This is gonna be a big one! Grab your headphones and air guitar and go take a poop cause you're gonna be here a while!
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| The 'peak' lineup in my eyes: Marty Friedman (guitar), Dave Mustaine (guitar,vocals), Dave Ellefson (bass), Nick Menza (drums) |
I'm not sure exactly when I first heard Megadeth's music. I think I was aware of the band before I heard them. Back around 1990 there was no way to hear a band's music without buying a cassette or CD.. and when you are a 12 year old you have to choose wisely! ;0) My best guess is that the first time I heard them was when the song Symphony Of Destruction was being played on Rock 108 back in the 1992. I remember thinking a couple things...
1. This guy's voice is weird
2. This sounds different
3. I love it and I want MORE
My first album purchased was the Countdown to Extinction CD. I listened to every song on that CD at least a hundred times. When their next album came out in 1994, Youthanasia, I bought the CD. That album was definitely more easily digestible but didn't hit the same spot as Countdown to Extinction. I started looking into their older albums and ended up going to Lindale Mall to the record store there. I think it was called MusicLand maybe? The CD I found was the 1990 album Rust In Peace. It was in one of those long boxes, remember those?
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| I think the packaging was part of the reason I bought it. I held onto that box for a long time ;0) |
Rust In Peace sounded different than Countdown To Extinction and took me a while to get on board. It was faster, meaner, and takes several listens to even understand what is happening musically. However, after getting to know it, it became one of my favorite metal albums. Now, I consider it (along with And Justice For All by Metallica) to be the top of the mountain of 80s and 90s thrash metal.
Memories of getting those first three albums will be with me forever. From there, things get a little fuzzy, lol. Of course around 1999/2000 the Napster thing happened and I got much more familiar with many types of music, including Megadeth's first three albums from 1985,1986, and 1988 and anything they have released until today. With the announcement from Mr. Mustaine that their upcoming album (to be released in January 2026) would be the last one ever, I decided it was time to talk about these fathers of metal.
Enough jibber jabber, Nick, lets listen to some thrash riffs! Okie dokie, metal pal... ask, and receive, you shall! Ladies and gentlemen..... behold...
Song: Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good
Artist: Megadeth
Album: Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good
Year: 1985
I did not particularly like the first album... at first. This title track starts out a bit groovy and quickly speeds up, then back to the groovy part, then speeds up... you get the picture. The growly breathing at the end always reminds me of the Tasmanian Devil from Looney Tunes. ðĪŠ
Song: Chosen Ones
Artist: Megadeth
Album: Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good
Year: 1985
This is one of the first songs that jumped out at me on my first few listens of the debut album. It has a bit more of a melodic lean than most of the other tracks. Of course, it picks up the pace halfway thru.
Song: Looking Down The Cross
Artist: Megadeth
Album: Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good
Year: 1985
From songfacts.com: This song was written by Dave Mustaine, and looks at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ from an unusual perspective. In the lyrics, Jesus seems bitter about the fact that the people have decided to kill him, and curses the foolishness of humanity as he's bleeding to death. This is also mentioned in the Bible, more mildly put: "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do."
It has become my favorite song from the album. It starts with a strange guitar sound effect, almost sounding like bells... kinda... then a repeating guitar lick with all the bass and midrange removed, into a spoken word section... then the actual song begins. Lots of different sections in this one but still comes in at under 5 minutes.
Song: Mechanix
Artist: Megadeth
Album: Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good
Year: 1985
Anyone familiar with metal history is well aware that Dave Mustaine started in Metallica but was fired from the band before the recording of their first album, Kill Em All. This song ,Mechanix, written by Mustaine, was what became The Four Horsemen on Metallica's debut. It is always interesting listening to both songs consecutively.
Song: The Four Horsemen
Artist: Metallica
Album: Kill Em All
Year: 1983
The original (Mechanix) was super fast, short, and intense. The Four Horsemen uses almost all the riffs from Mechanix, but the lyrics are totally different and they added different sections to the song, turning into a 7 minute epic. Legend has it that the musical section starting at the 3:27 mark was inspired by Lynerd Skynerd's Sweet Home Alabama main riff. Yep... NOW I hear it!
Song: Wake Up Dead (Music Video)
Artist: Megadeth
Album: Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?
