"Blackmail the Universe" is a 2004 song by American thrash metal band Megadeth, written by frontman Dave Mustaine. It was released as a promotional single from their 2004 album The System Has Failed.[2]
Background
"Blackmail the Universe" is one of the most political songs Megadeth has, and is filled with attitude.[3][4][5] The song starts with a news report of Air Force One being shot down.[1][6][7] It features lyrics about nuclear war, terrorism and tensions in the Middle East.[8][9] The song marks a return to the thrash metal that the band played in their early days.[3][10] It has been described as similar to the song and album Rust in Peace, not only lyrically, but musically too.[11][12][13][14]
"Blackmail the Universe" has been played 133 times live by the band.[15] The concert tour for The System Has Failed was titled after this song.[16]
Music video
A music video for "Blackmail the Universe" was recorded on October 9, 2005, and was featured on That One Night: Live in Buenos Aires[17] (although it was also released separately).[18] The video was directed by Michael J. Sarna.[1]
Reception
"Blackmail the Universe" has been noted as a highlight of the album by many reviewers.[7][11][19][20] It has been described as one of, if not "...the (band's) best since Countdown to Extinction".[7][21][22] BraveWords praised Chris Poland's guitar work on the song.[23] The song is the most streamed from the album on Spotify.[24]
Other appearances
"Blackmail the Universe" has appeared on many Megadeth releases, including the greatest hits album Warheads on Foreheads and the aforementioned That One Night live album.[25]
Track listing
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Blackmail the Universe" | 4:33 |
| 2. | "Kick The Chair" | 3:57 |
Personnel
Production and performance credits are adapted from the album liner notes,[27] except where noted.
- Megadeth
- Dave Mustaine – lead vocals, lead and rhythm guitars
- Chris Poland – lead guitar
- Jimmie Lee Sloas – bass
- Vinnie Colaiuta – drums
- Session musicians
- Chris Rodriguez – backing vocals
- Celeste Amber Montague – voice of "The Reporter"
- Darien Bennett – voice of "The General"
- Ralph Patlan – voice of "The Politician"
- Tim Akers – keyboards
- Michael Davis – sound effects
- Eric Darken – percussion
- Production
- Produced and recorded by Jeff Balding and Dave Mustaine
- Mixed by Jeff Balding
- Assisted by David Bryant, Ralph Patlan, Scott Kidd, Jesse Amend, Lance Dean, and Jed Hackett
- Additional recording by David Bryant, Jed Hackett, and John Saylor
- Mastered by Adam Ayan
- Digital editing by Mark Hagen and Jed Hackett
- Production coordination by Mike "Frog" Griffith
- Artwork by Larry West[28][29]
References
- ^ a b c "Megadeth: Blackmail the Universe". IMDb. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
- ^ "Megadeth – Blackmail The Universe". Discogs. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
- ^ a b Arnold, Neil. "Megadeth The System Has Failed". Metal Forces Magazine. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
- ^ Schacht, Brett (October 5, 2019). "Retro Riffs: MEGADETH 'The System Has Failed' Album Review & Stream". Riff Relevant. Archived from the original on December 19, 2019. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
- ^ Alper (April 21, 2018). "Underrated Albums: Megadeth – The System Has Failed". Mega Depth. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
- ^ "Megadeth – The System Has Failed". Face Off. September 13, 2022. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
- ^ a b c "The System Has Failed". Metal Crypt. July 19, 2004. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
- ^ "MEGADETH – SANCTUARY HYPES UP THE SYSTEM HAS FAILED". Brave Words. July 27, 2004. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
- ^ "The System Has Failed". Plugged In. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
- ^ "MEGADETH — THE SYSTEM HAS FAILED". Metal Music Archives. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
- ^ a b Morg (February 6, 2019). "Megadeth – 'The System Has Failed' Remastered Review". The Metal Report. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
- ^ "Megadeth The System Has Failed". The Metal Forge. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
- ^ Mike. "MEGADETH – THE SYSTEM HAS FAILED". Metal Reviews. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
- ^ "Megadeth – The System Has Failed". Metal Rules. November 1, 2004. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
- ^ "Blackmail the Universe performed by Megadeth". Setlist.FM. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
- ^ "MEGADETH: More 'Blackmail the Universe Tour' Dates Announced". Blabbermouth. October 19, 2004. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
- ^ That One Night: Live in Buenos Aires CD liner notes. Image Entertainment. 2007. p. 3.
- ^ "MEGADETH -BLACKMAIL THE UNIVERSE (THAT ONE NIGHT) [HD]". Megadeth.com. February 21, 2017. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
- ^ "Megadeth – The World Needs A Hero and The System Has Failed album reviews". Louder Sound. February 15, 2019. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
- ^ "Megadeth "The System Has Failed"". Guitar 9. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
- ^ Guard, Old (August 28, 2004). "Megadeth – The System Has Failed Review". Your Last Rites. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
- ^ "Megadeth: The World Needs A Hero/The System Has Failed (Reissues)". Spectrum Culture. February 27, 2019. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
- ^ Balazs, Nick (March 29, 2019). "MEGADETH – THE WORLD NEEDS A HERO / THE SYSTEM HAS FAILED". Brave Words. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
- ^ "Blackmail The Universe – Megadeth". Spotify. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
- ^ Thomas, Fred. "Warheads on Foreheads – Megadeth – Songs, Reviews, Credits – AllMusic". AllMusic. AllMusic. Retrieved April 11, 2020.
- ^ "Megadeth – Blackmail The Universe". Discogs. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
- ^ The System Has Failed liner notes. Sanctuary Records. 2004. p. 15.
- ^ ""Set the World Afire!"". Larry West Productions. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
- ^ ""Victory"". Larry West Productions. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
