Blackmail the Universe explained

Blackmail the Universe
Cover:Blackmail The Universe.jpeg
Type:promotional single
Artist:Megadeth
Album:The System Has Failed
B-Side:Kick the Chair
Released:2004
Recorded:2003–2004, October 9, 2005 (video)[1]
Studio:
  • Ocean Way, Nashville
  • Emerald Entertainment, Nashville
  • Phase Four, Tempe
Genre:Thrash metal
Length:4:33
Label:Sanctuary
Producer:Jeff Balding, Dave Mustaine
Prev Title:Die Dead Enough
Prev Year:2004
Next Title:Of Mice and Men
Next Year:2004

"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]

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.[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.[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 [17] (although it was also released separately).[18] The video was directed by Michael J. Sarna.

Reception

"Blackmail the Universe" has been noted as a highlight of the album by many reviewers.[19] [20] It has been described as one of, if not "...the (band's) best since Countdown to Extinction".[21] [22] BraveWords praised Chris Poland's guitar work on the song.[23] The song is the 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]

Personnel

Production and performance credits are adapted from the album liner notes,[26] except where noted.

Megadeth
Session musicians
Production

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Megadeth: Blackmail the Universe . IMDb . December 6, 2022.
  2. Web site: Megadeth – Blackmail The Universe . Discogs . December 6, 2022.
  3. Web site: Arnold . Neil . Megadeth The System Has Failed . Metal Forces Magazine . December 6, 2022.
  4. Web site: Schacht . Brett . Retro Riffs: MEGADETH 'The System Has Failed' Album Review & Stream . Riff Relevant . December 6, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191219180910/https://www.riffrelevant.com/2019/10/05/retro-riffs-megadeth-the-system-has-failed-album-review-stream/ . December 19, 2019 . October 5, 2019.
  5. Web site: Alper . Underrated Albums: Megadeth – The System Has Failed . Mega Depth . December 6, 2022 . April 21, 2018.
  6. Web site: Megadeth – The System Has Failed . Face Off . September 13, 2022 . December 6, 2022.
  7. Web site: The System Has Failed . Metal Crypt . July 19, 2004. December 6, 2022.
  8. Web site: MEGADETH – SANCTUARY HYPES UP THE SYSTEM HAS FAILED . Brave Words . December 6, 2022 . July 27, 2004.
  9. Web site: The System Has Failed . Plugged In . December 6, 2022.
  10. Web site: MEGADETH — THE SYSTEM HAS FAILED . Metal Music Archives . December 6, 2022.
  11. Web site: Morg . Megadeth – 'The System Has Failed' Remastered Review . The Metal Report . December 6, 2022 . February 6, 2019.
  12. Web site: Megadeth The System Has Failed . The Metal Forge . December 6, 2022.
  13. Web site: Mike . MEGADETH – THE SYSTEM HAS FAILED . Metal Reviews . December 6, 2022.
  14. Web site: Megadeth – The System Has Failed . Metal Rules . December 6, 2022 . November 1, 2004.
  15. Web site: Blackmail the Universe performed by Megadeth . Setlist.FM . December 6, 2022.
  16. Web site: MEGADETH: More 'Blackmail the Universe Tour' Dates Announced . Blabbermouth . December 6, 2022 . October 19, 2004.
  17. Book: That One Night: Live in Buenos Aires CD liner notes. 2007. Image Entertainment. 3.
  18. Web site: MEGADETH -BLACKMAIL THE UNIVERSE (THAT ONE NIGHT) [HD] ]. Megadeth.com . December 6, 2022 . February 21, 2017.
  19. Web site: Megadeth – The World Needs A Hero and The System Has Failed album reviews . Louder Sound . February 15, 2019 . December 6, 2022.
  20. Web site: Megadeth "The System Has Failed" . Guitar 9 . December 6, 2022.
  21. Web site: Guard . Old . Megadeth – The System Has Failed Review . Your Last Rites . December 6, 2022 . August 28, 2004.
  22. Web site: Megadeth: The World Needs A Hero/The System Has Failed (Reissues) . Spectrum Culture . February 27, 2019 . December 6, 2022.
  23. Web site: Balazs . Nick . MEGADETH – THE WORLD NEEDS A HERO / THE SYSTEM HAS FAILED . Brave Words . December 6, 2022 . March 29, 2019.
  24. Web site: Blackmail The Universe – Megadeth . Spotify . December 6, 2022.
  25. Web site: Thomas . Fred . Warheads on Foreheads – Megadeth – Songs, Reviews, Credits – AllMusic . AllMusic . AllMusic . April 11, 2020.
  26. Book: The System Has Failed liner notes. 2004. Sanctuary Records. 15.
  27. Web site: The Scorpion . SCORPION Q+A . Megadeth.com . December 7, 2022.
  28. Web site: "Set the World Afire!" . Larry West Productions . December 6, 2022.
  29. Web site: "Victory" . Larry West Productions . December 6, 2022.

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