Dave Mustaine is pulling the plug on Megadeth after one final album and a world tour.
Dave posted, “There’s so many musicians that have come to the end of their career, whether accidental or intentional. Most of them don’t get to go out on their own terms on top, and that’s where I’m at in my life right now. I have traveled the world and have made millions upon millions of fans and the hardest part of all of this is saying goodbye to them.
“We can’t wait for you to hear this album and see us on tour. If there was ever a perfect time for us to put out a new album, it’s now. If there was ever a perfect time to tour the world, it’s now. This is also a perfect time for us to tell you that it’s our last studio album. We’ve made a lot of friends over the years and I hope to see all of you on our global farewell tour. Don’t be mad, don’t be sad, be happy for us all, come celebrate with me these next few years. We have done something together that’s truly wonderful and will probably never happen again. We started a musical style, we started a revolution, we changed the guitar world and how it’s played, and we changed the world. The bands I played in have influenced the world. I love you all for it. Thank you for everything.”
The farewell video is insane:
Few bands embody the raw aggression, technical mastery, and rebellious spirit of thrash metal quite like Megadeth. Founded in 1983 by former Metallica guitarist Dave Mustaine, Megadeth quickly became one of the “Big Four” of thrash metal—alongside Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax—helping to define and popularize the genre worldwide. Over four decades, the band has endured lineup changes, personal struggles, shifting musical landscapes, and Mustaine’s own battles, yet they remain a dominant force in heavy metal.
In April 1983, Dave Mustaine was famously fired from Metallica due to substance abuse issues and conflicts with other members. Fueled by anger and determination to outdo his former bandmates, Mustaine formed a new band in Los Angeles with bassist David Ellefson, guitarist Greg Handevidt, and drummer Dijon Carruthers (soon replaced by Gar Samuelson). The group adopted the name Megadeth—inspired by a political pamphlet Mustaine read—which perfectly captured the apocalyptic and politically charged themes that would define their music.
From the start, Megadeth’s sound distinguished itself through Mustaine’s complex guitar riffs, high-speed picking, and politically charged, often cynical lyrics. They aimed to be faster, heavier, and more technically precise than their thrash contemporaries.
Megadeth’s debut album, Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good! (1985), was recorded on a modest budget and showcased a raw, unpolished aggression. Despite its rough production, it gained a cult following and caught the attention of major labels.
Their second album, Peace Sells… but Who’s Buying? (1986), was a landmark release. Featuring the iconic title track (later used as MTV News’ theme music), it combined speed and technical skill with socially conscious lyrics. This album cemented Megadeth’s place in thrash metal history.
The band’s third release, So Far, So Good… So What! (1988), continued their aggressive assault but was plagued by internal tensions and substance abuse issues. Despite the turmoil, tracks like “In My Darkest Hour” demonstrated Mustaine’s growing songwriting maturity.
The early 1990s marked Megadeth’s creative peak. With guitarist Marty Friedman and drummer Nick Menza joining Mustaine and Ellefson, the band entered its most celebrated lineup.
Rust in Peace (1990) is widely regarded as one of the greatest metal albums of all time. Songs like “Holy Wars… The Punishment Due” and “Hangar 18” blended speed, technicality, and intricate arrangements, earning critical and commercial success.
Following this triumph, Megadeth released Countdown to Extinction (1992), a more polished and accessible album that debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and included hits like “Symphony of Destruction.” It became the band’s best-selling record, earning a Grammy nomination.
In 1994, Youthanasia showcased a slower, more melodic approach, signaling the band’s willingness to evolve beyond pure thrash.
Megadeth experimented with different sounds in the late ’90s. Cryptic Writings (1997) blended hard rock with metal elements, producing radio hits like “Trust.” However, Risk (1999) leaned heavily toward hard rock and alternative influences, dividing fans and critics alike.
By 2001, Mustaine sought a return to form with The World Needs a Hero, but a major setback occurred in 2002 when he suffered nerve damage in his arm, forcing him to disband the group temporarily.
After intensive therapy, Mustaine regained his ability to play guitar and revived Megadeth. The System Has Failed(2004) marked their comeback, featuring politically charged tracks and renewed thrash energy.
Subsequent albums United Abominations (2007) and Endgame (2009) showcased a revitalized sound, with tracks like “Head Crusher” proving the band could still deliver ferocious metal well into their third decade.
The 2010s brought further changes. Th1rt3en (2011) revisited some older material, while Super Collider (2013) saw mixed reviews for its more melodic leanings.
In 2016, Dystopia was released to critical acclaim, winning Megadeth their first Grammy for Best Metal Performance with the title track. This era also saw the addition of Brazilian guitarist Kiko Loureiro and drummer Chris Adler (later Dirk Verbeuren), injecting fresh energy into the lineup.
In 2022, Megadeth released The Sick, the Dying… and the Dead!, a ferocious return to thrash roots that proved the band’s staying power after nearly four decades.
Watch the Noiser11.com album with Dave Mustaine:
Megadeth Discography
1. Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good! – 1985 – Thrash Metal
2. Peace Sells… but Who’s Buying? – 1986 – Thrash Metal
3. So Far, So Good… So What! – 1988 – Thrash Metal
4. Rust in Peace – 1990 – Technical Thrash Metal
5. Countdown to Extinction – 1992 – Heavy Metal / Thrash Metal
6. Youthanasia – 1994 – Heavy Metal
7. Cryptic Writings – 1997 – Heavy Metal / Hard Rock
8. Risk – 1999 – Hard Rock / Alternative Metal
9. The World Needs a Hero – 2001 – Heavy Metal / Thrash Metal
10. The System Has Failed – 2004 – Thrash Metal / Heavy Metal
11. United Abominations – 2007 – Thrash Metal / Heavy Metal
12. Endgame – 2009 – Thrash Metal
13. Th1rt3en – 2011 – Heavy Metal / Thrash Metal
14. Super Collider – 2013 – Heavy Metal / Hard Rock
15. Dystopia – 2016 – Thrash Metal
16. The Sick, the Dying… and the Dead! – 2022 – Thrash Metal
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