Year: 1986
The second album, Peace Sells... But Who's Buying? was released a year after the debut. The production and sound quality took a big leap forward. Wake Up Dead is the first song and is in my top ten all-time Megadeth songs. The majority of it is instrumental. It has several sections/shifts. The first one at 1:00 which leads into solos from Dave Mustaine and Megadeth's first guitarist Chris Poland. Then at the 3 minute mark it enters the 'breakdown'. It is one of my favorite metal moments of all time. The chugging groove and soloing in this section are absolutely epic.
Song: Peace Sells... But Who's Buying? (Music Video)
Artist: Megadeth
Album: Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?
Year: 1986
The bassline on this title track may sound familiar if you were an MTV watcher in the 90's. It was used as the intro to their music news clips several times a day. This video was on a VHS cassette that my buddy Alan gave me in the early 90's which also had Pantera, Soundgarden, and White Zombie videos. Was one of the most influential pieces of media ever to enter into my life. To this day all those bands are still the foundation of most of the music I seek out.
Song(s): Into The Lungs Of Hell / Set The World Afire
Artist: Megadeth
Album: So Far So Good...So What!
Year: 1988
Megadeth's 3rd album, So Far So Good... So What!, was released in 1988. This is one that had to grow on me as well. I thought for a time that this was their second album and Peace Sells was their 3rd because the frantic nature of SFSGSW reminds me more of their debut. This album kicks off with a pretty cool instrumental track, followed by Set The World Afire. At the 1:40 mark it breaks into a great riff to kick off the verses and singing.
Song: In My Darkest Hour (Music Video)
Artist: Megadeth
Album: So Far So Good...So What!
Year: 1988
This is another 'top ten-er'. The pace is slower on this one. The verses march along like a chugging tank. Then, after hypnotizing you into a gentle headbang it explodes. Good stuff, my man, good stuff.
The song has an interesting history. From Wikipedia:
The music of the song was written by band frontman Dave Mustaine in a single sitting after a friend had contacted Mustaine to inform him of Metallica bassist Cliff Burton's passing. Mustaine was frustrated with the members of Metallica for not contacting him personally, stating in an interview:[4]
I took it really personal because, I figured, "You fuckers, you know we're all brothers in a band and he dies and you have someone else call me?" So I took it very, very, very bad.
— Dave Mustaine
The "darkest hour" mentioned in the song refer to general loneliness and isolation, however the lyrics and song subject refer to an ex-girlfriend of Mustaine's.[4] The song was released as a promotional single for the film The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years, in which the song features as part of the film's official soundtrack. Penelope Spheeris stated she had the song close the film "... because everything had been a little light and fluffy before that."[5] And that she needed something "...more substantial."[5]
Song: Liar
Artist: Megadeth
Album: So Far So Good...So What!
Year: 1988
You.... you.... you FUCKING LIAR! I love it when Dave gets angry, lol. The lyrics on this one are vague... I can't tell if Dave likes or dislikes the subject of the song. Hmm, lets pick one of the lyrics out to see if we can tell....
Lie, steal, cheat, and kill, a real bad guy
Your daddy is a wino, and your mommy's quite insane
From altar boy to sewer rat, you don't give a damn
Your sister is a junkie, gets it anyway she can
Your brother's a gay singer in a stud leather band
Your girlfriend's got herpes to go with your Hep and AIDS
There ain't one person you know you ain't ripped off yet
... dang, still can't tell. .ðĪð
At the 2:17 mark the vocal goes into a rhythmic blast string of words. I always love that part!
Song: Holy Wars... The Punishment Due (Music Video)
Artist: Megadeth
Album: Rust In Peace
Year: 1990
There are many videos out there of people reacting to hearing Holy Wars for the first time. I really enjoy hearing people talk about it who are not historically fans of this music. It's especially interesting when trained musicians, in this case a classical musician, breaks down metal songs.
Song: Hangar 18
Artist: Megadeth
Album: Rust In Peace
Year: 1990
Song: Take No Prisoners
Artist: Megadeth
Album: Rust In Peace
Year: 1990
This song is incredibly fast-paced, but still extremely precise. That can be said of many of the songs on Rust In Peace.
Song: Five Magics
Artist: Megadeth
Album: Rust In Peace
Year: 1990
Five Magics paints a scene in the mind. A warlock experimenting with dark magic in the bottom levels of an old castle. Starts with a lengthy instrumental intro and then... off it goes! There are mini-solos after each verse. So cool!
Song: Poison Was The Cure
Artist: Megadeth
Album: Rust In Peace
Year: 1990
It just occurred to me that the title of this song is what us Alky's believe. Poison(alcohol) WAS the cure.... for a while.
