Risk
Riskfollows Megadeth's most commercially successful album to date, 1997'sCryptic Writings, which, with four radio hits, wasn't as obscure as the title suggests.Riskdoesn't live up to its name, either. The band again teams with producer Dan Huff for a dozen safe, melodic, vaguely metallic tunes.Riskmay please Megadeth fans not familiar with the aggressive, progressive, heavier metal of the band'sPeace Sells...But Who's Buying?LikeMetallica(Megadeth singer-guitarist Dave Mustaine was a founding member), Megadeth has risen into the mainstream. Yet the majority ofRisk's songs are not instantly memorable or accessible. "Insomnia," as befitting its title, utilizes unsettling, anxiety-provoking strings to create a powerfully frenetic mood, aided by Dave Ellefson's bass, which blazes throughout (he's especially histrionic on "Time: The End"). Despite the silly title, "Prince of Darkness" is catchy and forceful. "Breadline" is sinister and melodic, while "Crush 'Em," a deliberately executed fist-pumping sports anthem, is simply innocuous. Lacking the crucial rock & roll ingredients of danger and rebellion,Riskultimately poses no threat.--Katherine Turman