Having sold over 38 million albums worldwide, including 6 million in the United States, Megadeth is one of the “big four” of American thrash metal along with Metallica, Anthrax, and Slayer, responsible for the genre’s development and popularization. Megadeth has released sixteen studio albums, six live albums, seven compilation albums, one EP, forty-nine singles, ten video albums, and forty-four music videos.
Led by the growled vocals and razor-wire riffing of Dave Mustaine, Megadeth are one of the “big four” thrash titans. Shortly after being kicked out of Metallica in 1983, Mustaine met bassist David Ellefson, and the pair bonded quickly, forming the core of Megadeth. Drummer Gar Samuelson and guitarist Chris Poland later joined, and Megadeth released their underground-hit debut Killing Is My Business… And Business Is Good! in 1985. Its follow-up, Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying?, solidified the band’s status with sprawling yet tightly wound songs like the uneasy opener “Wake Up Dead” and the fiery title track. So Far, So Good… So What!, released in 1988, featured a new lineup as well as a thrashy cover of the Sex Pistols’ “Anarchy In the U.K.” and the anti-PMRC broadside “Hook In Mouth.”
In 1990 they released Rust In Peace, with Nick Menza on drums and technical wizard Marty Friedman on guitar; songs such as “Holy Wars… The Punishment Due” and “Hangar 18” blended pummeling riffs and suspicion-fueled lyrics with a stadium-rock ambition that matched the era’s metal-embracing tendencies. Countdown to Extinction, released in 1992, and Youthanasia, released in 1994, continued the band’s dominance of metal and emergence in rock’s mainstream, with the latter album’s “À Tout le Monde” being a rare thrash ballad.
After a brief breakup in the early 2000s, Megadeth returned as a de facto Mustaine solo project with 2004’s The System Has Failed. Ellefson rejoined in 2011 on the album TH1RT3EN and has remained in the Megadeth lineup since. The Mustaine/Ellefson duo is as crucial to thrash as Jagger/Richards is to rock, with Megadeth’s frenzied, paranoid version of the subgenre forming a substantial part of its foundation. So, if you are a die heart fan of Megadeth Albums then check out here we have list of Megadeth albums in order of release so far.
All Megadeth Albums Available on: Apple Music
All Megadeth Studio Albums in Order of Release Date
1. Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good! (1985)
Megadeth’s debut studio album, “Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good!” released in 1985, marked the explosive emergence of one of the pioneers of thrash metal. This iconic record showcases the raw intensity and technical prowess that Megadeth would become known for. From the blistering guitar work of Dave Mustaine to the aggressive and thought-provoking lyrics, the album grabs listeners by the throat and never lets go.
Tracks like “Mechanix” (originally written by Mustaine during his time with Metallica as “The Four Horsemen”) and the title track “Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good!” exemplify the band’s signature sound, featuring blistering riffs, breakneck tempo changes, and Mustaine’s venomous vocals. The album’s production may be somewhat rough around the edges, but it only adds to the relentless energy and urgency of the music.
“Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good!” remains an essential cornerstone of thrash metal, setting the stage for Megadeth’s subsequent success and solidifying their status as one of the genre’s titans.
2. Peace Sells… but Who’s Buying? (1986)
Megadeth’s iconic studio album “Peace Sells… but Who’s Buying?” was unleashed upon the metal world in 1986, solidifying the band’s status as one of the pioneers of thrash metal. This masterpiece showcases Megadeth’s signature aggressive and relentless sound, propelled by the shredding guitar work of Dave Mustaine and Chris Poland, thunderous bass lines from David Ellefson, and the thundering drumming of Gar Samuelson.
From the opening track “Wake Up Dead” to the politically charged anthem “Peace Sells,” the album is a relentless assault on the senses. The lyrics tackle themes of war, corruption, and societal unrest, reflecting the band’s uncompromising and provocative approach. Mustaine’s snarling vocals and biting guitar solos add an extra layer of intensity to the music, leaving a lasting impact on listeners.
“Peace Sells… but Who’s Buying?” is a timeless classic that defined Megadeth’s sound and influenced countless metal bands to come. With its raw energy, technical prowess, and thought-provoking lyrics, this album remains a staple in the thrash metal genre and a testament to Megadeth’s enduring legacy.
