Megadeth

• "Peace Sells" 2004 remastered version

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[edit] So Far, So Good... So What!

With a major label recording budget, and producer Paul Lani behind the desk, Megadeth spent the better part of five months recording their third album, So Far, So Good... So What!. The recording process was again plagued with problems from the beginning, due in part to Mustaine's ongoing battle with addiction. Mustaine later said: "The production (of So Far, So Good...) was horrible, mostly due to substances and the priorities we had or didn't have at the time."<ref name=AMG>Birchmeier, Jason. "So Far, So Good... So What! Remastered Review", All Music Guide, at AMG.com; last accessed November 15, 2006.</ref> Mustaine also clashed with producer Paul Lani, beginning with Lani's insistence that the drums be recorded separate from the cymbals (an unheard of process for rock drummers).<ref name="So Far, So Good... remastered album notes">"So Far, So Good, So What!" remastered album notes. July 24, 2004, Capitol Records, 72435-98626-2-0.</ref> During the mixing process, Mustaine and Lani had a falling out, and Lani was replaced by producer Michael Wagener, who remixed the album.<ref name=AMG>Birchmeier, Jason. "So Far, So Good... So What! Remastered Review", All Music Guide, at AMG.com; last accessed November 15, 2006.</ref>

In January 1988 Megadeth released So Far, So Good... So What!, and while the album was eventually certified platinum in the US, it was widely panned by critics, with All Music Guide complaining that the album "lacked conceptual unity and musical bite", and that it "wants to sound threatening but mostly comes off as forced and somewhat juvenile." <ref>Huey, Steve. "So Far, So Good... So What! Review", All Music Guide, at AMG.com; last accessed November 15, 2006.</ref> So Far, So Good... featured the single "In My Darkest Hour", (sample (help·info)) with music written by Mustaine as a tribute to fallen Metallica bassist Cliff Burton. The song remains a fan favorite, and has been performed at nearly every Megadeth show since. So Far, So Good... also featured a cover verson of the Sex Pistols' "Anarchy In The UK", with lyrics altered by Mustaine (who later admitted to hearing them wrong).<ref name="So Far, So Good... remastered album notes">"So Far, So Good, So What!" remastered album notes. July 24, 2004, Capitol Records, 72435-98626-2-0.</ref>

In June 1988, Megadeth appeared in Penelope Spheeris' documentary film The Decline of Western Civilization II: The Metal Years, which chronicled the Los Angeles heavy metal scene in the late 1980s, mostly focusing on glam metal. The video for In My Darkest Hour was filmed by Spheeris (who also directed the "Wake Up Dead and "Anarchy in the UK." videos), and was featured in the final scene of the movie. On Megadeth's Rusted Pieces VHS a few years later, Mustaine recalls the movie as a disappointment, which paired Megadeth with "a bunch of shit bands."<ref>Megadeth: Rusted Pieces VHS, released January 1, 1991 by Capitol Records/EMI, Inc, UPC 077774001335, at UPC Database; last accessed November 20, 2006.</ref>

Megadeth began their world tour in support of So Far, So Good... opening for Dio in Europe in February 1988, later joining Iron Maiden's Seventh Son of a Seventh Son summer tour in the US. Noticing problems developing with drummer Chuck Behler, Mustaine brought drummer Nick Menza in to act as Behler's drum technician. As with Gar Samuelson before him, Menza was to be ready to take over for Behler in the event that he could not continue with the tour.<ref>Doreian, Robyn. "The Big Four", September 1990, Hot Metal Magazine, reported by The Realms of Deth; last accessed November 16, 2006.</ref>

In August 1988 Megadeth appeared at the Monsters of Rock festival at Castle Donnington in the UK, which featured KISS, Iron Maiden, Guns N' Roses, and David Lee Roth, performing to an audience of more than 100,000 people. Megadeth was soon added to the "Monsters of Rock" European tour, but dropped off after the first show. Shortly after the Monsters of Rock appearance, Mustaine fired both Chuck Behler and guitarist Jeff Young, and cancelled their scheduled 1988 Australian tour. Mustaine later said: "On the road, things escalated from a small border skirmish into a full-on raging war. I think a lot of us were inconsistent (on the 1988 tour) because of the guy we were waiting for after the show."<ref>Niles, Eric. "Rust in Peace", September 1990, Music Connection, reported by The Realms of Deth; last accessed October 13, 2006.</ref>

In July 1989, Nick Menza was officially hired to replace Behler on the drums. Unable to find a suitable lead guitarist in time, Megadeth recorded a cover version of Alice Cooper's "No More Mr. Nice Guy" (sample (help·info)) as a three piece band, which appeared on the soundtrack to the 1989 Wes Craven horror movie Shocker. While Megadeth was holding auditions for the new lead guitiarist in the summer of 1989, Dave Mustaine was arrested for driving while intoxicated and possession of narcotics, after hitting a parked vehicle occupied by an off-duty police officer. He entered court ordered rehab soon after, and got sober for the first time in ten years.<ref name="MegadethTimeline">Megadeth's Official website, "Timeline", 2006, at Megadeth.com; last accessed October 11, 2006.</ref>

[edit] Rust In Peace

Following Mustaine's new found sobriety, Megadeth enlisted lead guitarist Marty Friedman, who had played in Cacophony with Jason Becker, and released a solo album on Shrapnel Records called Dragon's Kiss. Friedman was initially rejected by Mustaine for having multicolored hair, but after undergoing what Mustaine called "Rock Star 101", Friedman officially joined Megadeth in February 1990.<ref>Stix, John. "A Founding Forefather of Thrash", 1990, Guitar for the Practicing Musician, reported by The Realms of Deth; last accessed October 13, 2006.</ref>

A revitalized Megadeth entered Rumbo Studios in March 1990 with co-producer Mike Clink to begin work on what would become their biggest selling album to date, Rust In Peace. For the first time in their career, the band worked sober in the studio, alleviating many of the problems faced recording previous albums. Clink was also the first producer to successfully produce a Megadeth album from start to finish, without being fired.<ref>"Dave the Human, Mustaine the Artist", September 1990, Holy Wars... The Punishment Due single, reported by The Realms of Deth; last accessed October 13, 2006.</ref>

