Where to start with Megadeth
Sometimes rejection can lead to great things. Megadeth is one fine example. When Dave Mustaine was fired from a little known band called Metallica in 1981 he was spurred on to create a faster, more aggressive, more outrageous band. And in many ways he succeeded. The band has gone on to sell millions of albums and is one of the most highly respected trash bands of all time. Megadeth have endured many line-up changes partly due to the band notorious substance abuse problems. Nothing has stopped Mustaines determination to not only beat all expectations but also to piss people off. With lyrical themes mainly based on military and political aspects, Megadeth have always written in a way to provoke and inspire. Dave Mustaine and long term bassist Dave Ellefson have pioneered and created some of the trash genres best albums and are still going strong some twenty years later.
The Essential Purchase: Peace Sells... but Who's Buying? (1986)
1986 was a good year for trash bands with the release of 'Master of Puppets' and 'Reign in Blood' Megadeth had a lot to prove. Peace Sells is probably the most underrated of the three which is a shame because it contains some of the most technically brilliant songs ever recorded. The passion and anger in the songs really shines through. Songs like album opener 'Wake Up Dead' and 'The Conjuring' are a testament to the bands talent. Also the riff for the title track will always be known of one of the best riffs of all time. This is an album that will always be a starting point for aspiring metal heads.
The Close Second: Rust In Peace (1990)
This is the bands most accomplished album and the one that is referred to as the benchmark for all Megadeth albums ever since. Songs like 'Hanger 18' and 'Holy Wars... The Punishments Due' were featured on the Guitar Hero games and showcase the bands musical prowess. Lead guitarist Marty Friedman had just joined the band and had a lot to live up to after replacing Jeff Young and Chris Poland before him. Luckily for fans of the band Friedman proved he was a more than worthy replacement and is now regarded amongst the best guitarist in the genre. Other songs on the album including the ultra aggressive 'Take No Prisoners' and the breath taking but often over looked 'Tornado of Souls' make this album essential listening. 'Tornado of Souls' has in my opinion the best Megadeth solo and breakdown section the band have written.
_The Commercially Successful: Countdown to Extinction (1992)
This was the first album where the band started moving away from the successful formula they had crafted over the last four albums and seemed to strike gold with this new formula. There was more of a focus on song structure with a more traditional approach with verses and chorus sections being adopted in place of the more chaotic structure the band had previously adopted. With songs that were shorter and more to the point the band hit their most commercially successful period in the early 90's achieving double platinum status for Countdown to Extinction. Containing such classics as 'Symphony of Destruction', 'Skin o' My Teeth' and the slightly odd 'Sweating Bullets' it's no wonder this album is so well received.
The Return to Form: United Abominations (2007)
Although the band had released 'The System has Failed' since Mustaines arm injury that caused Megadeth to disband between 2002-2004 this was the album that put them back on the radar. This was also the second album not to feature fellow co-founder and long term bassist Dave Ellefson who was in a bitter dispute with Mustaine over claimed royalties owed to Ellefson. Songs like 'Gears of War' and title track 'United Abominations' are amongst Mustaines best written and most thought provoking. 'Washington is Next' and 'Burnt Ice' will cause the uncontrollable urge to head bang. A true return to form for the band and a sign that Megadeth was far from finished.
The Modern Classic: Endgame (2009)
With new guitarist Chris Broderick, Mustaine was feeling confident about the release of this album. Before it's release he had boasted that Broderick was one of the best guitarists that Megadeth had ever had. Coming from a band that used to have Marty Friedman in its line-up this was big talk. Never one to shy away from making controversial comments Mustaine put a lot of pressure on the band and they released this masterpiece. The albums lyrical themes include the norm and some based on insanity and torture. 'This Day We Fight' is one of the bands most aggressive songs and 'Head Crusher' does exactly what it's title suggests.
The Essential Megadeth Playlist:
Tornado of Souls - Rust in Peace (1990)
Peace Sells... but Who's Buying? - Peace Sells... but Who's Buying? (1986)
Wake Up Dead - Peace Sells... but Who's Buying? (1986)
Hanger 18 - Rust in Peace (1990)
The Conjuring - Peace Sells... but Who's Buying? (1986)
Skin o' My Teeth - Countdown to Extinction (1992)
Symphony of Destruction - Countdown to Extinction (1992)
A Tout le Monde - Youthanasia (1994)
In My Darkest Hour - So Far, So Good... So What! (1988)
Washington is Next - United Abomination (2007)
This Day We Fight - Endgame (2009)
Who Life (Is it Anyway) - Th1rt3en (2011)
Holy Wars... The Punishments Due - Rust in Peace (1990)
Gears of War - United Abominations (2007)
Head Crusher - Endgame (2009)
by RazorRich for mlm