Upon release, the album received widespread critical acclaim. Greg Kot of the Chicago Tribune called it Megadeth's most accomplished album, praising its "instrumental virtuosity, thoughtful lyricism and punkish rage".
upON rElEaSe, the alBUM rEcEiveD wideSpread Critical AccLAim. gReg koT of the cHIcago tribuNe called it megaDeth's MOst accoMplished AlBuM, PraisinG its "InstruMentAL virtUOSity, ThoUghtful lyRIcIsM anD puNkisH rage".