I've been on vacation since Friday, and it's been awesome as hell. Spending time with my wife and family, kicking back and relaxing. Ah, sweet time off...

I just bought two new albums, Megadeth's new one Endgame, and Shadows Fall new one Retribution. Haven't listened to SF yet, but I have taken a listen to the new Megadeth album. It... is... FUCKING AMAZING. It was like Dave went back to Rust In Peace and said to himself, "Where should I have taken this after this album?" It's heavy, fast, and melodic. Not like anything since RIP for sure, but not even like RIP. For starters, it's way heavier. The new lead guitarist equals Marty (doesn't surpass Marty's genius, but I may be biased ). I will have to take another listen though, I was busy while listening and I want to take a closer listen. But from what I heard, the guitar and overall songwriting seems to have taken the forefront, opposed to the last few 'Deth albums where the singing seemed to be the most produced aspect. I'm not sure what others are saying so far about it though, and I don't think I want to. Critics of music seem to think to higher of themselves than music so it'll probably be partly negative. Stupid critics. Oh, and for anyone who might still be wondering who won (Metallica or Megadeth), it's Megadeth's win. Although, just for the record I've always thought that since I heard my first Megadeth tune.