From Google:
"Poison Was the Cure" is a Megadeth song by Dave Mustaine that serves as a literal and metaphorical exploration of his drug addiction, particularly to heroin. Mustaine described the song as a "romance with chemical abuse," where the very substance causing the pain was perceived as a cure for his underlying problems. The title itself refers to the paradoxical idea that a drug, while harmful, can feel like a solution or cure to one's suffering.
Key aspects of the song's meaning:
Addiction as a paradoxical cure:
The central theme is the addictive cycle, where the "poison" of drugs is seen as the only remedy for the pain or emptiness that the addiction itself created.
The "romance" with chemical abuse:
Mustaine's choice of the word "romance" highlights the intense, often misguided emotional connection an addict can feel with their substance of choice.
A confession of struggle:
The lyrics are a raw and honest confession of his battle with drug abuse, portraying the complex relationship an addict has with their addiction.
Metaphorical depth:
Beyond the literal drug use, the song can also be seen as a metaphor for any relationship where the source of harm is also perceived as a source of solace or resolution.
In essence, the song captures the devastating irony of addiction, where the thing causing the problem is desperately sought as the only solution to that same problem.
Song: Lucretia
Artist: Megadeth
Album: Rust In Peace
Year: 1990
One of the 'slower' paced songs on Rust In Peace, you may experience the desire to bob your head once the verses hit. I recommend you just go with it. From 1:57 up through the end of the song is all instrumental and is two minutes of metal magic. One of my favorite instrumental sections of any song, ever. Do you like it, Nick? Yes... yes, I like it.
Song: Tornado Of Souls
Artist: Megadeth
Album: Rust In Peace
Year: 1990
Me second favorite song on Rust In Peace. "This morning I made the call. The one that ends it all. Hanging up, I wanted to cry. But, dammit, this world's gone dry." The solo by Marty Friedman at the 3:08 mark has become semi-famous for being one of the best solos in metal history. I played it for my son Max last week on the way to school.... he didn't seem impressed ð
Song: Skin O My Teeth
Artist: Megadeth
Album: Countdown To Extinction
Year: 1992
The first song on 1992's Countdown To Extiction has a special place in me brain folds. That ripping drum intro was the first thing I ever heard on the first album I ever owned by my mates in Megadeth. I still love the production on this album. It is very clean and punchy. The kick drum sound is the best! "I need a ride to the morgue, that's what 911 is for." I wonder if Dave took inspiration from Public Enemy's 911 Is a Joke , released in 1990? Definitely my favorite Public Enemy song...
Song: 911 Is A Joke
Artist: Public Enemy
Year: 1990
Song: Symphony Of Destruction (Music Video)
Artist: Megadeth
Album: Countdown To Extinction
Year: 1992
The first song I heard by Megadeth on ROCK 108 back in 1992. Blew my mind.... WHAT IS THIS?! I LOVE IT! This is up there with Trust and Almost Honest as one of Megadeths most well-known songs, and it is also one of the 'simplest' as far as main riffs go. The simplicity is what makes it stick to your ribs, bruh. Ok bye.
Song: Sweating Bullets
Artist: Megadeth
Album: Countdown To Extinction
Year: 1992
I initially wanted to use the music video for this one, but they cut out some of the best musical parts! So, nope, not tuhdayyyyyy. Dave Mustaine still gets crap on the internet for the "hello me, meet the real me" line, but I absolutely love this song. The verses are spoken word, but spoken in a very entertaining manner. The lyrics in this song are pure gold. PURE GOLD, I SAID.
A dark black past is my most valued possession
Reminds me of one of the things some of us folks in recovery have read. The past, even its darkest parts, can be transformed and used to help others.
"We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it..."In listening to this song in prep for this post I just realized Davey-boy basically created the 'cool story bro' meme 20 years in advance...
Speak of mutually assured destruction
Nice story, tell it to Readers Digest!
And then, we have the 'black tooth grin' line....
A credit to dementia
Someday, you too, will know my pain
And smile its "black-toothed grin"
Pantera's Darryl Abbot (crazy-good guitarist.. like, mind-blowing bruh) liked this lyric so much that he created a mixed drink in honor of it. From the Google machine:
The Black Tooth Grin is a strong whiskey and cola cocktail created by and named after Pantera guitarist Dimebag Darrell Abbott. He would make it with a double shot of Crown Royal, a double shot of Seagram's 7, and a splash of Coca-Cola. The drink was popularized by Pantera, becoming a bonding ritual among fans and fellow musicians, and the name comes from a Megadeth lyric.
