Megadeth

Megadeth is an American thrash metal band formed in 1983 in Los Angeles by guitarist Dave Mustaine and bassist David Ellefson after Mustaine’s dismissal from Metallica. The band’s name derives from Megadeath, reflecting themes of war and destruction that appear in their music. Megadeth is widely regarded as a leading force in thrash metal and is considered part of the genre’s “Big Four” alongside Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax.

The group’s early lineup released Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good! (1985), with guitarist Chris Poland and drummer Gar Samuelson. Their 1986 album Peace Sells... but Who's Buying? brought broader recognition and featured politically themed material. The addition of Marty Friedman on guitar in 1990 contributed increased melodic complexity, while Mustaine and Ellefson remained the core songwriters.

Megadeth achieved commercial peak with Countdown to Extinction (1992) and followed with Youthanasia (1994). The band continued releasing albums through the 1990s and 2000s, including Cryptic Writings (1997) and The System Has Failed (2004). Their work is known for technical guitar work, precision riffing, rapid tempos, and lyrics addressing politics, war, and social issues.

Notable later releases include United Abominations (2007), Endgame (2009), Th1rt3en (2011), Super Collider (2013), Dystopia (2016), and The Sick, the Dying... and the Dead! (2022). In 2017, Megadeth won the Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance for "Dystopia." The band has undergone numerous lineup changes; Mustaine remains the primary songwriter and a constant member. Current members include Mustaine, guitarist Kiko Loureiro, drummer Dirk Verbeuren, and bassist James LoMenzo.