Description

Before founding Megadeth in 1983, Dave Mustaine was an original member of Metallica (his songs were recorded by them after his departure). With Megadeth, however, he pursued his own vision; equally inspired by heavy metal and punk, Mustaine and company released some pioneering thrash-metal in the '80s. Over the years, through personnel changes and stylistic evolution towards a more melodic, accessible sound, Megadeth sold millions of records and became one of the most influential metal bands of their era.

Biography

This thrash metal quartet was founded in San Francisco, California, USA, by guitarist Dave Mustaine (b. 13 September 1961, La Mesa, California, USA) after leaving Metallica in 1983 (he co-wrote four songs on the latter's debut album, though he did not actually appear on it). Recruiting bass player Dave Ellefson (b. 12 November 1964, Jackson, Minnesota, USA), Slayer guitarist Kerry King and drummer Lee Rash, Mustaine formed Megadeth. King and Rash were quickly replaced by Chris Poland and Gar Samuelson, and Mustaine negotiated a contract with the independent Combat Records label. Working on a tight budget, Megadeth produced Killing Is My Business ... And Business Is Good! in 1985. This was a ferocious blast of high-energy thrash metal, weakened by a thin production. Nevertheless, Capitol Records, realizing the band's potential, immediately signed them, even though Mustaine was beginning to acquire a reputation for his outspoken and provocative manner. Peace Sells ... But Who's Buying? was a marked improvement over their debut, both technically and musically. It was characterized by incessant, heavy-duty riffing, bursts of screaming guitar and lyrics that reflected Mustaine's outspoken perception of contemporary social and political issues.
In 1986, Mustaine fired Poland and Samuelson (who then formed Fatal Opera), bringing in Jeff Young and Chuck Behler as replacements before the recording of So Far, So Good ... So What! This built on their aggressive and vitriolic style, and included a cover version of "Anarchy In The UK", with the Sex Pistols' guitarist Steve Jones making a guest appearance. Following two years of heroin-related problems, and the enforced departure of Young and Behler, Mustaine reappeared in 1990 with guitar virtuoso Marty Friedman (b. 8 December 1962, Washington, DC, USA) and drummer Nick Menza (b. 23 July 1964). Rust In Peace was released to widespread critical acclaim, combining an anti-nuclear message with the explosive guitar pyrotechnics of Friedman. Countdown To Extinction, meanwhile, was a bruising encounter that entertained more melody in the execution of its theme - that of impending ecological disaster. It included the UK Top 20 hit singles, "Skin O' My Teeth" and "Symphony Of Destruction".
Reports of Mustaine's drug problems again overshadowed sessions for their sixth album, Youthanasia, recorded in Phoenix, Arizona, where three-quarters of the band now lived. It was produced by Max Norman (who co-produced Countdown To Extinction and mixed Rust In Peace), and featured the brilliant UK hit single "Train Of Consequences". Following the release of Cryptic Writings drummer Nick Menza left the band due to "health problems"; he was replaced by Jimmy Degrasso. A "clean' Mustaine steered the band in an even more melodic direction on 1999"s Risk. Mustaine announced a hiatus in band activities in April 2002 after sustaining severe nerve damage to his left arm and hand. Further changes ensued witht he departure of Ellefson and the surprising return of Poland, the results were heard on The System Has Failed.
DISCOGRAPHY: Killing Is My Business ... And Business Is Good! (Combat/Megaforce 1985)**, Peace Sells ... But Who's Buying? (Capitol 1986)***, So Far, So Good ... So What! (Capitol 1988)***, Rust In Peace (Capitol 1990)****, Countdown To Extinction (Capitol 1992)***, Youthanasia (Capitol 1994)***, Cryptic Writings (Capitol 1997)***, Risk (Capitol 1999)***, The World Needs A Hero (Sanctuary 2001)***, Rude Awakening (Sanctuary 2002)**, The System Has Failed (Sanctuary 2004)***.
COMPILATIONS: Hidden Treasures (Capitol 1995)***, Capitol Punishment: The Megadeth Years (Capitol 2000)****.
VIDEOGRAPHY: Rusted Pieces (EMI 1991), Exposure Of A Dream (PMI 1993), Evolver: The Making Of Youthanasia (Capitol 1995), VH1 Behind The Music (Extended) (BMG Video 2001), Rude Awakening (BMG Video 2002).

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