Megadeth

One of the Big Four of thrash bands (Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax, Slayer), Megadeth is often called Music's greatest revenge band.

Huh?

Let's start with some history. Metallica's original lineup included Dave Mustaine on lead guitar. This was before Kill 'Em All. Right before they recorded their debut, Mustaine was kicked out of for drug abuse. He went on to form Megadeth.

Megadeth's first album was Killing is my Business...and Business is Good! It was a very heavy, extremely raw-produced album. One of the peculiarities is "Mechanix." I didn't notice anything weird until the chorus hit. I was thinking, "Have I heard this song before?" Sort of. Mustaine wrote this song while he was in Metallica. Metallica slightly revised the track and included it on Kill 'Em All as "The Four Horsemen." Aha!
Killing also had a parody-cover of Nancy Sinatra's "These Boots are Made For Walkin'." Perefct example of their Megadeth's humor.

Next up: Peace Sells...but Who's Buying? Too bad, I already own this album. I don't remember the last time I listened to it, but it must have been not too long ago, because I don't feel like listening to it again. However, the album is stellar. The title track is a masterpiece; the other songs are great, as well. The album is consistently heavy (I think).

Third up: So Far, So Good...So What? I understand that critics didn't like this one too much, but I disagree. It's not as raw as Killing, but it's heavy. Megadeth put another cover on here, it's called "Anarchy in the U.K." Surely you've heard of it. Anyways, it's a great cover. The standout here is "In My Darkest Hour," an EPIC track. When I first heard it, my initial reaction was, "This'll be a cool song to play on guitar".... not that I play, but my best friend does.

Fourth up: Rust in Peace. Like Peace Sells, I've heard this one before. So, time for the magic question: Which one did I like better? I'm gonna pull the fairness card. It's been a while, you know. I think I've always slightly preferred Peace Sells, but maybe just because of the title track. However, Rust In Peace has "Holy Wars, "Hangar 18," and "Rust In Peace...Polaris." Pretty sweet deal. As far as I can remember, Rust In Peace is heavy, and critics call it very progressive- maybe their equivalent of ...And Justice For All? That would be right because next up is their equivalent of Black Album.

Fifth up: Countdown to Extinction. This one has the same producer as Rust In Peace, but this time around he pushed the band towards a commercial direction. It worked: Countdown is their biggest selling album. Its songs have a more traditional rock structure, and are geared towards a mainstream audience. Best songs: The singles. "Symphony of Destruction," "Skin O' my Teeth," "Sweating Bullets." Most of the songs are good, though.

Youthanasia followed the same structure as Countdown. Much more underrated, though. The best song is "A Tout Le Monde," which is perhaps their most melodic song yet. Yet it kicks major ass.

More Megadeth coming soon...

-Ben