Song: High Speed Dirt
Artist: Megadeth
Album: Countdown To Extinction
Year: 1992
High Speed Dirt is just fun. I love the little 'clean' guitar section at 3:24. It's about what would go thru ones mind jumping out of a plane and having his chute fail. Dave Mustaine is (or was?) an avid skydiver so I'm guessing its something he has thought about from time to time. ðķ The sound effect at the end is pretty hilarious.
Song: Ashes In Your Mouth
Artist: Megadeth
Album: Countdown To Extinction
Year: 1992
In sticking with the theme of being one of my favorite albums for instrumental breaks and solos, Ashes In Your Mouth is chalk full of them. The last song on this epic album. At 1:48 the chorus hits and it's one of my favorite choruses on the entire album.. then at 2:00 minutes its a..... SECOND CHORUS? Wait, then back to the first chorus? Then it breaks into a bridge section with delicious soloing from Dave and Marty. At 3:40 it goes into a dueling harmonized solo followed by a slightly different main riff and then everything drops out except the guitars. Sometimes it gives me goosebumps. Gracias, Mr. Mustaine.
Song: Reckoning Day (Music Video)
Artist: Megadeth
Album: Youthanasia
Year: 1994
Youthanasia is a unique sounding album in the Megadeth catalog. Grunge was at its peak in 1993/1994 and this album defintely has a grungy tone, but is still a technical masterpiece and not at all sloppy. Not to say that grunge can be sloppy but.... grunge can be sloppy as hell. LOL. That's part of what I like about it. Reckoning Day is one of the grungiest sounding on the album.
Song: Train Of Consequences (Music Video)
Artist: Megadeth
Album: Youthanasia
Year: 1994
If any song sticks with you on this lengthy list, it just might be this one. It has this super cool train chug rhythm and is catchy as all heck. "I'm doing you a favor as I'm taking all your money." You can have it, Dave.
Song: Addicted To Chaos
Artist: Megadeth
Album: Youthanasia
Year: 1994
Remember when I said Reckoning Day was the grungiest sounding song on the album? I was wrong, its this one. These songs are much more listener-friendly than anything previously released. Their next album would see them go even further in that direction and have their greatest success.
Song: Victory
Artist: Megadeth
Album: Youthanasia
Year: 1994
This one is always fun to listen to. Dave uses various song and album titles from his back catalog throughout the lyrics. It's a song about overcoming addiction from what I call. Who doesn't like those?! Around 2:25 there is a cool bridge section and solo. ... of course...
Song: Black Curtains
Artist: Megadeth
Album: Youthanasia
Year: 1994
This is probably the heaviest song on the album and reminds me a little of what some of Megadeth's more recent material would sound like.
Song: No More Mr Nice Guy (Music Video)
Artist: Megadeth (Alice Cooper cover)
Album: Hidden Treasures
Year: 1995
In 1995 Megadeth put out a compilation of some odds and ends that they had done for soundtracks or whatever. I really like this cover of Alice Cooper's No More Mr Nice Guy. Wikipedia says it was recorded in 1989 for the Wes Craven-directed horror movie 'Shocker'. Apparently it was drummer Nick Menza's recording debut with the band. Look ma, I learned somethin'!
Song: Go To Hell (Music Video)
Artist: Megadeth
Album: Hidden Treasures
Year: 1995
This one was recorded for 1991's Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey. Starts with a great bassline. When it kicks into the main riff at 1:10 it always gets me goin. Dave is my favorite riff writer ever!
Song: Angry Again
Artist: Megadeth
Album: Hidden Treasures
Year: 1995
Angry Again was written for the Last Action Hero movie. That soundtrack had a ton of good stuff on it. Wikipedia says it was nominated for 'Best Metal Performance' for the 1993 Grammys. They didn't win, but, hey thats pretty cool Nick! I know, Nick, totes concurred! This is the only song in their catalog that I would call 'smooth'. It keeps a pretty steady pace throughout and is actually somewhat .. 'relaxing'? LOL. At least to my ears it is.
Song: 99 Ways To Die (Music Video)
Artist: Megadeth
Album: Hidden Treasures
Year: 1995
The Beavis and Butthead Experience compilation album had 99 Ways To Die on it. That was another awesome album. Tons of great songs on it. I learned that this song was ALSO nominated for "Best Metal Performance", this time for the 1995 Grammys. They eventually did win a Grammy, but not until 2016!