Released worldwide on September 24 1990, Rust In Peace was a hit with fans and critics alike, debuting at #23 on the Billboard Top 200 in the US, and #8 in the UK.<ref>Rock Detector's Official website. "Rust in Peace chart positions", at Rock Detector.com; last accessed November 16, 2006.</ref> The album showcased a much tighter sound, with Mustaine's writing style adopting a rhythmically complex progressive edge, prompting All Music Guide to cite Rust in Peace as "Megadeth's strongest musical effort".<ref name=AMG>Huey, Steve. "Rust In Peace Review", All Music Guide, at AMG.com; last accessed November 15, 2006.</ref> The album featured the singles "Holy Wars... The Punishment Due", (sample (help·info)) and "Hangar 18", (sample (help·info)) both of which received music videos, and remain live staples. Rust in Peace went on to sell more than a million copies in the US, and received Grammy nominations in 1991 and 1992 for Best Metal Performance.<ref name="Rock On The Net's list of Best Metal Performance Grammy nominations">Rock On The Net's Official website. "Grammy Awards: Best Metal Performance", at Rockonthenet.com; last accessed October 13, 2006.</ref>

• "Holy Wars...The Punishment Due" 2004 remastered version

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[edit] Countdown to Extinction

In January 1992, Megadeth entered Enterprise Studios in Burbank, California with co-producer Max Norman. Norman, who had mixed Rust in Peace, would be integral in Megadeth's resulting musical makeover, pushing for shorter, less complicated, radio-friendly songs.<ref>Huey, Steve. "Countdown To Extinction" AMG review, at All Music Guide; last accessed November 20, 2006.</ref> The band spent four months in the studio with Norman, writing and recording what would become Megadeth's most commercially successful effort, Countdown to Extinction. The album was the first to feature writing contributions from each band member, and was even named by drummer Nick Menza.<ref>Summers, Jodi. "Deth Metal!", March 1992, Metal Hammer, reported by The Realms of Deth; last accessed October 22, 2006.</ref>

On July 14, 1992, Capitol Records released Countdown to Extinction. The album was an instant hit, debuting at #2 on the Billboard Top 200 album charts in the US, and #5 in the UK.<ref name=BB-A>Billboard's Official website. "Megadeth album chart positions", at Billboard.com; last accessed November 16, 2006.</ref> Anchored by the Mainstream Rock hits "Symphony of Destruction" (#29), sample (help·info) "Foreclosure of a Dream" (#30), sample (help·info) and "Sweating Bullets" (#27), sample (help·info)<ref name=BB-S>Billboard's Official website. "Megadeth singles chart positions", at Billboard.com; last accessed November 16, 2006.</ref> the album quickly went double platinum in the US, and received a Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance in 1993.<ref name="Rock On The Net's list of Best Metal Performance Grammy nominations">Rock On The Net's Official website. "Grammy Awards: Best Metal Performance", at Rockonthenet.com; last accessed October 13, 2006.</ref> The album's title song, "Countdown to Extinction" also gave Megadeth the distinction of being the only metal band to ever win the "Doris Day Music Award", presented to the band by the Humane Society of the United States in 1993 for "spotlighting species destruction and the horrific 'sport' of canned hunts."<ref>Humane Society of the United States' Official website. "1993 Genesis Awards", at HSUS.org; last accessed October 13, 2006.</ref>

The band released their second home video Exposure of a Dream, in November 1992, continuing in a similar to fashion to Rusted Pieces, the release featured all music videos previously released from Countdown. Megadeth began their world tour in support of Countdown to Extinction in December 1992 with Pantera and Suicidal Tendencies, followed by a North American tour beginning in January 1993 with Stone Temple Pilots. Just one month into the North American tour, however, the band were forced to cancel all remaining shows, including dates scheduled in Japan, as Mustaine again fell into substance abuse, and ended up in the hospital emergency room.<ref>Chirazi, Steffan. "Trial by Fire", October 1993, RIP, reported by The Realms of Deth; last accessed October 13, 2006.</ref> After a seven week stint in rehab, Mustaine emerged clean once again, and the band returned to the studio to record "Angry Again", (sample (help·info)) a song which was featured in the 1993 film Last Action Hero, and later nominated for a Grammy in 1994.<ref name="Rock On The Net's list of Best Metal Performance Grammy nominations">Rock On The Net's Official website. "Grammy Awards: Best Metal Performance", at Rockonthenet.com; last accessed October 13, 2006.</ref>

In June 1993 Megadeth returned to the stage, appearing as "special guests" at Metallica's Milton Keynes Bowl Festival, marking the first time the former bandmates played the same stage in ten years. The pairing prompted Mustaine's on stage announcement that "The ten years of bullshit is over between Metallica and Megadeth!", although problems would later resurface between the two long-feuding camps.<ref name=ROD>The Realms of Deth. "Megadeth Vs. Metallica", at The Realms Of Death; last accessed November 16, 2006.</ref> In July, Megadeth was added as the opening act for Aerosmith's Get A Grip US tour, but due to contractual disputes, and on stage remarks made by Mustaine about Aerosmith's "advancing" age, Megadeth was removed from the tour after just seven dates.<ref>Ling, Dave. "Get in the Van", January 1998, Metal Hammer, reported by The Realms of Deth; last accessed October 21, 2006.</ref>

• "Symphony of Drestruction" 2004 remastered version

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[edit] Youthanasia

Early in 1994, Megadeth again teamed up with co-producer Max Norman and began working on their follow up to Countdown to Extinction. With three members of the band now residing in Arizona, initial work began on the new album at Phase Four Studios in Phoenix. Just a few days into pre-production, however, problems with the studio's equipment forced Megadeth to look for a replacement studio. But with Mustaine insisting on recording at home in Arizona, no state of the art recording facility could be found in time, so at the request of co-producer Norman, the band opted to construct their own recording studio inside of a rented warehouse in Phoenix, Arizona, later dubbed "Fat Planet in Hangar 18".<ref name="Youthanasia album notes">"Youthanasia" remastered album notes. July 24, 2004, Capitol Records, 72435-98623-2-3.</ref> For the first time in their career, the album was written and arranged entirely in the studio, and featured basic tracks recorded live by the whole band at the same time.<ref name="Parader1995">Merkle, P.J. "Megadeth: Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered", May 1995, Hit Parader, reported by The Realms of Deth; last accessed October 22, 2006.</ref> Recording of the album was captured on video, and later released as Evolver: The Making of Youthanasia.

