The System Has Failed
The System Has Failed | ||||
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Studio album by | ||||
Released | September 14, 2004 | |||
Recorded | October 23, 2003 – April 9, 2004[1][2] | |||
Studio | ||||
Genre | ||||
Length | 48:24 | |||
Label | Sanctuary | |||
Producer |
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Megadeth chronology | ||||
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Singles from The System Has Failed | ||||
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Alternate cover | ||||
The System Has Failed is the tenth studio album by American thrash metal band Megadeth, released on September 14, 2004. It was the band's second and final studio album to be distributed by Sanctuary Records.[3] The System Has Failed was the first album to be released after Dave Mustaine recovered from his arm injury sustained in 2002. It is also the first of four Megadeth studio albums not to include original bassist and co-founder David Ellefson. The album features former Megadeth member Chris Poland (guitar), who previously performed on Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good! (1985) and Peace Sells... but Who's Buying? (1986), as well as session drummer Vinnie Colaiuta and bassist Jimmie Lee Sloas.
The System Has Failed received positive reception from critics and debuted at number 18 on the Billboard 200. The album was generally thought of as being a return to form for the band, after the release of more commercially accessible albums through the 1990s. "Die Dead Enough" and "Of Mice and Men" were released as singles in 2004, and "The Scorpion" was released as a single in 2005. The track "Back in the Day" was featured in the Duck Dodgers episode "In Space, No One Can Hear You Rock" in 2005, which featured an animated version of the band performing the song.
Background and production
In 2002, Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine announced that he was disbanding the band due to an arm injury that rendered him unable to play guitar.[4] In a statement published on April 3, 2002, he stated that doctors expected that it would take about a year before he would recover from the injury. However, it was uncertain as to how complete of a recovery it would be. Mustaine stated his hopes to regain the ability to play guitar.[5] He subsequently recovered following months of physical therapy.[6]
The album was recorded at
Originally intended to be a solo album by Mustaine, the record was re-branded with the Megadeth name as a result of contractual obligations owed to Mustaine's publishing company.[9] Mustaine co-produced the record with Jeff Balding, who had previously engineered Cryptic Writings and Risk.[8] Upon restarting Megadeth, Mustaine contacted bassist and founding member David Ellefson about resuming bass guitar duties for the band. Those efforts were ultimately fruitless, however. Ellefson claimed that Mustaine was not financially willing to pick up "where it was when [the band] broke up" and did not return to Megadeth.[10]
Artwork
The cover art was designed by Mike Learn, and features
Release and promotion
The System Has Failed was released on September 14, 2004, through Sanctuary Records.[12] Three days previously, on September 11, the album was made available for streaming on the VH1 website.[13] The album debuted at number 18 on the Billboard 200,[14] with 46,000 units sold in its first week.[15] By December 2007, The System Has Failed had sold 196,000 copies in the United States and by October 2019 has sold an additional 200,000 copies.[16] In addition, the album had managed to chart in the top 20 in several other countries, including Canada, Finland, and Sweden.[14]
Still needing a band with whom to tour, Mustaine hired longtime drummer Nick Menza in July,[17] while newcomers James MacDonough (bass)[18] and Glen Drover (guitar)[19] both joined in September (although Jeff Waters of Annihilator nearly joined).[20] Five days before the start of the tour, however, Menza was sent home.[21] His place was filled by Shawn Drover, brother of then-recently hired guitarist Glen Drover. The album's promotional tour, the Blackmail the Universe Tour, launched on October 23, 2004, in Reno, Nevada and featured Earshot as a supporting act.[22] This tour would also spawn the That One Night: Live in Buenos Aires double live album, released in September 2007.
Two music videos were made to promote the album. The first was "Die Dead Enough",[23] which was directed by Thomas Mignone.[24] "Of Mice and Men" was selected as the second video from the album.[25] In this video, the then-new Megadeth lineup is shown performing. The majority of the video was filmed in Los Angeles, California on January 20, 2005. Many fans turned up to be in the video through a contest held by Sanctuary Records.[24] A third video was made for "Back in the Day" in 2005, but was unreleased until September 15, 2014, to celebrate ten years since the album's release.[26] "Back in the Day" was also featured in an episode of the Duck Dodgers TV series, along with an animated performance from the band.[27] The episode which the song was featured in, "In Space, No One Can Hear You Rock", aired on November 4, 2005, after having been delayed a week.[28]
A remastered version of The System Has Failed, along with The World Needs a Hero, was reissued on CD, vinyl, and digital download on February 15, 2019.[29]
Songs
"Die Dead Enough" was the lead single from The System Has Failed.
Critical reception
Review scores | |
---|---|
Source | Rating |
KNAC | [43] |
Metal Forces | 8/10[44] |
NOW | [45] |
Revolver | [46] |
Rock Hard | 8.5/10[47] |
The System Has Failed has received mainly positive reviews from critics, with some of them describing the album as a return to form.