Song: Paranoid
Artist: Megadeth (Black Sabbath cover)
Album: Hidden Treasures
Year: 1995
This cover of Black Sabbath's 'Paranoid' was on the Nativity In Black , Sabbath tribute album. Continuing with the theme here... that was yet another beast of an album with folks from all over the rock and metal world covering Sabbath tunes. This song was ALSO... AGAIN nominated for 'Best Metal Performance' in the 1996 Grammys. At the end of this song Dave says "Nick, Nick, NICK!" because Nick Menza kept playing. The first time I played this CD I was listening on headphones. I recall it was pretty late at night and I was half asleep and that nick Nick NICK scared the crap outta me! I had to replay the song to make sure it was on the recording and not some ghost speaking to me from the great beyond. ðģ
Song: Trust (Music Video)
Artist: Megadeth
Album: Cryptic Writings
Year: 1997
Both Trust and Almost Honest were played heavily on local Rock108 back in 1998. It made me happy to hear my favorite band hitting the mainstream. Now some other folks could appreciate them like I did! Cryptic Writings, however, was not even really 'metal' anymore. They were solidly in the 'hard rock' category with many of these songs. Don't get me wrong, I still like 'em! I am not one of those fans that thinks bands need to stay in one lane. Do what you wanna do, dudes! Dave's vocals on this album are the best of his career.
Song: Almost Honest (Music Video)
Artist: Megadeth
Album: Cryptic Writings
Year: 1997
Song: Use The Man
Artist: Megadeth
Album: Cryptic Writings
Year: 1997
This was my favorite song from Cryptic Writings for many years. The descending chorus will get stuck in your head, for sure. It is another song about Dave's struggles with heroin.
I've seen the man use the needle, seen the needle use the manI've seen them crawl from the cradle to the coffin on their hands
They fight a war but it's fatal, it's so hard to understand
I've seen myself use the needle, seen the needle in my hand
Song: Mastermind
Artist: Megadeth
Album: Cryptic Writings
Year: 1997
I love the combo of tracks 4 and 5 on Cryptic Writings; Mastermind and Disintegrators. Mastermind is another song that kinda strolls along at the same pace throughout. Starts out with another great bassline and a simple but great riff. Oh shit! As I am writing this I am listening to it and forgot about the kick ass section starting at 1:57. Nick Menza's drumming and all the great guitar work... so good. Track 5, Disintegrators, is a fast paced comet, burning through your ass... or face? Burning through something, dammit! Another song with a double chorus or pre-chorus/chorus if you choose to call it that. Again, Dave's vocals shine in this one.
Song: Disintegrators
Artist: Megadeth
Album: Cryptic Writings
Year: 1997
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| Dave in 2008ish. I am assuming since the background is the United Abominations album cover. |
In my mind there is a clear division between 'classic' Megadeth and 'modern-era' Megadeth. That line is drawn by the album they released in 1999 entitled 'Risk'. Risk gets a lot of hate for being too far down the mainstream road. I have no hate for it, but it just doesn't sound like Megadeth to me. After this album, both Marty Friedman and Nick Menza left the band (or got fired, depending on who you ask), thus breaking up the peak Megadeth lineup. Dave (Mustaine) and Dave (Ellefson) kinda had to start over. That is why I consider anything released after Risk to be 'modern-era Megadeth'. Aren't you glad you know that now? ðĪŠð
Song: Kill The King
Artist: Megadeth
Album: Capitol Punishment, The Megadeth Years
In 2000 Megadeth released a compilation of sorts to fulfill their obligation to their record company, Capitol. From wikipedia: The title of the album is an allusion to the band's persistent difficulties with their record label, Capitol Records. Megadeth ultimately left Capitol and signed with Sanctuary Records, but were contractually obliged to release one further album with Capitol, hence the greatest hits compilation.
Kill The King was recorded specifically for the album. While not one of my favorites, I do love the machine gun kick drum throughout. Dun dun dun dun duda-duda-duda-duda dun dun dun dun. Listen to it, you will know what I mean lol.
