THE BIG FOUR SONG CHALLENGE SERIES - Matchup 172

Anthrax "Impaled" (2016) VS Megadeth "Dystopia" (2016) VS Metallica "Atlas, Rise!" (2016) VS Slayer "Jihad" (Live from Sofia, Bulgaria) (2010)

Unfortunately, Anthrax drew the short straw here, as "Impaled" is a middling intro that, on top of being a bit of a non-song, goes on a hair too long for its own good.

"Dystopia" is a solid, upbeat fist-pumper that was a no-brainer to make the first single off the album of the same name.  It may seem a little milquetoast for the first half, but once the "single" part falls away, it reveals a banger in the back half that makes you remember why you like this stuff in the first place.  It'll take more than one listen to realize how cool this song is, but on play two or three you'll be nodding your head with a pleased scowl on your face.

My first impression of "Atlas, Rise!" was "This is the most average Metallica song ever."  Like if you took all the Metallica songs ever released and ranked them, this might be directly in the middle of the pack.  There's nothing wrong with it.  I mean, when more than one commenter remarks "This is the best Iron Maiden song I've ever heard," you're probably doing something right, right?  The dueling guitars are a little reminiscent of Maiden, no doubt, but it's got that Metallica gruffness.  (I also thought it less average and more good on a second listen.)

"Jihad" is a bit sloppy, but still crushes.  The sloppiness is enough to knock it down a peg, though.  Was really having a tough time picking between this and "Dystopia", but that's the tie-break, I guess.

"Atlas, Rise!": 4
"Dystopia": 3
"Jihad" (Live From Sofia, Bulgaria): 2
"Impaled": 1

UPDATE TOTALS:

Metallica: 7
Anthrax: 5
Megadeth: 5
Slayer: 3

ALL TIME TOTALS:

Anthrax: 443
Slayer: 434
Metallica: 433
Megadeth: 392

Ooh, Metallica are only one point behind Slayer!  Will it help or hurt that Slayer has a live song and not something from "Repentless" in the slot tomorrow?  (And how much will it help that that song is fuckingWAAAAR ENSEMBLE!!!!)(?)  Stay tuned.

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