Following eight months in the studio, Youthanasia was released on November 1, 1994, debuting at #4 on the Billboard Top 200 album chart in the US.<ref name=BB-A>Billboard's Official website. "Megadeth album chart positions", at Billboard.com; last accessed November 16, 2006.</ref> The album was certified gold in Canada in just thirty minutes, and was certified platinum in the US faster than any other Megadeth album. With producer Max Norman still pushing for a slower, more commercial sound, Youthanasia followed the stylistic shift that began with Countdown to Extinction.<ref>Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Youthanasia" AMG Review, at AMG.com ; last accessed November 16, 2006.</ref> While still retaining core metal elements, the album focused on stronger vocal melodies and more accessible, radio friendly arrangements.<ref name=AMGY>Birchmeier, Jason. "Youthanasia" Remastered version AMG Review, at AMG.com ; last accessed November 16, 2006.</ref> The band even enlisted noted fashion photographer Richard Avendon to further their new image, dropping their jeans and t-shirts for more style conscious look.<ref name="Parader1995">Merkle, P.J. "Megadeth: Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered", May 1995, Hit Parader, reported by The Realms of Deth; last accessed October 22, 2006.</ref>

Always known for being on the cutting edge of technology, a sticker on initial releases of Youthanasia advertised the then-new concept of a band website, affectionately known as "Megadeth, Arizona." Fans could chat in the "Mega-diner", correspond with the band through email, request songs to be played live, and read columns and tour diaries written by band members.<ref name="Eleven1995">Boerio, Jeff. "Megadeth: Online and Onstage", 1995, On Eleven Magazine, reported by The Realms of Deth; last accessed October 22, 2006.</ref>

Youthanasia's first single, "Train Of Consequences", (sample (help·info)) reached #29 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock charts, and in November 1994, Megadeth appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman, preforming the album's second single, "A Tout Le Monde". (sample (help·info)) <ref name="Eleven1995">Boerio, Jeff. "Megadeth: Online and Onstage", 1995, On Eleven Magazine, reported by The Realms of Deth; last accessed October 22, 2006.</ref> "A Tout Le Monde" also received a music video, which was banned by MTV due to its lyrical content, thought to be a promotion of suicide.<ref name="Youthanasia album notes">"Youthanasia" remastered album notes. July 24, 2004, Capitol Records, 72435-98623-2-3.</ref>

Live support for Youthanasia began in South America in November 1994, and would span eleven months, becoming Megadeth's most extensive tour to date. The band were joined by Corrosion of Conformity in Europe, and Flotsam and Jetsam, Korn and Fear Factory in the US. The tour culminated with an appearance at the Monsters of Rock festival in Brazil, co-headlining alongside Alice Cooper and Ozzy Osbourne. In January 1995, Megadeth appeared on the soundtrack to the horror film Tales from the Crypt Presents: Demon Knight with the song "Diadems". Megadeth also contributed a cover version of "Paranoid" (sample (help·info)) to Nativity in Black, the first Black Sabbath tribute album. The band's version of "Paranoid" was nominated for a Grammy in 1996 for Best Metal Performance, Megadeth's sixth nomination in as many years.<ref name="Rock On The Net's list of Best Metal Performance Grammy nominations">Rock On The Net's Official website. "Grammy Awards: Best Metal Performance", at Rockonthenet.com; last accessed October 13, 2006.</ref>

In March 1995, Megadeth released a special edition of Youthanasia in Europe that contained a second bonus disc, entitled Hidden Treasures. The bonus disc featured every one-off song by Megadeth, from film soundtracks, compilations, and tribute albums, including a new recording of the Sex Pistols' "Problems". Due to fan demand, the bonus disc was released as its own EP in the United States and Japan in July 1995.

[edit] Cryptic Writings

Following their extensive world tour supporting Youthanasia, Megadeth decided to take time off late in 1995, with Mustaine starting work on a side project with vocalist Lee Ving of Fear, called MD.45. Megadeth also underwent changes on the business side, signing with ESP Management, and new "creative manager" Bud Prager, who had managed Foreigner and Bad Company.<ref>Nalbandian, Bob. "David Ellefson & Marty Friedman Interview", 1998, Hard Radio.com's Shockwaves, reported by Hard Radio.com; last accessed November 16, 2006.</ref> Prager would be highly influential in the coming directional changes of the band, as Max Norman had done before him, Prager pushed Megadeth even further into the "commercial rock" field. Prager also convinced Megadeth work with Nashville pop producer and former Giant guitarist Dann Huff.<ref name="Cryptic Writings album notes">"Cryptic Writings" remastered album notes. July 24, 2004, Capitol Records, 72435-98625-2-1.</ref>

In September 1996, Megadeth began working on songs for their next album in Nashville, tentatively titled Needles and Pins. The writing process was closely supervised by new manager Bud Prager, who also contributed musical ideas and lyrics to the songs. Many lyrics, and even song titles were changed at the request of Prager. Regarding Prager's writing influence, Dave Mustaine later wrote "I figured maybe this guy (Prager) could help me get that intangible 'Number One' record I so badly wanted"<ref name="Cryptic Writings album notes">"Cryptic Writings" remastered album notes. July 24, 2004, Capitol Records, 72435-98625-2-1.</ref> Due to a problem with the album's original artwork, the album cover was replaced with a "voodoo symbol", and renamed Cryptic Writings. The album remains the only Megadeth album not to feature band mascot Vic Rattlehead in any artwork.