Song: Burning Bridges
Artist: Megadeth
Album: The World Needs A Hero
Year: 2001
The World Needs a Hero was Dave's first full album since Risk and it is an interesting one. I was extremely happy that, to me, they sounded like Megadeth again! Looking (or listening, rather) back, it is definitely a transition album. There is still a lot of the more melodic vocals but the heavy guitars are back. Going forward from here they would just keep getting heavier, for the most part (see Supercollider lol). Burning Bridges has a great chunky riff for the verses and I really really dig what Dave does with his vocal on the chorus. Some cool double tracking there. Then, at 3:25, you knew it was coming.... the ramp-up is back! Double bass drumming and excellent soloing. Bludgeon my earholes, Dave!
Song: Losing My Senses
Artist: Megadeth
Album: The World Needs A Hero
Year: 2001
Losing My Senses is a rare Megadeth track. It's almost 'ballad'-like? But not really? I love the line "Life can only be understood in reverse, but must be lived forwards." At 3:07 it goes into a really nice instrumental section. I just noticed there are some strings in the background for the first time. Huh... I think I like it!
Song: Dread And The Fugitive Mind
Artist: Megadeth
Album: The World Needs A Hero
Year: 2001
This song was also on the Capitol Punishment compilation but was always intended for the World Needs A Hero album, at least according to wikipedia. If there was any question that Megadeth's edge was back, start listening at 2:03. Let the thunder roll over you!
Song: Blackmail The Universe
Artist: Megadeth
Album: The System Has Failed
Year: 2004
In 2002, Dave Mustaine fell asleep with his arm draped over the back of a couch and woke up with severe nerve damage in his elbow. A freak accident that initially caused him to think he would never be able to play guitar again. After much rehab work he got back to a point where he could play up to his standards. The first album released after this accident was 2004's The System Has Failed. This was originally supposed to be a solo album from Dave, but contract drama forced him to release it as Megadeth. He put some folks together and went out on tour to kick off this last 'leg' of the Megadeth story.
Blackmail The Universe is a rocker, baby, yeah! (insert Austin Powers voice). Megadeth was back!
Song: Kick The Chair
Artist: Megadeth
Album: The System Has Failed
Year: 2004
Why do I like Kick The Chair? Well, like Blackmail the Universe, it kicks cheeks! Chris Poland, the original 2nd guitarist in Megadeth, was involved in recording the album, and his unique style can be heard throughout. Another reason to like Kick The Chair? How about FOUR SOLOS
Song: Never Walk Alone
Artist: Megadeth
Album: United Abominations
Year: 2007
In 2007 United Abominations was released, debuting at number 8, the highest since 1994's Youthanasia. Never Walk Alone has a ripping descending riff and reflect Dave's spiritual side.
I know your enemy, it once was me
Song: Blessed Are The Dead
Artist: Megadeth
Album: United Abominations
Year: 2007
I love how Blessed Are The Dead builds. Like a storm getting ready to let loose. "A dark gathering storm... to scorch the earth for many generations." So many great solos in this song and some cool harmonizing with the two lead guitars.
Song: Burnt Ice
Artist: Megadeth
Album: United Abominations
Year: 2007
Another song about drug use and addiction. This one is chalk full of great guitar work, of course. I always look forward to the shift at the 1:36 mark. It hits a groove that scratches that itch! ð
Song: Dialectic Chaos
Artist: Megadeth
Album: Endgame
Year: 2009
The first of two instrumentals on this list. Give me more, Dave! If Mr. Mustaine ever releases an album of instrumental music, I am there for it man. I think it would be tremendous.
Song: How The Story Ends
Artist: Megadeth
Album: Endgame
Year: 2009
This has become one of my favorite "modern era" Megadeth songs. I consider anything after 'the album that shall not be named' to be modern Megadeth. At 2:49 when the boys hit that higher gear.... man, I look forward to it every time I listen to this one. Fast, meaty, precise.
Song: The Right To Go Insane (Music Video)
Artist: Megadeth
Album: Endgame
Year: 2009
I saw or listened to a Dave Mustaine interview in which he explained the inspiration for this video was the dude that build his own homemade tank and destroyed his town after feeling abused by city council for years. Look it up... pretty wild stuff.
Song: New World Order
Artist: Megadeth
Album: Th1rt3en
Year: 2011
Possibly my favorite riff of the modern era. The off-beat verses are very original as well. A little off-putting at first but it grew on me! This song was actually on the Hidden Treasures album back in 1995. This one sounds much better, tho.
Song: Public Enemy No 1 (Music Video)
Artist: Megadeth
Album: Th1rt3en
Year: 2011
Dave also has a sense of humor, it turns out, lol. Who knew!? The scenes in this video where is dressed up like an average Joe always crack me up. Very catchy song also, by the way. Great musicianship and soloing, as always.
