Sudden Death (song)

Last updated
"Sudden Death"
Sudden Death cover.jpg
Single by Megadeth
from the album Th1rt3en
ReleasedSeptember 28, 2010
Recorded2010
Genre Thrash metal
Length5:08
Label Roadrunner
Songwriter(s) Dave Mustaine
Producer(s) Andy Sneap
Megadeth singles chronology
"The Right to Go Insane"
(2009)		"Sudden Death"
(2010)		"Public Enemy No. 1"
(2011)

"Sudden Death" is a song by American heavy metal band Megadeth. It was written by Dave Mustaine [1] for inclusion in the 2010 music video game Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock , which was released on September 28, 2010, in North America. [2] The song itself was released as a single with cover art [3] on iTunes on September 24, 2010, and on September 28, Roadrunner Records made the song available for streaming on its website. [4]

Contents

It is Megadeth's first release with bassist Dave Ellefson since 2002, following his return to the band in 2010. [5] [6] The song was well received by critics and was described as one of the hardest songs in the Guitar Hero franchise. Roadrunner Records submitted the song to consideration for Best Metal Performance at the 53rd Grammy Awards. [7] Several months later it was nominated, making it the band's second consecutive nomination, following "Head Crusher" in 2010, and band's ninth overall nomination in the category. [8] [9]

Although the song was not originally recorded for an album, it was later included as the opening track on the band's 2011 album, Thirteen , as a remixed version by Johnny K. [10]

Development

In early February 2010, it was reported that Megadeth was working on a yet unnamed secret song project. [11] What the project was about or how it would be released was not known or announced at the time. [12] Several weeks later, ultimately after much speculation, the project was reported to be a promotional recording by Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine. [13] In early March the song had its name announced: "Sudden Death", though some sites had mistakenly reported the song as "Sudden Deth". [14] A few months later it was confirmed that the song was written exclusively for Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock , and would be featured in an important part in the game. [15] The Megadeth songs "Holy Wars... The Punishment Due" and "This Day We Fight!" were also set to be featured in the game. [16] It was the first song Megadeth recorded with original bassist Dave Ellefson following the replacement of James LoMenzo in early 2010. [17]

"Sudden Death" was the first release with original bassist Dave Ellefson since 2002 Davidellefson.jpg
"Sudden Death" was the first release with original bassist Dave Ellefson since 2002

About the recording of the song, Mustaine remarked, "I thought it was a great idea for us. We've had experience with games in the past, and our songs have been in sports games and Grand Theft Auto , but we never really got into the Guitar Hero thing. When they talked to us about doing this, I never imagined it would be something this honorable." [18] Later in the same interview he continued, "Only once in my career have I had this happen before," referring to 1991's soundtrack for Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey , to which Megadeth contributed "Go to Hell". "We had written something and Interscope told me to make the lyrics even darker. Activision heard the track, and said, 'We want more solos on it.' And I said, OK, I can do that." [19] Before release, for promotional purposes, Dave Mustaine had publicly played the song on Guitar Hero showcasing the high level of difficulty of the song, to a high degree of media coverage. [20] [21] [22] To further promote the game and the band, a T-shirt was released featuring the cover artwork. [23]

The full lyrics were later confirmed and released officially after the release of the song, [24] [25] along with official single cover art, featuring the band's iconic mascot Vic Rattlehead falling from the sky with a failed parachute and burning angel wings. [26]

Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock

"Sudden Death" was featured in a pivotal point during the game's storyline. During the last level of the story-mode of the game, the game's narrative culminates during a level called the "Battle of the Beast", or also renowned as "level ten". [18] The finale is set to a new 2-part arrangement by Megadeth. [18] Two other Megadeth songs, "Holy Wars... The Punishment Due" and "This Day We Fight!" were also featured during the same level, making the finale of the game three consecutive Megadeth songs. [27] When the player has completed the "Battle with the Beast", they have the opportunity to return to the previous venues and have otherwise beaten the game. [28] Dave Mustaine co-composed the song as a means of "challenging the Guitar Hero community", [28] and contains portions that he believed were "the most difficult parts" he has written in his life. [29]

Reception

Initial sales of Warriors of Rock were below estimates. The NPD Group reported 86,000 units sold in the United States across all platforms for the last five days of September during which it was available. This figure fell below the initial sales of the previous games, such as 1.5 million and 500,000 units in first-week sales for Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock and Guitar Hero World Tour , respectively. [30] [31] The game was released September 24, 2010 in Europe, September 28, 2010, in North America and September 29, 2010, in Australia, and the game itself received mixed though generally positive reviews. [32] [33] [34] [35] [36] However, Megadeth's contributions were in particular well received, with "Sudden Death" being described as one of the hardest songs in the franchise's history. [37] [38] [39]

