POP MUSIC REVIEW : Megadeth Matures, Fans Follow

Megadeth, rivaled only by Slayer as Los Angeles’ most compelling heavy metal band, is a rarity in the world of headbangers: A thinking man’s (and increasingly woman’s) outfit.

These no-frills metal virtuosos, who headlined Saturday night at the sold-out Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, have always believed that their shows should be carried by their music and themes, not by flashy stage antics or complicated light shows. In the past, however, the quartet wasn’t always able to live up to its goal because the material and musicianship were often inconsistent.

With the addition last year of two new members, guitarist Jeff Young and drummer Chuck Behler, and the excellent songwriting on this year’s “So Far, So Good . . . So What?” album, Megadeth can finally excite its audience with just music.

The songs from the latest LP that were hammered out Saturday displayed Megadeth’s many moods, from the cynical disgust of “Hook in Mouth” to the darkly melodic “Mary Jane.” Each song was a virtual mini-show, building to a tense, clamoring crescendo and inspiring a sea of raised fists.

Singer-guitarist Dave Mustaine didn’t climb on the speakers or sling his ax wildly to grab the audience’s attention. His snotty, sardonic presence and expert chops more than sufficed.

Along with complex arrangements and multiple time changes, Megadeth’s songs offer thoughtful lyrics--from the chilling introspection of “Darkest Hour” to the anti-censorship lambaste of “Hook in Mouth.”

But do words matter to the thrashing multitude in the audience?

Apparently, yes. During the anti-war sentiments of “Peace Sells . . . But Who’s Buying?” dozens in the audience made peace signs instead of the rebellious “devil’s horns” found at most metal shows.

As the band continues to mature, its audience also matures. In spite of the high energy level at the Civic, there were surprisingly few flying bodies and macho slam-dancers. Megadeth’s headbangers were more interested in the music than in creating a violence-strewn free-for-all.

This feisty band overcame a sorry sound system whose power couldn’t carry Menudo--a problem, unfortunately, that victimized opening act Flotsam & Jetsam even more. During its first few songs, the lead vocal mike was turned off, leaving the band without a voice.

Once the situation was corrected, the Phoenix-based metal group delivered an energetic set--much improved over a lackluster appearance last year at the Country Club. The group’s material also seems to be moving beyond the standard metal diet.