menza, Friedman". Blabbermouth.net. February 11, 2015. Retrieved February 11, 2015.
  19. ^ "Megadeth: First Photo of New Recording Lineup". Blabbermouth.net. April 24, 2015. Retrieved April 24, 2015.
  20. ^ a b c d e Dystopia Liner notes. Universal Music Enterprises. 2016. p. 12.
  21. ^ Rosen, Steve (May 10, 2013). "Dave Mustaine Interview". Ultimate Guitar Archive. Archived from the original on June 7, 2013. Retrieved May 12, 2013.
  22. ^ Kajzer, Jackie (April 7, 2014). "Megadeth's Dave Mustaine Discusses San Diego Symphony, Motorboat Cruise + More". Loudwire. Retrieved April 8, 2014.
  23. ^ "Megadeth's Dave Mustaine: Chris Broderick and Shawn Drover 'Didn't Even Say Goodbye to Me'". Blabbermouth.net. June 26, 2015. Retrieved June 26, 2015.
  24. ^ Horsley, Jonathan (February 9, 2016). "Dave Mustaine and Kiko Loureiro Talk Megadeth's Dystopia". Music Radar. Retrieved April 23, 2016.
  25. ^ Bienstock, Richard (May 14, 2015). "Dave Mustaine on New Megadeth LP and 'Rust in Peace' Reunion That Wasn't". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on May 17, 2015. Retrieved May 14, 2015.
  26. ^ a b c d Bienstock, Richard (June 16, 2015). "Megadeth's Dave Mustaine Discusses New Megadeth Album and Working with Guitarist Kiko Loureiro". Guitar World. Archived from the original on 21 June 2015. Retrieved June 21, 2015.
  27. ^ Kennedy, Maev (May 22, 2016). "Former Megadeth Drummer Nick Menza Dies After Collapsing on Stage". The Guardian. Retrieved June 1, 2016.
  28. ^ Hartmann, Graham (March 20, 2015). "Did My Chemical Romance's Former Drummer Just Confirm Megadeth is Recording with Chris Adler?". Loudwire. Retrieved March 20, 2015.
  29. ^ "Nick Menza to Chris Adler: 'Good Luck' With Rumored Megadeth Studio Gig". Blabbermouth.net. March 14, 2015. Retrieved March 20, 2015.
  30. ^ Childers, Chad (March 29, 2015). "Megadeth Reveal Lamb of God's Chris Adler as Their New Drummer". Loudwire. Retrieved March 29, 2015.
  31. ^ Childers, Chad (April 2, 2015). "Megadeth Officially Announces Kiko Loureiro as Their New Guitarist". Loudwire. Retrieved April 3, 2015.
  32. ^ "Megadeth: New Album Track Listing Revealed". Blabbermouth.net. July 28, 2015. Retrieved July 28, 2015.
  33. ^ "New Megadeth Album Is Complete, Mustaine Proudly Announces". Ultimate Guitar Archive. August 29, 2015. Retrieved October 2, 2015.
  34. ^ Campbell, Don (April 19, 2016). "Interview: Megadeth's 'Dystopia' cover artist Brent Elliott White". MetalInsider. Retrieved May 31, 2016.
  35. ^ a b Burrn!, April 2017 issue
  36. ^ "Megadeth To Take 'Different Approach' On Next Album, Says David Ellefson". Blabbermouth.net. February 21, 2014. Retrieved September 5, 2014.
  37. ^ "Dave Mustaine: Fans Don't Want Shawn Drover and Chris Broderick in Megadeth". Blabbermouth.net. January 30, 2015. Retrieved January 30, 2015.
  38. ^ a b Bowar, Chad (January 22, 2016). "Megadeth, 'Dystopia' Album Review". Loudwire. Retrieved January 22, 2016.
  39. ^ a b c Grow, Kory (January 20, 2016). "Megadeth - Dystopia". Rolling Stone. Retrieved January 21, 2016.
  40. ^ "Dave Mustaine listening back to a couple new tracks". PledgeMusic. May 4, 2015. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved May 10, 2015.
  41. ^ "New Megadeth Album to Feature Guest Appearance by Country Singer Steve Wariner". Blabbermouth.net. June 25, 2015. Retrieved June 25, 2015.
  42. ^ Childers, Chad (January 22, 2015). "Megadeth's David Ellefson: New Album is 'Supposed to Come Out Later This Year'". Loudwire. Retrieved January 24, 2015.
  43. ^ Hartmann, Graham (January 9, 2015). "30 Most Anticipated Rock + Metal Albums of 2015". Loudwire. Retrieved January 11, 2015.
  44. ^ "Most Anticipated Hard Rock + Metal Albums of 2016". Loudwire.com. 5 January 2016. Retrieved January 5, 2016.
  45. ^ a b DiVita, Joe (January 7, 2016). "Megadeth Unleash Title Track off Upcoming 'Dystopia' Album". Loudwire.com. Retrieved January 7, 2016.