On June 17, 1997, Capitol Records released Cryptic Writings. The album debuted at #10 on the Billboard Top 200,<ref name=BB-A>Billboard's Official website. "Megadeth album chart positions", at Billboard.com; last accessed November 16, 2006.</ref> and was Megadeth's fifth consecutive studio album to be certified gold in the United States.<ref name=Blabber>Blabbermouth.net Official website. "Megadeth - Album Sales Update", at Blabbermouth.net; last accessed November 16, 2006.</ref> Cryptic Writings scored Megadeth their highest charting single to date, the #5 Mainstream Rock Track, "Trust", (sample (help·info)) which was also nominated for a Best Metal Performance Grammy in 1998.<ref name="Rock On The Net's list of Best Metal Performance Grammy nominations">Rock On The Net's Official website. "Grammy Awards: Best Metal Performance", at Rockonthenet.com; last accessed October 13, 2006.</ref> Press response to the album was mixed,<ref>Weiderhorn, Jon. "Cryptic Writings" Rolling Stone Review, at Rolling Stone.com ; last accessed November 16, 2006.</ref><ref>Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Cryptic Writings" AMG Review, at AMG.com ; last accessed November 16, 2006.</ref><ref>Birchmeier, Jason. "Cryptic Writings" Remastered version AMG Review, at AMG.com ; last accessed November 16, 2006.</ref> but the album would go on to score four top 20 Mainstream Rock Tracks, including "Almost Honest" (#8), sample (help·info) "Use The Man" (#15), sample (help·info), and "A Secret Place" (#19) sample (help·info).<ref name=BB-S>Billboard's Official website. "Megadeth singles chart positions", at Billboard.com; last accessed November 16, 2006.</ref> When asked about the eclectic nature of the album, Mustaine later said "We divided it into thirds. One part of the record was really fast and aggressive, one third of it was the really melodic, in between stuff, and then the final third was really radio orientated music like Youthanasia."<ref name="GW1998">Wiederhorn, Jon. "Last Men Standing", June 1998, Guitar World, reported by The Realms of Deth; last accessed October 13, 2006.</ref>

• "Trust" 2004 remastered version

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[edit] Risk

Following the band's first real radio success with Cryptic Writings, Megadeth opted to again work with country pop producer Dann Huff in Nashville on their eighth studio album, which began in January 1999. The writing of the album was again supervised by manager Bud Prager, who would even take co-writing credits on five of the album's twelve songs.<ref name=>"Risk" album notes. August 31 1999, Capitol Records, 7243-4-99134-0-0.</ref> Prager also convinced Mustaine to allow producer Dan Huff more control over the recording process, as Mustaine later wrote: "When it comes to Risk, there'd been people in there playing and I wouldn't even know who they were or where the parts came from, and I'm not used to that. I was a little bit intimidated by the success we had with Cryptic Writings, so when it came to creating new material after that, it's like being "power-drunk" - you want more. After the success with "Trust", I thought to myself "wow, we've had a number one hit". We'd had four top five hits in a row, so why would I not want to give Dann even more control when it comes to the producing part on the next record? So I did, and it backfired."<ref>Hjelm, Fredrik. "It Wasn't Fun Anymore", 2001, Shockwaves Online, reported by The Realms of Deth; last accessed October 21, 2006.</ref>

Released on August 31, 1999, Risk was both a critical and commercial failure, even creating backlash from longtime fans.<ref name=AMGRisk>Birchmeier, Jason. "Risk" Remastered version AMG Review, at AMG.com ; last accessed November 16, 2006.</ref><ref>Metal-Observer.com. "Risk" Album Review, at Metal-Observer.com ; last accessed November 16, 2006.</ref><ref name=MR>Music-Reviewer.com. "Risk" Album Review, November 1999, at Music-Reviewer.com; last accessed November 16, 2006.</ref><ref>Billerey-Mosier, Roger. "Risk" Album Review, September 1999, at ssmt-reviews.com; last accessed November 16, 2006.</ref> Although recent Megadeth albums had contained mainstream rock elements along with traditional heavy metal, Risk was virtually devoid of metal, and even featured dance, electronica, and disco elements.<ref name=AMGRisk>Birchmeier, Jason. "Risk" Remastered version AMG Review, at AMG.com ; last accessed November 16, 2006.</ref> Risk was Megadeth's first release since 1985 not to be certified gold or higher in the US.<ref name=Blabber>Blabbermouth.net Official website. "Megadeth - Album Sales Update", at Blabbermouth.net; last accessed November 16, 2006.</ref> The album's lead of single, "Crush Em", (sample (help·info)) appeared on the Universal Soldier: The Return soundtrack, and later became an official NHL song, played during hockey games.<ref name=MR>Music-Reviewer.com. "Risk" Album Review, November 1999, at Music-Reviewer.com; last accessed November 16, 2006.</ref>

In September 1999, Megadeth began their world tour in support of Risk with Iron Maiden in Europe. But just two months into the tour, longtime guitarist Marty Friedman left the band.<ref name="MegadethTimeline">Megadeth's Official website, "Timeline", 2006, at Megadeth.com; last accessed October 11 2006.</ref> Friedman cited musical differences as his reason for leaving, and as Mustaine later explained: "I told (Marty) after Risk that we had to go back to our roots and play metal and he quit."<ref name=BM2>Blabbermouth.net. "Dave Mustaine Slams Former Bandmates, Defends His Current 'Boys' ", at Blabbermouth.net; last accessed November 16, 2006.</ref> Megadeth enlisted guitarist Al Pitrelli, formerly of Savatage, Alice Cooper, and currently of Trans-Siberian Orchestra, as Marty's replacement in January 2000.<ref name="MegadethTimeline">Megadeth's Official website, "Timeline", 2006, at Megadeth.com; last accessed October 11 2006.</ref> The new line up recorded a cover version of the Black Sabbath song "Never Say Die", which appeared on the second Nativity in Black tribute album.

