You may have at some point in life wondered...'what would it sound like if there were to be a ferocious battle between a gang of 1920's Sicillian crooks and a crowd of rowdy Hell's Angels, a case of Harley's and rifles hidden in instrument cases?' well, the answer is Black Label Society's 'Mafia'. This is hefty, grimey doom laden metal. The guitar work is bone crunchingly deep and heavy, the bass is very noticeable and the drums thud away with passion- all of which are a result of the loud and full production which this album has recieved. Zakk's whiskey fuelled vocals are most enjoyable indeed, the manner in which he writes the lyrics is not all too different to how he does so with Ozzy Osbourne. 'Mafia' has a very distinctive firey, Southern feel to it, of which the only negative thing that can be said about it, is that it lacks the youthful electricity when it comes to guitar work that Zakk Wylde brought to our attention on albums such as 'No Rest For The Wicked' and 'No More Tears' back when he started out with Ozzy. This is the case with much of the album. Look out for...'Fire It Up', 'Suicide Messiah', 'Forever Down' and 'Spread Your Wings', my personal favourites. Thus said, it is not a disappointment and nor is it a masterpiece, but if you like Zakk and a bit of good, grinding Southern Metal, then this is the one for you.

Now, this is one vicious little album! Peace Sells... was the album that got me into the greatness of Megadeth, purely because, although it is imperfect in some small ways, it has everything that one could want from a slice of good, traditional thrash metal. The riffage is brutal, yet melodic, the solos are relentless, the production is very slightly tinny and echoing, giving an epic, metallic feel and Old Nick and the rest of the dark side gets a good mentioning throughout the lyrics! Dave's vocals are a little sketchy here and there but are by no means offputting at any point. My personal high points for this record are as follows: The Conjuring- Dark, eerie tale of a pact with the devil. Brilliantly atmospheric ringing tones in the guitars at the opening, the immensity of the riffs and solos goes without saying: Peace Sells- Great anti social epic. The lyrics pertaining to the irritating side of politics and society will put an understanding grin on your face in no time and the second half of the song is just made for a good shout and headbang to!: Bad Omen- Basically, this song is about a black magic induced orgy. (Two of the best metal topics side by side; satan and hedonism!)The solo on this is ludicrously fast and the extreme melody truly is one to singe your ears with: My Last Words- This track is dedicated to guns and gambling your life away! Very fast and tuneful throughout and a nice, explosive end to the album. Other things to look for: Wake Up Dead has a great riff with the essence of Ritchie Blackmore turning brutal half way through the track: If you are bemused by seiously nasty lyrics, then check out Black Friday. The topic...a serial killer, need I say more?: And finally, I Ain't Suprstitious, if you are into covers. All in all, this album is a must for the Megadeth newbie and collector.