Why Megadeth's most experimental album became a lightning rod for fan and band frustration
In short: Released in 1999, Risk was Megadeth's boldest attempt to conquer alternative rock radio. By trading their signature thrash sound for melodic, modern grooves, the band hoped to shock their peers. Instead, the record triggered a polarizing backlash that ultimately forced the group to abandon their new direction and return to their roots.
The origins of Risk trace back to advice from Lars Ulrich, who encouraged Dave Mustaine to take more musical chances. Under the influence of guitarist Marty Friedman’s pop sensibilities and management’s desire for a breakthrough, the band spent four months in Nashville recording the album with producer Dann Huff. The result was a significant departure from their thrash metal identity, featuring tracks like the arena-ready 'Crush 'Em' and the melodic 'Breadline'.
The reception was deeply divided. While some critics appreciated the band's willingness to evolve, others panned the shift as 'corporate mock rock.' Commercially, the album reached the 16th spot on the Billboard 200, moving 74,000 units in its opening week. Mustaine later argued that the album's lack of massive success was not due to the music itself, but the 'Megadeth' name, suggesting it would have thrived under a different moniker.
Internal tensions were palpable during the process. While Mustaine felt he was compromising to keep Friedman happy, drummer Jimmy DeGrasso pushed for a heavier sound. The friction eventually led to the departure of longtime members, including Friedman. Despite the controversy, participants like Friedman maintain that the project was approached with hard work and the best of intentions, even if the final product alienated a core audience that simply wanted a traditional Megadeth record.
In retrospect, the album remains a complex chapter in the band's history. Mustaine has expressed pride in songs like 'Wanderlust,' yet he remains critical of 'Crush 'Em,' which he once called the band's dumbest track. A 2004 remix and remaster eventually offered a second look at the material, complete with updated cover art and bonus tracks, allowing a new generation to evaluate the record outside the immediate heat of its initial release.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Risk (Megadeth album)
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