3. So Far, So Good… So What! (1988)
Megadeth’s fourth studio album, “So Far, So Good… So What!” released in 1988, showcases the band at a crucial stage in their career. This album is a raw and intense display of their signature thrash metal sound. Led by the iconic Dave Mustaine’s aggressive vocals and relentless guitar work, the band delivers a barrage of fast-paced, blistering tracks. Songs like “In My Darkest Hour” and “Set the World Afire” stand out as timeless classics, blending intricate guitar solos with politically charged lyrics. However, the album’s production quality has been criticized, with a somewhat muddy sound and underwhelming mixing. Despite this, “So Far, So Good… So What!” remains a fan favorite, capturing the band’s energy and contributing to their reputation as one of the pioneering forces in the thrash metal genre.
4. Rust in Peace (1990)
Megadeth’s “Rust in Peace,” released in 1990, stands as a monumental achievement in the realm of thrash metal. This landmark studio album showcases the band’s technical prowess, intricate song structures, and politically charged lyrics. Led by the masterful guitar work of Dave Mustaine, the album’s riffs are lightning-fast, complex, and relentless, pushing the boundaries of the genre. The rhythm section, comprising bassist David Ellefson and drummer Nick Menza, delivers a thunderous foundation, while Mustaine’s distinct vocals bring forth a raw intensity and thought-provoking storytelling. The album explores themes of war, nuclear annihilation, and societal turmoil, reflecting the tumultuous political climate of its time. Tracks like “Holy Wars… The Punishment Due” and “Hangar 18” exemplify Megadeth’s technical brilliance and their ability to craft memorable, headbanging anthems. “Rust in Peace” remains a definitive thrash metal masterpiece that continues to captivate and inspire metalheads around the world.
5. Countdown to Extinction (1992)
Megadeth’s “Countdown to Extinction,” released in 1992, is an iconic studio album that solidified the band’s status as one of the pioneers of thrash metal. This record showcases the band’s refined songwriting skills and explores themes of social and political commentary. With its tight and precise musicianship, aggressive riffs, and thought-provoking lyrics, “Countdown to Extinction” delivers a blend of heavy and melodic elements that captivate listeners. The album’s standout tracks, including “Symphony of Destruction” and “Sweating Bullets,” exhibit Megadeth’s signature intensity and energy. Known for their technical proficiency, the band members demonstrate their instrumental prowess, while Dave Mustaine’s powerful vocals and biting lyrics add depth and intensity to the overall experience. “Countdown to Extinction” remains an essential release in Megadeth’s discography and a milestone in the history of thrash metal.
6. Youthanasia (1994)
Megadeth’s “Youthanasia,” released in 1994, is a seminal studio album that showcases the band’s evolution and mastery of their distinctive thrash metal sound. This record marks a departure from the aggressive speed and intensity of their earlier releases, incorporating a more melodic and accessible approach. With thought-provoking lyrics exploring themes of disillusionment, societal decay, and personal struggles, “Youthanasia” presents a darker and introspective side of Megadeth’s music. Tracks like “Reckoning Day,” “Train of Consequences,” and “A Tout Le Monde” display the band’s ability to combine intricate guitar work, memorable hooks, and Dave Mustaine’s distinct vocals to create a compelling sonic experience. Despite the commercial success it achieved, “Youthanasia” maintains the band’s artistic integrity and remains a testament to Megadeth’s influence on the metal genre.
7. Cryptic Writings (1997)
Megadeth’s “Cryptic Writings” is a studio album released in 1997 that showcases the band’s evolution and experimentation with a more mainstream sound while maintaining their trademark thrash metal roots. The album features a diverse range of tracks that blend heavy riffs, intricate guitar work, and thought-provoking lyrics. It combines the band’s aggressive energy with a more accessible songwriting approach, resulting in a collection of melodic and catchy tunes. Standout tracks like “Trust,” “A Secret Place,” and “She-Wolf” display Megadeth’s ability to craft memorable hooks and deliver powerful performances. “Cryptic Writings” stands as a testament to the band’s musical growth and versatility, showcasing their ability to push boundaries while staying true to their metal roots.
8. Risk (1999)
Megadeth’s studio album “Risk,” released in 1999, marked a significant departure from the band’s traditional thrash metal sound. Embracing a more experimental approach, Megadeth incorporated elements of alternative rock and pop into their music, resulting in a more melodic and accessible sound. While some fans embraced the change, others were critical of the departure from the band’s signature aggressive style.
“Risk” showcased Megadeth’s musical versatility, with songs like “Crush ‘Em” and “Breadline” featuring catchy hooks and radio-friendly choruses. The album also delved into introspective and emotionally charged themes, evident in tracks such as “I’ll Be There” and “Time: The Beginning.”
