10 Heavy Metal Albums By Bands Thought Past Their Prime

10. Megadeth - Endgame

Owing to the chaotic nature and temperament of band leader Dave Mustaine, Bay Area thrash metal icons Megadeth have had to reaffirm exactly who they are on more than one occasion.

2004's 'The System Has Failed' was initially touted as the band's return to form, following Mustaine's return from an arm injury and a run of albums that shall be described for now as "a bit rubbish" (honestly though, what in the 90s scat sandwich was 'Risk'?). However in reality, 'The System...' was just another humdrum album in a sequence that began in 1994 of the band spinning their wheels, as the popularity of heavy metal was at its lowest since the 60s.

The true resurgence of Megadeth came in 2009, with the release of the Andy Sneap-co-produced 'Endgame'. A more refined recording method, greater input from Sneap, and an introduction of prolific speed/power metal guitarist Chris Broderick, all culminated in the explosive riff and solo-laden album, headlined by the can't-miss "Head Crusher". 'Endgame' built on many of the exciting teases heard in its predecessor 'United Abominations', renewed Megadeth's status in the world of heavy metal, and arguably, restarted the want from fans to see a Big 4 of Thrash show - which we'd finally get two years later.