"Lying in State"
Song by Megadeth
from the album Dystopia
ReleasedJanuary 31, 2018
RecordedApril–July, 2015
StudioLattitude Studio South, Leiper's Fork, Tennessee
GenreThrash metal[1]
Length3:34
LabelTradecraft/Universal
Songwriter(s)Dave Mustaine
Producer(s)
  • Dave Mustaine
  • Chris Rakestraw

"Lying In State" is a song by American thrash metal band Megadeth. It is the ninth track from their fifteenth studio album, Dystopia, which was released on January 22, 2016. The song's music video was released for the band's 35th anniversary on January 31, 2018.[2][3]

Music and lyrics

"Lying In State" is the second part of 'Conquer Or Die'. Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine commented, "Those two parts were supposed to be sequenced together. So it goes 'Conquer Or Die… Lying In State'."[4] "Lying in State" is also fastest song on Dystopia,[5] and is in the key of D major.[6]

Mustaine also said about the song: "'Lying In State' part is a double entendre which I'm pretty familiar with doing. The 'lying in state' was a place where you… Once you die, you're lying in state for all to see. Or, right now, with people who are still upright, standing by the podium, lying in a position of state." (The song) talks about how I've seen the world change in the years that I've been alive. I guess the double entendre came from watching a lot of these politicians, you just know when they're asked a question the answer is such spin, somebody that doesn't know shit is gonna go, 'Oh, I get it,' because they don't wanna say, 'I have no idea what he just said.' But for me, since I watch a lot of political pundits to try to get inspiration for songs, I see when people are spinning stuff, and to me that's lying in state."[7]

Music video

The music video for "Lying in State" features Megadeth mascot Vic Rattlehead rescuing a young boy from a graveyard,[8] while the band plays inside of a tomb.[9] The video was directed by Leo Liberti, who also directed part one (Conquer or Die!)'s music video.[10]

The video was first announced in November, 2017.[11]

Critical reception

Although the song was ranked at only number 7 in Return of Rock's ranking of Dystopia, it was spoken of fondly. "Right from the get go, it’s straight forward, in your face pulverizing thrash. The rumbling, catastrophic riffing is reminiscent of “Blackmail the Universe” off their 2004 TSHF album. Crushing riffs to go along with Chris Adler’s blitzkrieg double bass and a terrific vocal performance from Mustaine make “Lying In State” a standout track."[12] An author from Rockpasta had a very good opinion of the music video, stating "You will love everything on this new music video, the suits, the effects, and on top of that, the great freaking song!"[13]

Personnel

Credits adapted from Dystopia liner notes, unless otherwise noted.[14]

Megadeth

Additional musicians

Production and design

References

  1. ^ "Dystopia Songs Ranked". Return of Rock. Archived from the original on 8 December 2022. Retrieved 13 September 2022.
  2. ^ "SEE MEGADETH'S MASCOT PARTAKE IN GRISLY RESCUE MISSION IN NEW "LYING IN STATE" VIDEO". Revolver. Archived from the original on 14 September 2022. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
  3. ^ "Megadeth Celebrate 35th Anniversary with New "Lying in State" Music Video". Guitar World. Archived from the original on 14 September 2022. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
  4. ^ Metal, Mark. "Megadeth Premiere "Lying In State" Music Video". Ghost Cult Mag. Ghost Cult Magazine. Archived from the original on 14 September 2022. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
  5. ^ Arnopp, Jason. "A track-by-track guide to Megadeth – Dystopia". Louder Sound. Metal Hammer. Archived from the original on 14 September 2022. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
  6. ^ "Megadeth Lying In State". In What Key. Archived from the original on 14 September 2022. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
  7. ^ "Video Premiere: MEGADETH's 'Lying In State'". Blabbermouth. Archived from the original on 14 September 2022. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
  8. ^ Halbe, David. "MEGADETH – "Lying In State"". The Metal Channel. Archived from the original on 14 September 2022. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
  9. ^ Peacock, Tim. "ADVERTISEMENT Watch Megadeth's New Video For 'Lying In State'". U Discover Music. Archived from the original on 14 September 2022. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
  10. ^ "SEE MEGADETH'S MASCOT PARTAKE IN GRISLY RESCUE MISSION IN NEW "LYING IN STATE" VIDEO". Revolver. Archived from the original on 14 September 2022. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
  11. ^ Munro, Scott. "Louder is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's why you can trust us. Home News Metal Hammer Megadeth have filmed a new video for Lying In State". Louder Sound. Archived from the original on 14 September 2022. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
  12. ^ "Dystopia Songs Ranked". Return of Rock. Archived from the original on 8 December 2022. Retrieved 13 September 2022.
  13. ^ "Watch Megadeth's New Music Video For Lying In State". Rock Pasta. Archived from the original on 14 September 2022. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
  14. ^ Dystopia Liner notes. Universal Music Enterprises. 2016. p. 12.

External links

Megadeth
Categories