Megadeth, the American thrash metal band, released the album "Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?" in 1986. One of the standout tracks from this album is "Five Magics," a seven-minute epic that showcases the band's musical prowess and lyrical depth. The song begins with a haunting acoustic guitar intro that sets the mood for the story that is about to unfold.
Magic if you please
Master all of these
Bring him to his knees
I master five magics
Possessed with hellish torment
I master magics "5"
Hunting the abyss lord
Only one will stay alive
He who lives by the sword will surely also die
He who lives in sin will surely live the lie
Anyways, I especially relate to her midnights becoming afternoons, complex PTSD often leads to this phenomenon, whether due to purposeful sleep deprivation by the abuser, or just hyper vigilance associated with the PTSD, along with the fear of facing people, especially your loved ones, who Never actually understand, even if they try, because all they see is you, on fire, screaming about the arsonist that no one ever sees, and who has been spreading lies about your alleged mental instability, deceptive personality, etc. I overthink and have trouble sleepin All purpose gone and don t have a reason And there s no doctor to stop this bleedin So I left home and jumped in the deep end, Ed Sheeran sings in verse one.
The song begins with a haunting acoustic guitar intro that sets the mood for the story that is about to unfold. As the drums and electric guitars kick in, the listener is transported into a world of magic and mysticism. Lyrically, "Five Magics" explores the idea of acquiring knowledge and power through the five magical elements: earth, air, fire, water, and ether.
Five Magics
The speaker in the song lives under an evil, oppressive ruler and wants to overthrow him and become king. To do this, he masters five magics but in doing so, he becomes power-hungry and evil, just like the Abyss Lord that he opposes. Furthermore, the Abyss Lord already knows the five magics so he has the advantage and wins the fight. This is the only Megadeth song that's real fantasy-adventure oriented.The song is written about "Goreblade:Warrior King Of The Universe"
Each verse details a different aspect of these elements and their significance in the practice of magic. The chorus of the song is particularly memorable, with frontman Dave Mustaine belting out the lines, "Summoning the five magics, possess the faculty. Vernacular and eloquence, verbose incantations, Conjuring the magic, effervescent science, mastering the five magics." Musically, "Five Magics" showcases the band's technical prowess. From the intricate guitar solos to the thunderous basslines and the precise drumming, every instrument shines in this track. The song is filled with complex time signatures and intricate song structures that keep the listener engaged throughout. Furthermore, Mustaine's vocal performance is powerful and emotive, perfectly complementing the intense and intricate instrumentation. The lyrics are delivered with conviction, adding an additional layer of depth to the song. Overall, "Five Magics" is a masterclass in thrash metal songwriting. It combines expert musicianship, thought-provoking lyrics, and a captivating narrative to create an unforgettable listening experience. It remains a fan-favorite and a highlight of Megadeth's discography..
Reviews for "Megadeth: The Alchemy of Five Magic Albums"
1. Chris123 - 2/5 stars - "I was really disappointed with 'Megadeth Five Magics'. The album lacked the energy and intensity that I associate with Megadeth's music. The songs felt repetitive and boring, and there were no standout tracks that grabbed my attention. I also found the lyrics to be uninspired and lacking the depth that previous Megadeth albums had. Overall, it was a forgettable experience, and I would not recommend it to any Megadeth fan."
2. MetalFan4Life - 2/5 stars - "As a long-time fan of Megadeth, 'Five Magics' left me feeling underwhelmed. The album seemed to be a departure from the band's signature sound, with a more mainstream and polished approach. While the musicianship was still solid, the songs lacked the aggression and rawness that I love about Megadeth's music. The production also felt overproduced, stripping away the grit that made their earlier albums so great. Overall, it felt like a watered-down version of what Megadeth is capable of."
3. RockOutLoud - 1/5 stars - "I can't believe how much I disliked 'Megadeth Five Magics'. The album was a complete letdown from start to finish. The songs lacked the killer riffs and memorable hooks that Megadeth is known for. It felt like the band was trying too hard to be mainstream and lost their unique sound in the process. The production was also subpar, making the album sound flat and lifeless. I had high expectations for this album, but sadly, it fell short in every aspect."
4. MusicLover23 - 2/5 stars - "While 'Megadeth Five Magics' had some decent moments, it failed to live up to the band's previous work. The album felt disjointed, with a lack of cohesiveness between the songs. It seemed like Megadeth was experimenting with different styles, but it didn't work for me. The guitars lacked the bite and aggression I craved, and the songwriting felt dull. Overall, it was a forgettable album in Megadeth's discography."
5. HeavyMetalFanatic - 1/5 stars - "I was highly disappointed with 'Megadeth Five Magics'. The album lacked the energy and excitement that I expect from Megadeth's music. The songs felt formulaic and predictable, with no surprises or standout moments. It felt like the band was going through the motions rather than pushing boundaries. This album pales in comparison to their earlier work, and I would recommend skipping it altogether."