Super Collider cover

Super Collider

Megadeth · 2013

45 min · 11 tracks · heavy metal

A dynamic blend of heavy riffs and melodic hooks that reflect both aggression and introspection.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Kingmaker Start here — Opening with powerful riffs, Kingmaker sets a tone of defiance and political commentary that resonates throughout the album. Its aggressive energy captures the band's thrash roots while incorporating modern elements.
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    Super Collider — The title track exemplifies the album's thematic exploration of chaos and order, blending catchy melodies with heavy instrumentation. Its anthemic chorus makes it a standout moment.
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    Burn! — With its driving rhythm and intense lyrics about betrayal, Burn! showcases Megadeth's ability to merge personal angst with larger societal issues. This track highlights their signature thrash style.
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    Built for War — This song's militaristic themes and complex guitar work underscore Megadeth's heritage in heavy metal while adding a contemporary edge. It reflects their ongoing relevance in the genre.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album combines energetic thrash elements with polished production but lacks standout compositions.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album maintains a high energy level with aggressive guitar riffs and fast tempos, while the second half introduces slower, more melodic tracks.
  • Lyrically, the album explores both personal introspection and broader societal themes, with tracks like 'Dance in the Rain' contrasting with more aggressive songs.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady pacing for focused listening
  • introspective themes for reflection
  • mid-tempo energy for commuting
  • consistent flow throughout the album

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced instant gratification
  • seek standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Shows commercial success and continued relevance in Megadeth's later years.
Themes
political disillusionment· personal resilience· technological anxiety
Career context
Released in 2013, Super Collider marked Megadeth's fourteenth studio album and followed their 2011 release, Thirteen. At this point in their career, the band was navigating a changing musical landscape while continuing to solidify their legacy in thrash metal. This album came after a period of lineup stability, featuring founding member Dave Mustaine alongside long-time collaborators.
Stylistic neighbors
Metallica· Slayer· Anthrax

Tracklist

  • 1 Kingmaker Start here 4:16
  • 2 Super Collider 4:11
  • 3 Burn! 4:11
  • 4 Built for War 3:57
  • 5 Off the Edge 4:11
  • 6 Dance in the Rain 4:45
  • 7 Beginning of Sorrow 3:51
  • 8 The Blackest Crow 4:27
  • 9 Forget to Remember 4:28
  • 10 Don’t Turn Your Back… 3:47
  • 11 Cold Sweat 3:10

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata