Biography
This thrash metal quartet was founded in San Francisco, California, USA, by guitarist Dave Mustaine (Born 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 (Born 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 (Born 8 December 1962, Washington, DC, USA) and drummer Nick Menza (Born 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).
Music Albums
Countdown To Extinction
Capitol/EMI Records
07/14/1992
Foreclosure Of A Dream [EP]
Capitol/EMI Records
1992
Killing Is My Business... [PA] [Remaster]
Loud
02/05/2002
Peace Sells...But Who's Buying?
Capitol/EMI Records
08/24/1987
Rust In Peace
Capitol/EMI Records
10/02/1990
So Far, So Good, So What
Capitol/EMI Records
01/19/1988
Symphony Of Destruction [EP]
Capitol/EMI Records
1992
Youthanasia
Capitol/EMI Records
11/01/1994
Hidden Treasures [EP]
Capitol/EMI Records
07/18/1995
Cryptic Writings
Capitol/EMI Records
06/17/1997
The Original (Series) [Box]
EMI-Capitol Entertainment Prop.
11/03/1998
Risk [ECD]
Capitol/EMI Records
08/31/1999
Capitol Punishment
Capitol/EMI Records
10/24/2000
The World Needs A Hero [PA]
Sanctuary
05/15/2001
The World Needs A Hero
Sanctuary
05/15/2001
Rude Awakening
Sanctuary
03/19/2002
Killing Is My Business... [Edited] [Remaster]
Loud
04/02/2002
Still Alive.... And Well?
Sanctuary
09/10/2002
Rude Awakening [CD & DVD]
Sanctuary
10/07/2003
The System Has Failed
Sanctuary
09/14/2004
Peace Sells...But Who's Buying? [PA] [Remaster]
Capitol/EMI Records
07/27/2004
Youthanasia [Remaster]
Capitol/EMI Records
07/27/2004
So Far, So Good, So What [PA] [Remaster]
Capitol/EMI Records
07/27/2004
Cryptic Writings [Remaster]
Capitol/EMI Records
07/27/2004
Rust In Peace [Remaster]
Capitol/EMI Records
07/27/2004
Risk [Remaster]
Capitol/EMI Records
07/27/2004
Countdown To Extinction [Remaster]
Capitol/EMI Records
07/27/2004
Peace Sells...But Who's Buying? [DVD-Audio]
DTS Entertainment
04/29/2003
The System Has Failed (Edited Cover) *
Sanctuary
09/14/2004
Source: Encyclopedia of Popular Music
