10 Hyped Hard Rock Albums That Weren't Worth The Wait

One of the Big Four thrash metal bands, Megadeth surfed a consistent wave of success and notoriety through the first ten years of their career, going from strength to strength and solidifying their status as all-time greats of the metal scene.

But, like many of their metal contemporaries, something about the 1990s gripped Megadeth with a need to take risks, try new things and head into more mainstream territory. 1997's Cryptic Writings toyed with straight rock influences, ostensibly in pursuit of more widespread appeal and, in frontman Dave Mustaine's words, a number one record.

The band were enjoying more widespread success than ever, treading the line between mainstream acceptance and satisfying their traditional metalhead fanbase. Expectations were understandably high and the record label threw themselves behind the album.

However, where all previous Megadeth albums had been indisputably situated in the heavy metal category (in spite of their experimentations), the apparently unironically titled Risk arrived as a well-manicured piece of hard rock that plunged into popular radio territory, offending new and old fans alike.

Crush 'Em was the only notable single from the record, but, with its disco bassline and funky guitar flourishes, it also served as the crucifix to which the band were nailed. Given that it was (by Mustaine's own admission) written as an anthem to be played at live hockey matches, this should come as no surprise.

Still, it's no worse than anything Metallica were up to...