In December 2010, the song was announced as a nominee for Best Metal Performance at the 53rd Grammy Awards. [8] This was the band's second straight nomination, being nominated for "Head Crusher" the year prior in the same category. This is also the band's ninth nomination overall. [8] Until 2017, Megadeth had never won a Grammy Award, and were one of the most nominated bands ever without a win and are now the second most nominated metal band in history. [8] It was producer Andy Sneap's 3rd Grammy nomination and his second with the band. [9] "Sudden Death" was nominated against Iron Maiden's "El Dorado", Korn's "Let the Guilt Go", Lamb of God's "In Your Words" and Slayer's "World Painted Blood". [9] The Grammy ended up going to "El Dorado." [40]

Awards

2011 Grammy nomination

Personnel

Megadeth

[41]

Production

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Megadeth</span> American thrash metal band

Megadeth is an American thrash metal band formed in Los Angeles in 1983 by vocalist/guitarist Dave Mustaine. Known for their technically complex guitar work and musicianship, Megadeth is one of the "big four" of American thrash metal along with Metallica, Anthrax, and Slayer, responsible for the genre's development and popularization. Their music features complex arrangements and fast rhythm sections, dual lead guitars, and lyrical themes of war, politics, religion, death, and personal relationships.

<i>Rust in Peace</i> Fourth studio album by American thrash metal band Megadeth

Rust in Peace is the fourth studio album by American thrash metal band Megadeth, released on September 24, 1990, by Capitol Records. It was the first Megadeth album to feature lead guitarist Marty Friedman and drummer Nick Menza. The songs "Hangar 18" and "Holy Wars... The Punishment Due" were released as singles. A remixed and remastered version of the album featuring four bonus tracks was released in 2004.

<i>The World Needs a Hero</i> 2001 studio album by Megadeth

The World Needs a Hero is the ninth studio album by American thrash metal band Megadeth, released on May 15, 2001 by Sanctuary Records. After the critical and commercial failure of the previous album Risk (1999), The World Needs a Hero represented a change back to a heavier musical direction. Subsequently, the album charted at number 16 on the Billboard 200 upon release.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dave Mustaine</span> American musician

David Scott Mustaine is an American musician. He is the co-founder, frontman, primary songwriter and sole consistent member of the thrash metal band Megadeth. Mustaine has released sixteen studio albums with Megadeth, sold over 38 million records worldwide, with six albums platinum-certified, and won a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 2017 at the 59th Grammy Awards, for the title track of their fifteenth studio album, Dystopia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">David Ellefson</span> American bass guitarist

David Warren Ellefson is an American musician, best known for his long tenure as the bassist for thrash metal band Megadeth.

"Tornado of Souls" is a song by American thrash metal band Megadeth, released on their 1990 studio album Rust in Peace. Despite never being released as a single nor having any promotion surrounding it, the song remains of a staple of the band's discography. The song is well-known for its distinctive guitar solo played by Marty Friedman, which is regarded as one of the greatest metal guitar solos of all time. It is also widely considered to be one of the hardest songs to play on guitar.

<i>United Abominations</i> Eleventh studio album by Megadeth

United Abominations is the eleventh studio album by American thrash metal band Megadeth. Released on May 15, 2007, United Abominations is the first Megadeth release distributed through Roadrunner Records and, with the exception of the band's frontman Dave Mustaine, was recorded with an all-new line-up. It is the first album since The World Needs a Hero (2001) to be recorded by a full-time line-up as the previous studio album The System Has Failed (2004) was recorded by Mustaine alongside session musicians. While touring to promote the album, guitarist Glen Drover left the band for personal reasons and was replaced by Chris Broderick, leaving this as the only Megadeth studio album to which he contributed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gears of War (song)</span> 2006 promotional single by Megadeth

"Gears of War" is a song by the American thrash metal band Megadeth. It was released as a promotional single off of their tenth studio album United Abominations (2007). It was the first song from the album released. An instrumental of the song is featured in the 2006 video game of the same name.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Holy Wars... The Punishment Due</span> 1990 single by Megadeth

"Holy Wars... The Punishment Due" is a song by American thrash metal band Megadeth. Released in 1990, it is the opening track off the band's fourth studio album Rust in Peace (1990).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Never Walk Alone... A Call to Arms</span> 2007 single by Megadeth

"Never Walk Alone... A Call to Arms", also known simply as "Never Walk Alone", is a song by American thrash metal band Megadeth. It was released as the second official single from their eleventh studio album, United Abominations (2007).