  46. ^ Henne, Bruce (September 26, 2015). "Megadeth Launch Countdown Clock". Classic Rock. Retrieved September 28, 2015.
  47. ^ Mack, Emmy (October 16, 2015). "Dave Mustaine Talks About Megadeth's New Lineup, The New Book He Isn't Actually Writing & Being a Loony Toon". Musicfeeds.com. Retrieved October 16, 2015.
  48. ^ Hartmann, Graham "Gruhammed" (November 25, 2015). "Megadeth Releases New Song 'The Threat is Real'". Loudwire.com. Retrieved November 25, 2015.
  49. ^ a b Khoury, Albert (December 20, 2015). "Megadeth's Dystopia Will Feature a VR Mini-Concert". Digitaltrends.com. Retrieved January 17, 2016.
  50. ^ "Megadeth to Release 'Dystopia' Album In January; Hear Brand New Song 'Fatal Illusion' Right Now". Blabbermouth.net. October 1, 2015. Retrieved August 6, 2016.
  51. ^ Caulfield, Keith (January 31, 2016). "Adele's '25' Album Back to No. 1 on Billboard 200 Chart for Eighth Week". Billboard 200. Retrieved February 1, 2016.
  52. ^ DiVita, Joe (February 1, 2016). "Megadeth's 'Dystopia' Debuts at No. 3 on Billboard 200 Chart". Loudwire.com. Retrieved February 1, 2016.
  53. ^ Brown, Matt (February 10, 2016). "Metal By Numbers 2/10: Some astonishing debuts". Metal Insider. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  54. ^ Brown, Matt (May 4, 2016). "Metal By Numbers 5/4: The charts have a dark side". Metal Insider. Retrieved May 5, 2016.
  55. ^ "Metal by Numbers: The best-selling rock and metal in 2016". Metal Insider. January 5, 2017. Retrieved January 6, 2017.
  56. ^ Childers, Chad (December 7, 2015). "Megadeth Reveal 2016 North American Tour with Suicidal Tendancies, Children of Bodom + Havok". Loudwire.com. Retrieved May 31, 2016.
  57. ^ "Megadeth Announces U.S. Tour With Amon Amarth, Suicidal Tendencies, Metal Church, Havok". Blabbermouth.net. July 18, 2016. Retrieved July 18, 2016.
  58. ^ "Butcher Babies Added To Megadeth's Tour With Amon Amarth, Suicidal Tendencies, Metal Church". Blabbermouth.net. September 10, 2016. Retrieved September 10, 2016.
  59. ^ "Megadeth "Dystopia" Japan Exclusive Deluxe Edition w/ 4 Japan Bonus Tracks". CDJapan.co.jp.
  60. ^ "Dystopia by Megadeth reviews | Any Decent Music". www.anydecentmusic.com. Retrieved 1 November 2016.
  61. ^ a b "Dystopia by Megadeth". Metacritic. January 28, 2016. Retrieved January 22, 2016.
  62. ^ a b Jurek, Thom (January 20, 2016). "Megadeth - Dystopia". AllMusic. Retrieved January 21, 2016.
  63. ^ Horn, Jr., Ray (25 January 2016). "MEGADETH Dystopia". Blabbermouth.net.
  64. ^ Hadusek, Jon (25 January 2016). "Album Review: Megadeth – Dystopia". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved 5 March 2023.
  65. ^ a b Slingerland, Calum (January 20, 2016). "Megadeth - Dystopia". Exclaim!. Retrieved January 21, 2016.
  66. ^ Dystopia does see Megadeth come within hailing distance of their dazzling best. [16 Jan 2016, p.50]
  67. ^ a b Lawson, Dom (January 28, 2016). "Megadeth: Dystopia". The Guardian. Retrieved January 28, 2016.
  68. ^ a b Lawson, Dom (January 7, 2016). "Megadeth - Dystopia". Metal Hammer. Retrieved January 21, 2016.
  69. ^ Semley, Jon (27 January 2016). ">>> MEGADETH Dystopia". NOW. Archived from the original on 2016-02-03. Retrieved 5 March 2023.
  70. ^ Skinner, Jared (26 February 2016). "MEGADETH: DYSTOPIA". PopMatters. Retrieved 5 March 2023.
  71. ^ Rodman, Sarah (January 21, 2016). "Album Review: Megadeth, 'Dystopia'". The Boston Globe. Retrieved January 21, 2016.
  72. ^ McIver, Joel (January 25, 2016). "Megadeth–Dystopia". Record Collector. Retrieved January 27, 2016.
  73. ^ Van Horn, Ray Jr. (25 January 2016). "CD Reviews: Megadeth - Dystopia". Blabbermouth.net. Retrieved January 30, 2016.
  74. ^ Semley, John (January 27, 2016). "Megadeth–Dystopia". Now. Retrieved January 28, 2016.
  75. ^ Hadusek, Jon (January 25, 2016). "Megadeth – Dystopia". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved January 25, 2016.
