United Abominations Era
2006-2008
The United Abominations Era marked a period of consolidation and artistic evolution for Megadeth, when the band managed to stabilize their lineup following the successful return to the stages and began exploring new musical directions that would combine classic thrash heritage with innovative contemporary elements. This period was characterized by strategic changes in the alignment that would strengthen musical chemistry and establish a solid foundation for the band's future growth. In mid-2006, the formation experienced a significant change when James MacDonough was replaced by James LoMenzo on bass, marking the entry of a veteran musician with extensive experience and an impressive curriculum that included collaborations with recognized bands and high-profile projects. LoMenzo contributed not only exceptional technical solidity but also mature professionalism and a deep understanding of the contemporary musical landscape that would significantly enrich Megadeth's creative dynamic. The new stable lineup consisting of Dave Mustaine (vocals and rhythm guitar), Glen Drover (lead guitar), James LoMenzo (bass), and Shawn Drover (drums) represented a unique combination that fused diverse but complementary elements: Mustaine's unquestionable experience and artistic vision as leader and principal composer, the natural chemistry and intuitive musical communication of the Drover brothers, and LoMenzo's refined craftsmanship and versatility as a session bassist and first-level band musician. This alignment immediately embarked on recording the album 'United Abominations' (2007), a project that represented a crucial turning point in Megadeth's musical evolution during the 2000s decade. The album marked a deliberate and successful return to a powerful and aggressive thrash sound that reconnected with the band's classic roots while incorporating modern production elements and contemporary arrangements that demonstrated Megadeth's ability to evolve without losing their fundamental identity. 'United Abominations' stood out not only for its musical intensity and compositional quality but also for including innovative collaborations that expanded the album's artistic reach. The most notable inclusion was a duet with Cristina Scabbia, the talented vocalist from Lacuna Coil, on a reimagined new version of 'À Tout le Monde,' the melodic Megadeth classic that had originally appeared on 'Youthanasia' (1994). This collaboration not only provided a new perspective on a composition beloved by fans but also demonstrated the band's willingness to experiment with different vocal textures and expand their sonic palette. The renewed version of 'À Tout le Monde' with Scabbia became one of the album's most memorable moments, combining Megadeth's characteristic thrash intensity with more accessible melodic elements and the unique vocal chemistry between Mustaine and Scabbia. This collaboration also reflected the band's open-minded approach to musical innovation and their ability to create unique artistic moments that transcended traditional genre expectations. The Mustaine/Glen Drover/LoMenzo/Shawn Drover formation proved extraordinarily effective both in the studio and live context, developing solid musical chemistry that translated into energetic and technically precise performances. Glen Drover actively participated in the extensive 'United Abominations' world tour, demonstrating his versatility as a live performer and his ability to connect with international audiences while executing both new material and classics from Megadeth's repertoire. During this period, the band also participated in important festivals and tours that elevated their international profile, including their participation in Gigantour 2008, a massive tour that brought together multiple metal bands and provided a spectacular platform for Megadeth to demonstrate their renewed stage power. This tour was particularly significant because it was documented in the live DVD 'Blood in the Water (Gigantour 2008),' which captured the energy and sound of this specific formation during memorable performances that demonstrated Megadeth's continued vitality as a live force. However, in early 2008, the stability of this successful formation was altered when Glen Drover made the personal decision to leave the band to dedicate himself to his family and personal projects. This decision, though understandable from a personal perspective, represented a significant loss for Megadeth, as Drover had contributed substantially both to the band's sound development during this period and to the unique musical dynamic that characterized the United Abominations era. Glen Drover's departure marked the end of an era characterized by the fraternal collaboration of the Drover brothers and the particular musical chemistry they had developed with LoMenzo and Mustaine. His stage in Megadeth, though relatively brief, left an important legacy that included not only his participation in 'United Abominations' but also his contribution to the live DVD that documented one of the band's most successful tours during this rebirth period. This era once again demonstrated Megadeth's ability to adapt and evolve musically while maintaining their fundamental thrash essence, establishing precedents for future configurations and confirming the band's resilience in the face of lineup changes that had characterized their history since their beginnings.
Albums
United Abominations
