Megadeth: Dave Mustaine (vocals, guitar); Mary Friedman (guitar, acoustic guitar, background vocals); David Ellefson (bass guitar, background vocals); Jimmy DeGrasso (drums).

Recording information: Masterfonics, Nashville, Tennessee (01/04/1999 – 04/22/1999); The Tracking Room, Nashville, Tennessee (01/04/1999 – 04/22/1999).

Megadeth has always been a “progressive” metal band in that the musicians take a thrash approach and expand upon it. RISK is no different. The album title stems from the experimental approach taken by the band. RISK will definitely please the Mega-diehards and may draw in some new listeners as well.

“Insomnia” features techno guitar riffs and violin and is primed for album-rock airplay. “Prince of Darkness,” which also features violin, is a 6:25 metal opus done right. “Crush ‘Em” is a fist pumping, arena rock gem. It is also the band’s most commercial single to date. “Breadline,” a brooding tale of homelessness, lacks the metallic punch of the group’s early material but is a melodic winner. “I’ll Be There” takes this a step further, going in a Bon Jovi-like direction. Drummer Jimmy DeGrasso’s (formerly of Suicidal Tendencies) synchronized talents are featured on “Seven.” One of the few ’80s metal bands still prospering in the ’90s, Megadeth shows no lack of creativity on RISK. The band has matured while still waving the metal banner. RISK pays off