"Thirteen" is the 13th studio album by the American thrash metal band Megadeth. The album was released on November 1, 2011, under the Roadrunner Records label, which earned it a Grammy nomination. It's considered a successful comeback of the band, manifesting a return to their original thrash metal sound. The creation of "Thirteen" is marked by a series of reunions with past contributors, making it an album of special significance.
"Thirteen" features several tracks written by Dave Mustaine, the band's leader, during different periods in Megadeth's career, thus providing a mixed blend of the band's evolution over time. The album’s name, apart from being the band's 13th studio album, is also a reference to the struggles Mustaine faced in his life with extensive drug addiction and recovery, which happened in 13 steps.
The album showcases a variety of themes in the lyrics reflecting conflicts, struggles, and personal experiences of Mustaine like the loss of friends and injustice. The most notable tracks from the album include "Sudden Death," "Public Enemy No. 1," and "Never Dead."
Commercially and critically successful, "Thirteen" debuted at number 11 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling around 42,000 copies in the U.S. in its first week. The album received favourable reviews, with critics praising the band's return to their original thrash sound and the lyrical depth of the songs.
In summary, "Thirteen" is a significant album in Megadeth's discography due to its return to the band's thrash metal roots, the inclusion of previously written tracks, and the album's reflection of Mustaine's own personal experiences told through powerful lyrical narratives.