Following the tour, Megadeth returned to the studio in April 2000 to begin work on their ninth studio release. Just a month into production, however, Megadeth got the opportunity to join the "Maximum Rock" tour, featuring Anthrax and Mötley Crüe. Megadeth put the new album on hold and toured North America throughout the summer of 2000.<ref name="MegadethTimeline">Megadeth's Official website, "Timeline", 2006, at Megadeth.com; last accessed October 11 2006.</ref>

In October 2000, after fourteen years, Megadeth and Capitol Records parted ways. The label returned the band's newest recordings, and in return released a greatest hits record, Capitol Punishment: The Megadeth Years. The album also featured two new tracks, "Kill the King", (sample (help·info)) and "Dread and the Fugitive Mind", (sample (help·info)) both of which showcased the band's return to their metal roots following Risk.

[edit] The World Needs a Hero

Touring in support of The World Needs a Hero began in the summer of 2001 in Europe supporting AC/DC, followed by an American tour with Iced Earth and Endo in September. The tour was cut short however, following the attacks on America on September 11, the band were forced to cancel all scheduled dates, including a DVD shoot set in Argentina. Instead the band played two shows in Arizona in November, which were filmed and later released as Rude Awakening, Megadeth's first official live release. In February 2002, Mustaine remixed and remastered Megadeth's first album, Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good!, with vastly improved sound quality, and added bonus tracks.<ref name="MegadethTimeline">Megadeth's Official website, "Timeline", 2006, at Megadeth.com; last accessed October 11 2006.</ref>

In January 2002, Mustaine was admitted to the hospital to remove a kidney stone. While undergoing treatment, he was administered pain medication, which triggered a relapse. Following his hospital stay, he immediately checked himself into a treatment center in Texas.<ref name="GW2003">Epstein, Dan. "Die Another Day", August 2003, Guitar World, reported by The Realms of Deth; last accessed October 21, 2006.</ref> While at the treatment center, Mustaine suffered a freak injury causing severe nerve damage to his left arm. The injury, induced by falling asleep with his left arm over the back of a chair, caused compression of the radial ulnar nerve. He was diagnosed with radial neuropathy, also known as Saturday Night Palsy, which left him unable to grasp or even make a fist with his left hand.<ref name="Megadeth Disbands Press Release">Megadeth's Official website, "Megadeth Disbands Press Release", 2006, at [1]; last accessed November 15 2006.</ref>

On April 3, 2002, Dave Mustaine announced in a press release that he was disbanding Megadeth, officially due to his arm injury.<ref name="Megadeth Disbands Press Release">Megadeth's Official website, "Megadeth Disbands Press Release", 2006, at [2]; last accessed November 15 2006.</ref> For the next four months, Mustaine underwent intense physical therapy five days a week.<ref name="GW2003">Epstein, Dan. "Die Another Day", August 2003, Guitar World, reported by The Realms of Deth; last accessed October 21, 2006.</ref> Slowly, Mustaine began to play again, but was forced to "re-teach" his left hand.

In order to fulfill contract obligations with Sanctuary Records, Megadeth released a posthumous compilation album, Still Alive... And Well? on September 10, 2002. The first half of the album contains live tracks recorded at the Web Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona, on November 17, 2001. The second half of the album contains studio recordings taken from The World Needs A Hero.

[edit] The System Has Failed

Following nearly a year of recovery, including physical and electric shock therapy,<ref name=MetalTemple> "Interview with Dave Mustaine of Megadeth", July 20, 2004, Metal-Temple.com, reported by Metal Temple.com; last accessed November 19, 2006.</ref> Mustaine began work on what was to be his first solo album. The new material was recorded with session musicians Vinnie Colaiuta and Jimmy Sloas in October 2003, but the project was put on hold when Mustaine agreed to remix and remaster Megadeth's eight album back catalog with Capitol Records. In addition to improving overall sound quality, Mustaine re-recorded some parts that were lost over time, or altered without his knowledge in the initial mixing process.

In May of 2004 Mustaine returned to his newest recordings, intended as a solo effort, but due to outstanding contractual obligations with the band's European label EMI, he was forced to release one more album under the "Megadeth" name.<ref name=HardRadio>Nalbandian, Bob. "Dave Mustaine Interview", August 28, 2004, Hard Radio.com, reported by Hard Radio.com; last accessed November 19, 2006.</ref> Mustaine decided to reform the band, and contacted the fan favorite "Rust in Peace lineup" to re-record backing tracks on his latest songs. While drummer Nick Menza initially signed on, Marty Friedman and David Ellefson were both unable to come to an agreement with Mustaine. <ref name=HardRadio>Nalbandian, Bob. "Dave Mustaine Interview", August 28, 2004, Hard Radio.com, reported by Hard Radio.com; last accessed November 19, 2006.</ref> Regarding longtime bassist Ellefson not returning to the band, Mustaine said: "David lied to me in the press, he said that my arm injury was fake, went around town and slandered me. We made him a really good offer (to rejoin the band) and he said no. I mean, if I give you an offer and you don’t take it, it means no, right?"<ref name=MetalTemple> "Interview with Dave Mustaine of Megadeth", July 20, 2004, Metal-Temple.com, reported by Metal Temple.com; last accessed November 19, 2006.</ref> The new album would be the first ever Megadeth recording not to feature Ellefson. To fill in for Friedman, Mustaine hired former guitarist Chris Poland to contribute guitar solos to the new album. Poland would only serve as a studio musician, however, as he opted to focus on his own jazz fusion project OHM.