<i>Endgame</i> (Megadeth album) Twelfth studio album by Megadeth

Endgame is the twelfth studio album by American thrash metal band Megadeth. It was produced by Dave Mustaine and Andy Sneap and released through Roadrunner Records on September 15, 2009. Endgame was the first album to feature guitarist Chris Broderick, following Glen Drover's departure in 2008, and was the band's last studio album with bassist James LoMenzo until he rejoined after 2022's The Sick, The Dying, and The Dead, as original bassist David Ellefson rejoined the band several months after Endgame was released.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Head Crusher</span> 2009 single by Megadeth

"Head Crusher" is a song by American heavy metal band Megadeth. It was released on July 7, 2009, as the first single from their studio album Endgame. According to Roadrunner Records official website, a download of "Head Crusher" was available for 24 hours on July 7. The track was previously available for listening by calling Dave Mustaine's number, through the TheLiveLine.com, a service he launched that enables musicians to connect to their audience over the phone. The song was played live for the first time at the "Canadian Carnage Tour" on June 24, 2009. On December 3, 2009, it was announced on the official Megadeth homepage that "Head Crusher" had been nominated for "Best Metal Performance" for the 52nd annual Grammy Awards, the band's first nomination in 13 years, since "Trust".

"This Day We Fight!" is a song by American heavy metal band Megadeth, which appears on their twelfth studio album Endgame, which was released on September 15, 2009, written by frontman Dave Mustaine. It is the second song on the album, and has been played live together with album's first track, "Dialectic Chaos", which has brought positive comparisons to the two opening tracks "Into the Lungs of Hell" and "Set the World Afire" from Megadeth's 1988 album, So Far, So Good... So What!.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Right to Go Insane</span> 2010 single by Megadeth

"The Right to Go Insane" is a song by American heavy metal band Megadeth, written by Dave Mustaine. It is the final track and second single from their twelfth studio album Endgame. The song was commercially released as a single on April 9, 2010, and a music video was released directed by Bill Fishman, who produced the music video of the band's previous single, "Head Crusher". The music video was based on the real-life events surrounding Shawn Nelson's descent into madness and the famous tank rampage he engaged in which led to his death.

<i>Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock</i> 2010 video game

Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock is a 2010 music rhythm video game developed by Neversoft and published by Activision. The sixth main installment in the Guitar Hero series following Guitar Hero 5. The game was released in September 2010 for PlayStation 3, Wii, and Xbox 360. Similar to previous entries in the franchise, it is geared towards playing in a four-person band experience, including lead and bass guitar, drums, and vocals. The game is available as a standalone title, allowing players to use existing compatible instrument controllers, and as a bundle that provides these controllers.

<i>Thirteen</i> (Megadeth album) Thirteenth studio album by Megadeth

Thirteen is the thirteenth studio album by American thrash metal band Megadeth. It was first released in Japan on October 27, 2011, and worldwide on November 1, 2011. It is the first Megadeth studio album since The World Needs a Hero (2001) to feature bassist and founding member David Ellefson, who returned to the band in 2010. Thirteen debuted at number 11 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 42,000 copies in its first week. The album broke into the top 20 in several other markets as well. It has sold about 120,000 copies in the United States as of December 2012. The album has received positive reviews from critics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Public Enemy No. 1 (Megadeth song)</span> 2011 single by Megadeth

"Public Enemy No. 1" is a song by American heavy metal band Megadeth, written by Dave Mustaine. It is the first single and second track from their thirteenth studio album Thirteen, which was released on November 1, 2011. The song was commercially released as a single on September 13, 2011, which was Mustaine's 50th birthday. A music video for the song was released on November 5, 2011.

"Whose Life " is a song by American thrash metal band Megadeth, written by Dave Mustaine. It is the third single and third track from their thirteenth studio album Thirteen, which was released on November 1, 2011. The song was released as a single on October 17, 2011. A lyric video for the song was released on May 2, 2012. The song was nominated in the Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance category at the 55th Grammy Awards, but lost to Halestorm's "Love Bites ".

"Dystopia" is a song by American heavy metal band Megadeth, written by Dave Mustaine. It is the second and title track from their fifteenth studio album Dystopia, which was released on January 22, 2016. The song was released early on streaming services on January 7, 2016.