In spite of a largely positive reception, not all reaction was completely positive. Tom Day of musicOMH had a mixed reaction to the album. Day called "Die Dead Enough" a "slice of classic 'Deth", while noting its slightly more mainstream sound. Later in his review, however, he noted that with "Shadow of Deth", it seemed that Mustaine had run out of ideas.[49] Nick Lancaster from Drowned in Sound also reacted unenthusiastically towards the album, saying it was a "severe case of St. Anger syndrome". However, he added there were "occasional moments of the old magic, but they're few and far between".[42]
Track listing
All tracks are written by Dave Mustaine[7]
No. | Title | Length |
---|---|---|
1. | "Blackmail the Universe" | 4:33 |
2. | "Die Dead Enough" | 4:18 |
3. | "Kick the Chair" | 3:57 |
4. | "The Scorpion" | 5:59 |
5. | "Tears in a Vial" | 5:21 |
6. | "I Know Jack" | 0:40 |
7. | "Back in the Day" | 3:27 |
8. | "Something That I'm Not" | 5:07 |
9. | "Truth Be Told" | 5:40 |
10. | "Of Mice and Men" | 4:04 |
11. | "Shadow of Deth" (Psalm 23, credited to David) | 2:15 |
12. | "My Kingdom" | 3:03 |
Total length: | 48:24 |
No. | Title | Length |
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13. | "Die Dead Enough" (video) | 4:31 |
Total length: | 52:55 |
No. | Title | Length |
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13. | "Time/Use the Man" (live) | 6:30 |
14. | "The Conjuring" (live) | 5:26 |
Total length: | 60:20 |
Personnel
Production and performance credits are adapted from the album liner notes.[7]
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Charts
Album
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Singles
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References
- ^ "MEGADETH RECORDING IN NASHVILLE STUDIO?!". Brave Words. October 23, 2003. Retrieved August 4, 2023.
- ^ "MEGADETH - NEW CD TRACKLISTING REVEALED". Brave Words. April 9, 2004. Retrieved August 4, 2023.
- ^ Megadeth - The System Has Failed Album Reviews, Songs & More | AllMusic, retrieved October 21, 2023
- ^ "History (2002)". Megadeth.com. Archived from the original on June 9, 2013. Retrieved December 30, 2013.
Megadeth disbands after Dave Mustaine suffers a nerve injury in his arm, leaving him unable to play guitar.
- ^ "Injury Forces Mustaine To Disband Megadeth". Billboard. April 3, 2004. Retrieved October 17, 2013.
- ^ "Dave Mustaine Talks About His Arm Injury". Blabbermouth.net. January 16, 2004. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
- ^ a b c The System Has Failed liner notes. Sanctuary Records. 2004. p. 15.
- ^ a b "Megadeth - Sanctuary Hypes Up The System Has Failed". Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles. July 27, 2004. Retrieved August 14, 2012.
- ^ "Dave Mustaine: 'Anyone Who Says That Megadeth Isn't Me Is A Fool'". Blabbermouth.net. March 31, 2007. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
- ^ "Former Megadeth Bassist David Ellefson Hopes To Work With Dave Mustaine Again". Blabbermouth.net. October 16, 2004. Retrieved October 23, 2011.
- ^ "Megadeth - Mike Learn Set To Create Cover For The System Has Failed". Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles. July 5, 2004. Retrieved August 13, 2012.
- ^ a b "Megadeth: New Single 'Die Dead Enough' To Arrive In July". Blabbermouth.net. June 19, 2004. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
- ^ "Megadeth: Listen To Entire New Album Online". Blabbermouth.net. September 11, 2004. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
- ^ a b "Megadeth: 'The System Has Failed' Chart Positions Updated". Blabbermouth.net. September 24, 2004. Retrieved October 23, 2011.
- ^ "Megadeth's 'System' Enters Billboard Album Chart At No. 18". Blabbermouth.net. September 22, 2004. Retrieved October 16, 2013.
- ^ "Megadeth: Album Sales Update". Blabbermouth.net. December 16, 2005. Retrieved September 30, 2011.
- ^ "It's Official: Drummer NICK MENZA Rejoins MEGADETH". Blabbermouth.net. July 5, 2004. Retrieved November 24, 2023.
- ^ "ICED EARTH Bassist Quits To Join MEGADETH". Blabbermouth.net. September 11, 2004. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
- ^ "MEGADETH: EIDOLON Guitarist GLEN DROVER Joins The Fold". Blabbermouth.net. September 5, 2004. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
- ^ "MEGADETH IN TALKS WITH ANNIHILATOR AXE LEGEND!". Brave Words. July 16, 2004. Retrieved August 4, 2023.
- ^ "Megadeth's Mustaine Says Nick Menza Wasn't Prepared To Tour With The Band". Blabbermouth.net. November 16, 2004. Retrieved March 17, 2010.
- ^ "Megadeth Kill The Charts With The System Has Failed, Earshot To Support On Tour". Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles. September 24, 2004. Retrieved August 13, 2012.