Despite mixed reactions, “Risk” demonstrated the band’s willingness to push boundaries and explore new sonic territories. While it may have divided fans at the time, the album remains an intriguing chapter in Megadeth’s discography, showcasing their willingness to evolve and experiment with their sound.
9. The World Needs a Hero (2001)
Megadeth’s “The World Needs a Hero” is a studio album released in 2001 that marked a significant chapter in the band’s discography. Following a tumultuous period of lineup changes and personal struggles, this album served as a reassertion of Megadeth’s trademark thrash metal sound. With its aggressive guitar riffs, thundering drums, and thought-provoking lyrics, “The World Needs a Hero” showcased the band’s ability to create powerful and intense music. Tracks like “Disconnect,” “Moto Psycho,” and “Dread and the Fugitive Mind” stand out as highlights, blending intricate musicianship with politically charged themes. While the album received mixed reviews upon its release, it remains a notable addition to Megadeth’s catalog, capturing the band’s resilience and determination to continue delivering their unique brand of heavy metal to their dedicated fanbase.
10. The System Has Failed (2004)
Megadeth’s The System Has Failed, released in 2004, stands as a testament to the band’s resilience and artistic prowess. Serving as their tenth studio album, it marked the return of founder Dave Mustaine after a temporary hiatus. The album delivers a blistering fusion of thrash and heavy metal, showcasing Megadeth’s signature aggressive sound and thought-provoking lyrics. The System Has Failed explores a variety of themes, including political corruption, societal decay, and personal introspection. Mustaine’s songwriting is as sharp as ever, filled with intricate guitar solos, thunderous riffs, and commanding vocals. With tracks like “Die Dead Enough,” “Kick the Chair,” and “Back in the Day,” Megadeth reminds listeners of their enduring legacy in the metal genre. The album is a powerful statement that solidified Megadeth’s status as one of the pioneers of thrash metal, and a must-listen for fans of the genre.
11. United Abominations (2007)
Megadeth’s “United Abominations,” released in 2007, is a powerful and politically charged studio album that showcases the band’s signature thrash metal sound. Led by the virtuosic guitar work and distinctive vocals of frontman Dave Mustaine, the album delivers a relentless onslaught of aggressive riffs, lightning-fast solos, and thunderous drumming. Lyrically, “United Abominations” tackles a range of social and political issues, from war and corruption to media manipulation and societal decay. Tracks like “Washington is Next!” and “United Abominations” are fierce anthems that channel the band’s discontent with the state of the world. The album’s intense energy and thought-provoking lyrics solidify Megadeth’s status as one of the pioneering forces in the thrash metal genre. “United Abominations” stands as a testament to the band’s musical prowess and their ability to create music that both entertains and challenges its listeners.
12. Endgame (2009)
Megadeth’s “Endgame,” released in 2009, is a studio album that epitomizes the band’s relentless thrash metal style. With its politically charged lyrics and aggressive musicality, the album showcases the band’s signature blend of intricate guitar riffs, blistering solos, and thunderous drumming. Led by frontman Dave Mustaine’s commanding vocals, Megadeth delivers an intense and thought-provoking sonic assault throughout the record.
“Endgame” addresses various societal and political issues, offering sharp critiques and insightful observations. Tracks like “Dialectic Chaos,” “Head Crusher,” and “44 Minutes” showcase the band’s musical prowess, featuring complex time signatures and rapid-fire instrumentals. The album also displays moments of melodic respite with tracks like “The Hardest Part of Letting Go… Sealed with a Kiss” and the emotionally charged “The Right to Go Insane.”
Overall, “Endgame” stands as a testament to Megadeth’s enduring musical legacy, combining technical virtuosity with a fierce and unapologetic spirit that solidifies their place as one of the genre’s most influential bands.
13. Thirteen (2011)
Megadeth’s Thirteen, released in 2011, is the thirteenth studio album by the iconic American thrash metal band. This intense and powerful record showcases Megadeth’s signature aggressive sound and thought-provoking lyrics. With its razor-sharp guitar riffs, thunderous drumming, and Dave Mustaine’s distinctive vocals, Thirteen encapsulates the band’s unwavering commitment to their thrash roots while exploring new musical territories.
The album features a diverse range of tracks, ranging from high-speed, adrenaline-fueled anthems like “Sudden Death” and “Never Dead” to more melodic and introspective moments in songs like “Black Swan” and “The Hardest Part of Letting Go…Sealed with a Kiss.” Lyrically, Thirteen delves into various themes, including personal struggles, political commentary, and social issues, all delivered with Megadeth’s characteristic intensity and biting wit.