On September 13, 2004 Megadeth released their comeback album, The System Has Failed on Sanctuary Records in the US and EMI in Europe. Heralded as a return to form,<ref name=AMGS>Birchmeier, Jason. "The System Has Failed" AMG Review, at All Music Guide ; last accessed November 19, 2006.</ref> Revolver magazine gave the album four stars, calling The System Has Failed "Megadeth’s most vengeful, poignant and musically complex offering since Countdown To Extinction."<ref>Megadeth's Official website press release "Megadeth: Announce dates for “BLACKMAIL THE UNIVERSE TOUR” and band line-up as new CD ‘THE SYSTEM HAS FAILED’ hits stores", September, 2004, reported by Megadeth.com; last accessed November 19, 2006.</ref> The album debuted on the Billboard pop albums chart at #18,<ref name=BB-A>Billboard's Official website. "Megadeth album chart positions", at Billboard.com; last accessed November 16, 2006.</ref> and was led by the single "Die Dead Enough", (sample (help·info)) which reached #21 on the US Mainstream Rock charts.<ref name=BB-S>Billboard's Official website. "Megadeth singles chart positions", at Billboard.com; last accessed November 16, 2006.</ref> Mustaine announced that the album would be the band's last, followed by a farewell tour, after which he would focus on a solo career.

Megadeth began the Blackmail the Universe world tour in October 2004, enlisting touring bassist James MacDonough (Iced Earth), and guitarist Glen Drover (Eidolon, King Diamond). While in rehearsal for the tour, newly returned drummer Nick Menza once again parted ways with the band, as he was unable to prepare for the physical demands of a full US tour.<ref>Brave Words.com "MEGADETH Tour Manager Talks About Drummer Nick Menza's Departure", November 5, 2004, reported by Brave Words.com; last accessed November 19, 2006.</ref> He was replaced just five days before the first show by Shawn Drover, brother to new guitarist Glen Drover, and also a member of the Canadian thrash metal band Eidolon. The band toured the US with Exodus, and later in Europe with Diamond Head and Dungeon.<ref name="MegadethTimeline">Megadeth's Official website, "Timeline", 2006, at Megadeth.com; last accessed October 11, 2006.</ref>

• "Die Dead Enough" - The System Has Failed, 2004

</li>

[edit] Gigantour

In the summer of 2005, Dave Mustaine organized an annual heavy metal festival tour, dubbed Gigantour. Megadeth headlined the inaugural run with Dream Theater, Anthrax, Fear Factory, Dillinger Escape Plan, Nevermore, Life of Agony, Symphony X, Dry Kill Logic and Bobaflex. Performances from the Montreal and Vancouver shows were filmed and recorded for a live DVD and CD, both of which were released in the summer of 2006.<ref name="MegadethTimeline">Megadeth's Official website, "Timeline", 2006, at Megadeth.com; last accessed October 11, 2006.</ref>

On October 9 2005, following the successes of The System Has Failed and the Blackmail the Universe world tour, Mustaine announced on stage in Argentina to a sold out crowd at the Pepsi Music Rock Festival that Megadeth would continue to record and tour.

In February, 2006 bass player James MacDonough parted ways with the band for what MacDonough called "personal differences".<ref>Blabbermouth.net "Ex-MEGADETH Bassist MACDONOUGH: 'There Is No Animosity Here' ", February 20, 2006, at Blabbermouth.net; last accessed November 20, 2006.</ref> He was replaced by bassist James Lomenzo, who had previously worked with David Lee Roth, White Lion and Black Label Society.<ref name="MegadethTimeline">Megadeth's Official website, "Timeline", 2006, at Megadeth.com; last accessed October 11, 2006.</ref> On March 16, 2006 the new Megadeth lineup made their live debut headlining the Dubai Desert Rock festival held in the United Arab Emirates, alongside Testament and 3 Doors Down.

On March 21, 2006, Capitol Records released a two disc DVD titled Arsenal of Megadeth, which included archive footage, interviews, live shows, and many of the band's music videos. Due to licensing issues, movie soundtrack videos, as well as videos not released by Capitol Records were not included on the DVD.<ref name="MegadethTimeline">Megadeth's Official website, "Timeline", 2006, at Megadeth.com; last accessed October 11, 2006.</ref>

[edit] United Abominations

In May 2006 Megadeth announced that their eleventh studio album, entitled United Abominations was near completion. Originally scheduled for release by Roadrunner Records in October 2006, Mustaine announced in August 2006 that the band were "putting the finishing touches on it", and the album is now scheduled for a March 20, 2007 release. <ref> Blabbermouth.net "MEGADETH: New Album Pushed Back To 2007", 23 August 2006, at Blabbermouth.net; last accessed November 27, 2006.</ref> United Abominations will be the band's first studio release to feature brothers Glen and Shawn Drover, as well as new bassist James Lomenzo.

[edit] Lyrical themes

As Megadeth's primary lyricist, Dave Mustaine is known for his often controversial, political, and more recently, personal lyrics.<ref name=AMGS>Birchmeier, Jason. "The System Has Failed" AMG Review, at All Music Guide ; last accessed November 19, 2006.</ref> War and nuclear war are common topics, including the military-industrial complex ("Architecture of Aggression", "Hangar 18", "Take No Prisoners"), the aftermath of war ("Ashes In Your Mouth"), and sectarian violence ("Holy Wars... The Punishment Due"). The name Megadeth is a deliberate misspelling of the word megadeath, a term coined in 1953 by RAND military strategist Herman Kahn to describe one million deaths, popularized in his 1960 book On Thermonuclear War.<ref>Kahn, Herman. On Thermonuclear War (Princeton University Press), ISBN 0-313-20060-2 </ref> Politics are also a common theme to many Megadeth songs,<ref name=AMGS>Birchmeier, Jason. "The System Has Failed" AMG Review, at All Music Guide ; last accessed November 19, 2006.</ref> <ref name=AMGY>Birchmeier, Jason. "Youthanasia" Remastered version AMG Review, at AMG.com ; last accessed November 16, 2006.</ref> such as Mustaine's scathing assessment of Tipper Gore, the PMRC, and music censorship in the song "Hook In Mouth".<ref>Birchmeier, Jason. "So Far, So Good... So What!" Remastered version AMG Review, at All Music Guide ; last accessed November 20, 2006.</ref> Mustaine takes an environmentalist stance in "Countdown to Extinction" and "Dawn Patrol",<ref name=RollingStone2>Palmer, Robert. "Rust in Peace Rolling Stone Review, at Rolling Stone.com; last accessed November 16, 2006.</ref> and shuns dictators in songs like "Warhorse", and "Symphony of Destruction". Mustaine's general cynicism regarding politics shines through on tracks like "Peace Sells",<ref name=AMGHuey>Huey, Steve. "Peace Sells... But Who's Buying? Review, at AMG.com ; last accessed November 16, 2006.</ref> "The World Needs A Hero" and "Blackmail the Universe".<ref name=AMGS>Birchmeier, Jason. "The System Has Failed" AMG Review, at All Music Guide ; last accessed November 19, 2006.</ref>