Song: Black Swan
Artist: Megadeth
Album: Th1rt3en
Year: 2011
In this stretch of albums most of my favorite tracks are toward the end of the album. The chorus on this one is so good, so ear-wormy. In writing this article I found out that this song was originally recorded as a bonus track for United Abominations.... WHAT? I always that it was written specifically for the Th1rt3en album. I actually really like the 'original' recording as well. There are some definite differences.
Song: Black Swan
Artist: Megadeth
Album: United Abominations (Bonus Track)
Year: 2007
I really like the harmonized leads that open this version and after the choruses. After a few more listens I might even end up liking this one more. Seems a bit less polished and not as many bells and whistles. No, I know, Nick... there aren't any literal bells and whistles in this song. Why are you such a dick!? (●'◡'●)
Song: Deadly Nightshade
Artist: Megadeth
Album: Th1rt3en
Year: 2011
Ok, I know I have already said I have a favorite song of the modern era Megadeth albums but.... depending on the day... this one is ALSO my favorite. Don't look at me like that, Nick... I DO WHAT I WANT. I really like the bendy riff (do the bendy thing again!). The breakdown starting at 2:41 is pure Megadeth and pure joy.
Song: Burn!
Artist: Megadeth
Album: Super Collider
Year: 2013
Super Collider gets picked on quite a bit for not being a great album. This song is a good example. Are the lyrics a bit cheesy? Yes. Is it maybe a bit 'poppy' sounding and not 'super one million MPH heavy'? Yes. Do I love the simple chugging riffs and the catchy melody of the chorus? also YES!
Song: Dance In The Rain
Artist: Megadeth
Album: Super Collider
Year: 2013
I absolutely love the crisp double bass drumming on this song. I also absolutely love the message. "You better learn to dance in the rain. Instead of wait for the sun, learn to dance in the rain... the sun may never come." It's a message I need to continually remind myself and try to stay aware of... that waiting for the 'perfect time' to make a change or to say something I need to say or to try something new, means I will be waiting forever. The perfect time doesn't exist. As Shia Labouf says " JUST.... DO IT!.... DO IT!!!" (see below) The music keeps getting more and more intense with each verse, until, at the 3:33 mark it turns into a totally different song... hey socks, prepare to offed due to excessive rocking.
Song: Cold Sweat
Artist: Megadeth (Thin Lizzy cover)
Album: Super Collider
Year: 2013
Cold Sweat is a cover of a Thin Lizzy song. I almost always like Megadeth covers, especially of more traditional hard rock bands. They take the same riffs and give them an edge and an attitude. At the 1:25 mark it goes into some dueling lead guitars as the drums drop out. NICE! "Stone cold sober and stone cold sweat, RUNNIN DOWN THE BACK OF MY NECK."
Song: Dystopia
Artist: Megadeth
Album: Dystopia
Year: 2016
Holy crap, we have made it to Dystopia! Megadeth's release in 2016 which finally won them their first Grammy for the title track here. They had been nominated 12 (yes TWELVE) times previously and had never been chosen. Besides the instrumental track below, Dystopia is the best song on the album in my humble opinion. The back and forth soloing remind me a lot of the Rust In Piece era of the band. Then... another epic Megadeth style breakdown at 3:11 where it totally changes rhythmically. So frickin GOOD!
Song: Conquer Or Die (Music Video)
Artist: Megadeth
Album: Dystopia
Year: 2016
I had no idea there was a video for this! Thats gotta be a rarity... a music video for an instrumental... This is one of my favorite pieces of music from Dave and the band. I love every second of it. From the acoustic work at the begging into the chugs and the harmonized leads and the insane soloing, it is pure greatness from beginning to end.
Song: Mission To Mars
Artist: Megadeth
Album: The Sick, They Dying, and the Dead
Year: 2022
We have reached Megadeth's most recent album! This one is still growing on me but, so far, Mission to Mars is my favorite. Parts of it remind me of the Countdown To Extinction era songs with the storytelling and sound effects (Sweating Bullets). I love the verse at the 2 minute mark...
I head bang on the gangwaySay my prayers, cross my heart and hope to die
Open a window for the Seven Sisters of Pleiades
Hello, ladies (hello, Moon Man)
Greek Mythology
The Pleiades were seven sisters: Maia, Alcyone, Asterope, Celaeno, Taygete, Electra, and Merope. Their parents were Atlas, a Titan commanded by the god Zeus to hold up the earth, and Pleione, the mythical protectress of sailors.
