Blackmail the Universe
2004 single by Megadeth
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"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]
| "Blackmail the Universe" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||
| Promotional single by Megadeth | ||||
| from the album The System Has Failed | ||||
| B-side | "Kick the Chair" | |||
| Released | 2004 | |||
| Recorded | 2003–2004, October 9, 2005 (video)[1] | |||
| Studio | ||||
| Genre | Thrash metal[citation needed] | |||
| Length | 4:33 | |||
| Label | Sanctuary | |||
| Songwriter | Dave Mustaine | |||
| Producers | Jeff Balding, Dave Mustaine | |||
| Megadeth singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Music video | ||||
| "Blackmail the Universe" on YouTube | ||||
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 second 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 (third and fourth solos)
- Chris Poland – lead guitar (first and second solos)
- Jimmie Lee Sloas – bass guitar
- Vinnie Colaiuta – drums
- Additional musicians
- Eric Darken – percussion
- Tim Akers – keyboards
- Chris Rodriguez – backing vocals
- Celeste Amber Montague – voice of "The Reporter"
- Darien Bennett – voice of "The General"
- Ralph Patlan – voice of "The Politician"
- Michael Davis – sound effects
- 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]