Controversial and misunderstood lyrics have also caused problems for the band, as the music video for "In My Darkest Hour" was banned from MTV in 1988 when the music channel deemed the song to be pro-suicide.<ref name="So Far, So Good... remastered album notes">"So Far, So Good, So What!" remastered album notes. July 24, 2004, Capitol Records, 72435-98626-2-0.</ref> The music video for "A Tout Le Monde" was later banned by MTV, again wrongly interpreted as being pro suicide, when in fact it was written from the perspective of a dying man, saying his last words to his loved ones.<ref name="Youthanasia album notes">"Youthanasia" remastered album notes. July 24, 2004, Capitol Records, 72435-98623-2-3.</ref>

Addiction is also a common theme, as in "Tornado of Souls", which describes Mustaine's fight to finally get off drugs,<ref name=RollingStone2>Palmer, Robert. "Rust in Peace Rolling Stone Review, at Rolling Stone.com; last accessed November 16, 2006.</ref> and "Use the Man", about a former substance abuse counselor who died of a drug overdose.<ref name="Cryptic Writings album notes">"Cryptic Writings" remastered album notes. July 24, 2004, Capitol Records, 72435-98625-2-1.</ref> Recently, some lyrics have taken on religious themes, including "Truth Be Told", which tells the biblical story of Cain and Abel, and "Shadow of Deth", with spoken lyrics taken directly from Psalm 23 of the King James Bible.

[edit] Controversy

Dave Mustaine is notorious for making inflammatory statements in the press,<ref name=BM2>Blabbermouth.net. "Dave Mustaine Slams Former Bandmates, Defends His Current 'Boys' ", at Blabbermouth.net; last accessed November 16, 2006.</ref> usually regarding feuds and problems with former bandmates and other bands, including Slayer and Metallica. Perhaps most well known is his long standing feud with Metallica members James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich, stemming from his ejection from the band, and the method in which it was conducted, as well as disagreements on songwriting credits.<ref name=ROD>The Realms of Deth. "Megadeth Vs. Metallica", at The Realms Of Death; last accessed November 16, 2006.</ref>

In July 2004, former bassist David Ellefson sued Dave Mustaine for $18.5 million in Manhattan Federal Court. Ellefson alleged that Mustaine short changed him on profits and backed out of a deal to turn Megadeth over to him when the band broke up in 2002.<ref>Blabbermouth.net "Former MEGADETH Bassist Sues DAVE MUSTAINE For $18.5 Million", July 15, 2004, reported by Blabbermouth.net; last accessed November 20, 2006.</ref> Ellefson also accused Mustaine of locking him out of merchandise and publishing royalties. The suit was dismissed in 2005,<ref>Blabbermouth.net "MEGADETH: DAVID ELLEFSON's $18.5 Million Lawsuit Dismissed ", January 16, 2005, reported by Blabbermouth.net; last accessed November 20, 2006.</ref> and Mustaine filed a countersuit, which was later settled out of court.

Also sparking minor controversy was Dave Mustaine's announcement that Megadeth will not play certain songs live anymore, due to Mustaine's new identification as a born again Christian.<ref>Blabbermouth.net "DAVE MUSTAINE Says He Won't Play PISTOLS' 'Anarchy' Because Of 'Anti-Christ' Reference", August 1, 2005, reported by Blabbermouth.net; last accessed November 20, 2006.</ref> In May 2005 Mustaine also threatened to cancel shows in Greece and Israel with extreme metal bands Rotting Christ and Dissection, due to the bands' perceived Satanic beliefs, which in turn caused the two bands to cancel their appearances.<ref>Kerby, Jeff. "Dave Mustaine Speaks to KNAC.com From Gigantour", 24 July 2005, at KNAC.com; last accessed October 11, 2006.</ref>

[edit] Legacy

With over 20 million albums sold worldwide, eight top 40 albums,<ref name=BB-A>Billboard's Official website. "Megadeth album chart positions", at Billboard.com; last accessed November 16, 2006.</ref> 18 top 40 singles,<ref name=BB-S>Billboard's Official website. "Megadeth singles chart positions", at Billboard.com; last accessed November 16, 2006.</ref> and seven Grammy nominations,<ref name="Rock On The Net's list of Best Metal Performance Grammy nominations">Rock On The Net's Official website. "Grammy Awards: Best Metal Performance", at Rockonthenet.com; last accessed October 13, 2006.</ref> Megadeth remains one of the most successful heavy metal bands of all time.<ref name="Megadeth Behind the Music Press Release">Megadeth's Official website, "Megadeth Behind the Music Press Release", 2001, at Megadeth.com; last accessed November 15 2006.</ref> Of the "Big Four" thrash metal bands: Megadeth, Metallica, Anthrax, and Slayer, Megadeth is second only to Metallica in sales and commerical success.