References

  1. ↑ xFiruath (2010-09-28). "Megadeth's "Sudden Death" Song Available For Streaming". Metalunderground.com. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  2. ↑ "Megadeth: Dave Mustaine Talks About 'Sudden Death' Track". Ultimateguitar.com. 2010-08-30. Archived from the original on 2010-09-03. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  3. ↑ "Sudden Death - Single". iTunes.com . 2010-10-24. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  4. ↑ Mike Escobar (2010-09-28). "Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock". Gamingtrend.com. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  5. ↑ "Interview with Dave Ellefson". Blabbermouth.net . 2010-06-25. Archived from the original on 2010-07-26. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  6. ↑ "New Video Interview With DAVID ELLEFSON". Blabbermouth.net . 2010-06-15. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  7. ↑ "2011 Rock Submissions". Scribd . Retrieved 2010-10-30.
  8. 1 2 3 4 "Awards Database". Los Angeles Times . Retrieved March 26, 2009.
  9. 1 2 3 "53rd Annual Grammy Awards nominees list". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 2, 2010.
  10. ↑ "Dave Mustaine Reveals New Megadeth Album Details". Rolling Stone. July 12, 2011. Retrieved July 13, 2011.
  11. ↑ Richard Walker (2010-08-31). "Megadeth Creating Exclusive Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock Track". Xbox360Achievements.com. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  12. ↑ xFiruarth (2010-02-24). "Dave Mustaine Checks In With Megadeth Update". Metalunderground.com. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  13. ↑ wookubus (2010-08-31). "Megadeth Frontman Teases 'Huge Project'". Theprp.com. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  14. ↑ Deathcrush (2010-03-30). "Megadeth's Dave Mustaine Reveals New Song Title, "Sudden Death"". MetalUnderground.com. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  15. ↑ Chris Harris (2010-06-04). "Mustaine Pens Fresh Megadeth Track For 'Guitar Hero'". Rolling Stone . Archived from the original on June 7, 2010. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  16. ↑ "Megadeth's Dave Mustaine Interview HD". GameTrailers . 2010-09-10. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  17. ↑ Mdome, "David Ellefson Exclusive: Why I'm Back In Megadeth", Classic Rock , retrieved 2010-11-05
  18. 1 2 3 "Megadeth's Dave Mustaine Talks About 'Sudden Death' Track". Blabbermouth.net . 2010-07-29. Archived from the original on 2010-09-03. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  19. ↑ Press release (2010-09-11). "Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock to Debut 11 Bands New to Guitar Hero This September". Ign.com . Archived from the original on 2010-08-16. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  20. ↑ "Dave Mustaine Brings Ass Kicking to Guitar Hero". Destructoid.com. 2010. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  21. ↑ Press release (2010-09-16). "Dave Mustaine plays Sudden Death". Roadrunnder.com. Archived from the original on 2011-07-06. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  22. ↑ "Dave Mustaine plays "Sudden Death" ON A PLASTIC GUITAR". Theherofeed.com. 2010-09-13. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  23. ↑ "Megadeth "Sudden Death" Tee". Megadeth.com. 2010-10-24. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  24. ↑ "Megadeth "Sudden Death" Lyrics and Video". lyvideo.com. 2010-08-31. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  25. ↑ The Scorpion (2010-10-04). "Sudden Death Lyrics?". Megadeth.com. Archived from the original on 2011-08-06. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  26. ↑ "Sudden Death Lyrics?". Amazon.com . 2010-10-24. Archived from the original on 2011-08-06. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  27. ↑ "Dave Mustain, "Sudden Death" Featured on G4 TV's X-Play". Roadrunner Records. 2010-09-23. Retrieved 2010-09-23.
  28. 1 2 Dave Mustaine (speaker) (2010-09-01). Dave Mustang Talks Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock (Flash video) (Trailer). Activision . Retrieved 2010-09-01.
  29. ↑ Gries, Arthur (2010-06-15). "E3 2010: Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock Preview". IGN . Retrieved 2010-06-15.
  30. ↑ Quillen, Dustin (2010-10-13). "Analyst: Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock Sales Disappoint in September". 1UP.com. Archived from the original on 2012-10-16. Retrieved 2010-10-15.
  31. ↑ Ivan, Tom (2010-10-15). "Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock makes 'fairly dreadful start'". Computer and Video Games . Retrieved 2010-10-15.
  32. ↑ "Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock PlayStation 3". Metacritic . Retrieved 2010-10-14.
  33. ↑ "Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock". GameRankings . Retrieved 2010-10-14.
  34. ↑ "Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock". Official Xbox Magazine (UK). 2010-09-24. Retrieved 2010-09-28.
  35. ↑ Helgeson, Matt (2010-09-28). "Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock". Game Informer . Retrieved 2010-09-28.
  36. ↑ Heppe, Abbie (2010-09-28). "Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock Review". G4 TV . Retrieved 2010-09-28.
  37. ↑ "Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock - Review". Ztgamedomain.com. 2010-08-31. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  38. ↑ Cocke, Tyler (2010-09-30). "Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock Review". 1UP.com. Archived from the original on 2012-08-03. Retrieved 2010-09-30.
  39. ↑ Gies, Arthur (2010-09-30). "Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock Review (Wii)". IGN. Archived from the original on October 2, 2010. Retrieved 2010-10-04.
  40. ↑ "53rd Grammy Awards Winners". Grammys. February 13, 2011. Retrieved February 14, 2011.
  41. ↑ Thirteen liner notes. Roadrunner Records. 2011. p. 14.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.