- ^ "Megadeth: 'Die Dead Enough' Video To Air On 'Headbanger's Ball', Tour To Kick Off In San Diego". Blabbermouth.net. September 11, 2004. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
- ^ a b "Megadeth: Win Chance To Appear In 'Of Mice And Men' Video". Blabbermouth.net. January 15, 2005. Retrieved October 23, 2011.
- ^ a b "Megadeth To Film 'Of Mice And Men' Video". Blabbermouth.net. January 4, 2005. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
- ^ "Megadeth's Previously Unreleased Video for 'Back in the Day' Sees Light of Day". Blabbermouth.net. September 15, 2014. Retrieved September 16, 2014.
- ^ "Megadeth To Become 'Cartoon Legends'". Blabbermouth.net. October 17, 2005. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
- ^ "Megadeth - Appearance On Duck Dodgers Cartoon Show Pushed Back". Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles. October 30, 2004. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
- ^ a b "Megadeth's 'The World Needs a Hero' and 'The System Has Failed' Albums to be Reissued in February". Blabbermouth.net. December 18, 2018. Retrieved December 22, 2018.
- ^ "Megadeth - Radio Dates Set For 'Die Dead Enough'". Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles. July 2, 2004. Retrieved October 23, 2012.
- Tripod.com. Retrieved October 16, 2013.
- ^ "Megadeth: 'Die Dead Enough' Single To Be Featured In Upcoming Horror Film". Blabbermouth.net. July 26, 2004. Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved August 13, 2011.
- ^ "Producer: Megadeth's 'Die Dead Enough' Not Featured In 'Saw' Movie". Blabbermouth.net. July 28, 2004. Retrieved August 13, 2011.
- ^ "Megadeth: New Song Available For Download". Blabbermouth.net. May 7, 2004. Retrieved July 15, 2012.
- ^ "Megadeth – Blackmail The Universe". Discogs. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
- ^ "The Scorpion". Megadeth.com. Archived from the original on January 31, 2009. Retrieved October 5, 2012.
- ^ "Megadeth.com - Scorpion". Archived from the original on November 15, 2008. Retrieved June 24, 2018.
- ^ "The Scorpion". Megadeth.com. March 24, 2008. Archived from the original on November 15, 2008. Retrieved August 13, 2011.
- ^ a b Birchmeier, Jason. "Megadeth: The System Has Failed". AllMusic. Retrieved October 17, 2013.
- ^ a b Gehlke, David E. "Megadeth - The System Has Failed". Blistering. Retrieved October 17, 2013.
- ^ a b Popoff, Martin (August 6, 2004). "Megadeth - The System Has Failed". Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles. Retrieved August 14, 2012.
- ^ a b Lancaster, Nick (September 7, 2004). "Megadeth - The System Has Failed". Drowned in Sound. Archived from the original on October 17, 2013. Retrieved August 28, 2012.
- ^ KNAC. Retrieved August 15, 2012.
- ^ a b Arnold, Neil. "Megadeth: The System Has Failed". Metal Forces. Retrieved August 8, 2013.
- ^ Flanagan, Nick (December 2, 2004). "THE SYSTEM HAS FAILED". NOW. Archived from the original on February 8, 2005. Retrieved March 5, 2023.
- ^ "Megadeth: The System Has Failed". Revolver. Megadeth.com. Archived from the original on November 19, 2013. Retrieved August 22, 2013.
- ^ Stratmann, Holger. "Megadeth: The System Has Failed". Rock Hard. Retrieved May 22, 2013.
- ^ Miller, Nancy (September 17, 2004). "The System Has Failed Review". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved November 11, 2012.
- ^ Day, Tom (September 13, 2004). "Megadeth - The System Has Failed". musicOMH. Retrieved August 17, 2012.
- ^ The System Has Failed back panel (Japan ed.). Marquee, Inc. 2004.
- ^ Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010 (PDF ed.). Mt Martha, Victoria, Australia: Moonlight Publishing. p. 184.
- ^ "Austriancharts.at – Megadeth – The System Has Failed" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
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- ^ "Megadeth Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
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- Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
- ^ "Lescharts.com – Megadeth – The System Has Failed". Hung Medien. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
- GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
- ^ "Irish-charts.com – Discography Megadeth". Hung Medien. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
- ^ "Italiancharts.com – Megadeth – The System Has Failed". Hung Medien. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
- ISBN 4-87131-077-9.
- ^ "Norwegiancharts.com – Megadeth – The System Has Failed". Hung Medien. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
- . Retrieved August 7, 2013.
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- ^ "Swisscharts.com – Megadeth – The System Has Failed". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 7, 2013.
- ^ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
- ^ "Official Independent Albums Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
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- ^ "Megadeth Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
- ^ "Megadeth: Billboard Singles". AllMusic. Retrieved January 5, 2009.
External links
- The System Has Failed at Discogs (list of releases)