Peace Sells... But Who's Buying? is considered a landmark in the history of thrash metal, with All Music Guide calling the album "One of the most influential metal albums of its decade, and certainly one of the few truly definitive thrash albums," as well as "one of the best beginning-to-end metal albums ever."<ref>Birchmeier, Jason. "Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?" Remastered version AMG Review, at All Music Guide ; last accessed November 23, 2006.</ref> In May 2006 VH1 ranked "Peace Sells" #11 on the 40 Greatest Metal Songs of all time countdown.<ref name=VH1Greatest>"VH1 40 Greatest Metal Songs", 1-4 May 2006, VH1 Channel, reported by VH1.com; last accessed September 10, 2006.</ref>

In 2004, Guitar World magazine ranked Dave Mustaine and Marty Friedman together at #19 on the 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists of All Time.<ref name=GuitarWorld100>"Guitar World's 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists of All Time", January 23, 2004, Guitar World Magazine, reported by Blabbermouth.net; last accessed November 23, 2006.</ref>

As an early pioneer of thrash metal, Megadeth helped pave the way for the burgeoning extreme metal movement of the late 1980's and early 1990's, and is often cited as an influence by later metal acts, including Pantera, Arch Enemy, Lamb of God,<ref>Blabbermouth.net, "MEGADETH, ARCH ENEMY, LAMB OF GOD Members Discuss GIGANTOUR", September 16, 2006, atBlabbermouth.net; last accessed November 23, 2006.</ref> In Flames,<ref> Blabbermouth.net, "IN FLAMES Bassist Says Meeting RONNIE JAMES DIO Has Been An Inspiration", October 19, 2006, atBlabbermouth.net; last accessed November 23, 2006.</ref> Machine Head,<ref> Blabbermouth.net, "MACHINE HEAD Guitarist PHIL DEMMEL Is 'Extremely Proud' Of Band's New Material", August 8, 2006, atBlabbermouth.net; last accessed November 23, 2006.</ref> Trivium,<ref> Blabbermouth.net, "TRIVIUM Are Making 'A Pure Ass-Kicking Metal Record'", May 27, 2006, atBlabbermouth.net; last accessed November 23, 2006.</ref> and Avenged Sevenfold.<ref> Blabbermouth.net, "AVENGED SEVENFOLD Get Props From METALLICA, PANTERA", January 4, 2006, atBlabbermouth.net; last accessed November 23, 2006.</ref>

[edit] Popular culture

Megadeth has been mentioned in many popular films and television shows, inlcuding The Simpsons, Mad About You, The X Files, and Duck Dodgers, where the band made an appearance (in cartoon form) on the 2005 episode In Space, Nobody Can Hear You Rock.<ref name=IMDB>Internet Movie Database "Dave Mustaine IMDB webpage", reported by IMDB.com; last accessed November 20, 2006.</ref> Megadeth is mentioned in the film Wayne's World 2, Honey Hornee (Kim Basinger) asks Garth (Dana Carvey) "Would you like to listen to some music?" to which Garth replies "Got any Megadeth?" The band is also mentioned the 1991 film Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey, when the two are in Hell, Bill (Alex Winter) says "Ted, you know, if I die, you can have my Megadeth collection."<ref>Internet Movie Database "Memorable Quotes from Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey", reported by IMDB.com; last accessed November 20, 2006.</ref>

Along with movie sountrack appearances such as Shocker, Last Action Hero, Super Mario Bros., and Universal Soldier: The Return, the band's music has also been featured in many video games. "Peace Sells" is featured on the radio station "V-Rock" in the 2002 video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, as well as in the 2003 video game True Crime: Streets of LA. "Symphony of Destruction" appears in the Playstation 2 video games Guitar Hero and WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2006. A version of "Hangar 18" appears in the 2006 Playstation 2 game Guitar Hero II.<ref name=IMDB>Internet Movie Database "Dave Mustaine IMDB webpage", reported by IMDB.com; last accessed November 20, 2006.</ref> Megadeth have also written the song Gears of War for the 2006 X-Box game of the same name, with the song also set to appear on the upcoming United Abominations album.

[edit] Selected discography

Main article: Megadeth discography

[edit] Studio albums

• Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good! (Combat Records, 1985)
• Peace Sells... But Who's Buying? (Capitol Records, 1986)
• So Far, So Good... So What! (Capitol Records, 1988)
• Rust in Peace (Capitol Records, 1990)
• Countdown to Extinction (Capitol Records, 1992)
• Youthanasia (Capitol Records, 1994)
• Cryptic Writings (Capitol Records, 1997)
• Risk (Capitol Records, 1999)
• The World Needs A Hero (Sanctuary Records, 2001)
• The System Has Failed (Sanctuary Records, 2004)
• United Abominations (Roadrunner Records, 2007)

[edit] Members

[edit] Current members

• Dave Mustaine - Lead vocals, lead and rhythm guitar (1983-)
• Glen Drover - Lead guitar (2004-)
• Shawn Drover - Drums (2004-)
• James Lomenzo - Bass guitar (2006-)

[edit] Former members

Guitarists

• Al Pitrelli (2000-2002)
• Marty Friedman (1989-1999)
• Jeff Young (1987-1989)
• Jay Reynolds (1987)
• Mike Albert (tour fill-in) (1985)
• Chris Poland (1984-1987, 2004)
• Kerry King (tour fill-in) (1984)
• Greg Handevidt (1983-1984)

Bassists

• James MacDonough (2004-2006)
• David Ellefson (1983-2002)

Drummers

• Jimmy DeGrasso (1998-2002)
• Nick Menza (1989-1998, 2004)
• Chuck Behler (1987-1988)
• Gar Samuelson (1984-1987)
• Lee Rausch (1984)
• Dijon Carruthers (1983-1984)

[edit] Session musicians

Drummers

• Brian Howe - Appears on a re-recording of "I'll Get Even" for the Songs of the Witchblade soundtrack (1998)
• Vinnie Colaiuta - Appears on The System Has Failed (2004)

Guitarists

• Chris Poland - Appears on The System Has Failed (2004)

Bassists

• Jimmy Sloas - Appears on The System Has Failed (2004)

[edit] Notes

[edit] External links

• Official website
• Official MySpace page
• Megadeth's Official History Timeline

cs:Megadeth da:Megadeth de:Megadeth es:Megadeth et:Megadeth fa:مگادث fi:Megadeth fr:Megadeth he:מגאדת' id:Megadeth it:Megadeth ja:メガデス lt:Megadeth nl:Megadeth no:Megadeth pl:Megadeth pt:Megadeth ru:Megadeth sl:Megadeth sv:Megadeth tr:Megadeth