After a chance meeting with the hunter Orion, the Pleiades and their mother became the objects of his pursuit. To protect them from Orion’s relentless amorous advances, Zeus changed them into a flock of doves which he then set in the heavens. Zeus was also rumoured to have fathered children with three of the sisters.
The Seven Sisters are also known as the ‘Water Girls’ or the ‘Ice Maidens’, due to their association with water, be it seas, rivers, rain, hail, snow, ice or frost. The Greek legends often refer to the sisters as ‘Oceanids’. Some sources claim that the name ‘Pleiades’ originates from the ancient Greek word ‘plein’, meaning ‘to sail’.
Song: This Planet's On Fire
Artist: Megadeth
Album: The Sick, They Dying, and the Dead
Year: 2022
Another cover song, here. This one actually has the original singer Sammy Hagar trading verses with Dave. Super cool! I had never heard this song before hearing this cover but it has now become one of my favorite Megadeth cover songs. Sammy Hagar's vocals are superb. Can't believe that dude is over 70 years old!
Song: Tipping Point
Artist: Megadeth
Album: Megadeth
Year: to be released January 2026
When I started writing this post I knew Megadeth was working on an album which they claim will be the last ever Megadeth offering. As you can imagine, this post has taken me a couple weeks to complete. An unexpected bonus of the lengthy duration is that the first single from the final album was released before I posted! Behold: Tipping Point.
It starts out with a single guitar, then adds a second guitar and a thumping bass drum, and then.... right into a solo! lol. I would expect nothing less. After that it ramps up into a classic speed metal tune. I have only heard it twice so I will be getting to know it better I am sure.
I will wrap up this article with the story on how the name Megadeth came to be. It was something I did not know until recently and found it interesting.
From the website https://americansongwriter.com/behind-the-band-name-megadeth/
Meaning Behind the Name
The inspiration for the name came to Mustaine in one of his lowest moments. In A Heavy Metal Memoir, the Megadeth frontman details the pain and humiliation he felt the day he was released from Metallica, with nothing more than a bus ticket from New York back to his native California, a bag of dirty laundry, and a guitar to his name. But one day, he happened to notice a pamphlet lying on the floor of the bus that was actually a handbill by then-California Senator Alan Cranston urging people about the dire consequences of nuclear weapons.
“For some reason, one line, in particular, stood out: ‘The arsenal of megadeath can’t be rid no matter what the peace treaties come to,’” Mustaine writes. “I let that swim around in my aching head for a few minutes—’the arsenal of megadeath.’ The way Cranston used the word megadeath was to mean the death of one million people in the aftermath of nuclear war. It hadn’t occurred to me then that Megadeth…might be a perfectly awesome name for a thrash metal band,” Mustaine continues. “But then again, I hadn’t looked that far ahead.”
From there, he felt inspired to write the first few lyrics of a new song named after his future band, Megadeth, using a pencil and cupcake wrapper he found on the bus, setting a new phase of his career in motion. “The song was called ‘Megadeth’ (I dropped the second ‘a’), and though it would never find its way onto an album, it did serve as the basis for the song ‘Set the World Afire,’” he explains of the song that addresses the topic of nuclear holocaust that appeared on their platinum-selling 1988 album, So Far, So Good… So What!
Megadeth Meaning
The song’s meaning ties directly to the definition of the band name. “Megadeth represents the annihilation of power,” Mustaine explains in an archived interview with the now-defunct Hit Parader in 1987. “We spell the name phonetically because the meaning to us is the same that you get out of the dictionary—it’s a hypothetical body count after a nuclear fallout. It’s a million deaths, and we want to leave our audience shell-shocked wherever we go.”
I know Dave Mustaine had throat cancer in 2019 and announced in 2020 that he was cancer free. My initial thought when I heard their next album was to be their last was that possibly Dave's cancer was back. I certainly hope that is not the case and that grumpy Dave will be putting out tasty riffage for many years to come... in some fashion or another. Thank you Dave Mustaine and all the various members of Megadeth over the years for all the interesting, technical, heavy, wonderful music.
✌️❤️ðĪ
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| Megadeth current lineup: James LoMenzo - Bass, Dirk Verbeuren - Drums, Dave Mustaine - Guitar/Vocals, Teemu Mantysaari - Guitar |
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