Thirteen solidifies Megadeth’s status as one of the pioneers of thrash metal, showcasing their technical prowess, masterful songwriting, and ability to create music that resonates with both long-time fans and new listeners. It is a testament to the band’s enduring influence in the metal genre and their ability to evolve while staying true to their roots.
14. Super Collider (2013)
Megadeth’s “Super Collider,” released in 2013, marked the band’s fourteenth studio album and showcased their ever-evolving sound. The album offered a departure from the thrash metal roots that defined Megadeth’s earlier work, venturing into a more accessible and melodic territory. Led by frontman Dave Mustaine’s unmistakable vocals and intricate guitar work, the album combined elements of hard rock and traditional heavy metal. Tracks like the title song “Super Collider” and “Kingmaker” demonstrated a catchier and more radio-friendly approach, while still maintaining the band’s trademark intensity. While some fans had mixed reactions to the album’s departure from the band’s thrash metal sound, “Super Collider” served as an important milestone in Megadeth’s musical evolution, demonstrating their versatility and willingness to explore new musical horizons.
15. Dystopia (2016)
Megadeth’s “Dystopia,” released in 2016, is a powerful and hard-hitting studio album that showcases the band’s signature thrash metal sound and thought-provoking lyrics. Led by the legendary Dave Mustaine, the album delivers a relentless assault of intense riffs, blistering guitar solos, and thunderous drumming, all executed with precision and aggression. Lyrically, “Dystopia” explores themes of social and political unrest, personal struggle, and the darker aspects of the human condition. Mustaine’s sharp and biting lyrics reflect his observations on a world plagued by corruption, inequality, and dystopian visions. The album features standout tracks such as the title track “Dystopia,” which sets the tone with its fast-paced energy, and “Fatal Illusion,” an anthem of rebellion and defiance. “Dystopia” is a testament to Megadeth’s enduring legacy and their ability to create music that resonates with fans, combining powerful instrumentation with insightful and provocative lyrics.
16. The Sick, the Dying… and the Dead! (2022)
Megadeth’s “The Sick, the Dying… and the Dead!” is a powerful studio album released in 2022 that showcases the band’s signature thrash metal sound with a modern twist. The album delves into dark and thought-provoking themes, exploring the complexities of life, death, and the human condition. With razor-sharp guitar riffs, lightning-fast solos, thunderous drums, and Dave Mustaine’s iconic vocals, the album delivers an onslaught of intensity and aggression. Lyrically, it tackles topics such as social unrest, existential struggles, and the fragility of our existence. From the blistering speed of tracks like “Reckoning Day” to the haunting melodies of “Gone Too Far,” Megadeth demonstrates their mastery of the genre. “The Sick, the Dying… and the Dead!” stands as a testament to Megadeth’s enduring legacy and their ability to deliver uncompromising metal that resonates with fans old and new.
How many albums does Megadeth have?
American thrash metal band Megadeth has released SIXTEEN studio albums, SIX live albums, SEVEN compilation albums, ONE EP, forty-nine FORTY-NINE singles, TEN video albums, and forty-four FORTY-FOUR music videos.
List of Megadeth Albums in Order of Release Date
Here is the list of Megadeth Album in Order of Release Date:
1. Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good! — June 12, 1985
2. Peace Sells… but Who’s Buying? — September 19, 1986
3. So Far, So Good… So What! — January 19, 1988
4. Rust in Peace — September 24, 1990
5. Countdown to Extinction — July 14, 1992
6. Youthanasia — November 1, 1994
7. Cryptic Writings — June 17, 1997
8. Risk — August 31, 1999
9. The World Needs a Hero — May 15, 2001
10.The System Has Failed — September 14, 2004
11. United Abominations — May 15, 2007
12. Endgame — September 15, 2009
13. Thirteen — November 1, 2011
14. Super Collider — June 4, 2013
15. Dystopia — January 22, 2016
16. The Sick, the Dying… and the Dead! — September 2, 2022
Conclusion:
Megadeth’s studio albums have showcased their relentless thrash metal sound and lyrical depth. From their debut album “Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good!” to the iconic “Rust in Peace” and subsequent releases like “Countdown to Extinction” and “Dystopia,” Megadeth has solidified their status as pioneers of the genre. With their discography spanning over three decades, the conclusion of Megadeth’s studio albums leaves behind a legacy of aggression, technicality, and thought-provoking music.
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