  76. ^ Anselmi, J.J. (January 22, 2016). "Megadeth - Dystopia". The A.V. Club. Retrieved January 22, 2016.
  77. ^ Aspray, Benjamin (January 22, 2016). "Megadeth: Dystopia". Slant Magazine. Retrieved January 22, 2016.
  78. ^ "The 50 best metal albums of the 2010s". Loudwire. December 8, 2016. Retrieved March 17, 2022.
  79. ^ "20 Best Albums of 2016". Revolver. December 8, 2016. Retrieved December 8, 2016.
  80. ^ "20 Best Metal Albums of 2016". Rolling Stone. December 9, 2016. Retrieved December 10, 2016.
  81. ^ "Top 25 Metal Albums of the 2010s". Consequence. November 8, 2019. Retrieved March 11, 2022.
  82. ^ Horsley, Jonathan (December 19, 2019). "The 20 best guitar albums of the decade". Guitar World. Retrieved March 8, 2022.
  83. ^ "The 50 best metal albums of the 2010s". Louder Sound. December 18, 2019. p. 4. Retrieved March 2, 2022.
  84. ^ "The 66 Best Metal Albums of the Decade". Loudwire. November 19, 2019. Retrieved March 2, 2022.
  85. ^ "Australiancharts.com – Megadeth – Dystopia". Hung Medien. Retrieved January 30, 2016.
  86. ^ "Austriancharts.at – Megadeth – Dystopia" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved February 11, 2016.
  87. ^ "Megadeth – Dystopia". Argentine Albums. CAPIF. On Fecha, select 20160129 to see the correspondent chart. Retrieved February 1, 2016.
  88. ^ "ABPD CD - TOP 10 Semanal". (in Portuguese). Associação Brasileira dos Produtores de Discos. Retrieved January 30, 2016.
  89. ^ "Ultratop.be – Megadeth – Dystopia" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved January 30, 2016.
  90. ^ "Ultratop.be – Megadeth – Dystopia" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved January 30, 2016.
  91. ^ "Megadeth Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved February 2, 2016.
  92. ^ "Czech Albums – Top 100". ČNS IFPI. Note: On the chart page, select 29.Týden 2016 on the field besides the words "CZ – ALBUMS – TOP 100" to retrieve the correct chart. Retrieved January 30, 2016.
  93. ^ "Dutchcharts.nl – Megadeth – Dystopia" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved January 30, 2016.
  94. ^ "Megadeth: Dystopia" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
  95. ^ "Lescharts.com – Megadeth – Dystopia". Hung Medien. Retrieved February 1, 2016.
  96. ^ "Offiziellecharts.de – Megadeth – Dystopia" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
  97. ^ "Greekcharts.com – Megadeth – Dystopia". Hung Medien. Retrieved February 5, 2016.
  98. ^ "Album Top 40 slágerlista – 2016. 9. hét" (in Hungarian). MAHASZ. Retrieved March 10, 2016.
  99. ^ "GFK Chart-Track Albums: Week 4, 2016". Chart-Track. IRMA. Retrieved January 30, 2016.
  100. ^ "Italiancharts.com – Megadeth – Dystopia". Hung Medien. Retrieved February 1, 2016.
  101. ^ "ディストピア メガデス" [Dystopia Megadeth] (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved October 4, 2021.
  102. ^ "Mexicancharts.com – Megadeth – Dystopia". Hung Medien. Retrieved February 1, 2016.
  103. ^ "Charts.nz – Megadeth – Dystopia". Hung Medien. Retrieved January 29, 2016.
  104. ^ "Norwegiancharts.com – Megadeth – Dystopia". Hung Medien. Retrieved January 30, 2016.
  105. ^ "Oficjalna lista sprzedaży :: OLiS - Official Retail Sales Chart". OLiS. Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved February 4, 2016.
  106. ^ "Portuguesecharts.com – Megadeth – Dystopia". Hung Medien. Retrieved February 15, 2016.
  107. ^ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 4, 2021.
  108. ^ "Spanishcharts.com – Megadeth – Dystopia". Hung Medien. Retrieved February 22, 2016.
  109. ^ "Swedishcharts.com – Megadeth – Dystopia". Hung Medien. Retrieved October 3, 2021.
  110. ^ "Swisscharts.com – Megadeth – Dystopia". Hung Medien. Retrieved February 1, 2016.
  111. ^ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved January 30, 2016.
  112. ^ "Official Rock & Metal Albums Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved January 30, 2016.
  113. ^ "Megadeth Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved February 1, 2016.
  114. ^ "Megadeth Chart History (Top Hard Rock Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved October 30, 2020.
  115. ^ "Megadeth Chart History (Top Rock Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved October 30, 2020.
  116. ^ "Megadeth Chart History (Top Tastemaker Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved October 30, 2020.
  117. ^ "Jaaroverzichten 2016". Ultratop. Retrieved October 30, 2020.
  118. ^ "Top Rock Albums – Year-End 2016". Billboard. Retrieved October 30, 2020.