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Megadeth

Megadeth is an American heavy metal band formed in Los Angeles in 1983 by vocalist and guitarist Dave Mustaine. Known for their technically complex guitar work and musicianship, Megadeth is one of the "big four" of American thrash metal—along with Slayer, Anthrax, and Metallica—and is credited with helping to develop and popularize the genre. Their music features intricate arrangements, fast rhythm sections, dual lead guitars, and lyrical themes such as war, conflicts, politics, religion, death, and personal relationships.

AI overview

Megadeth is an American heavy metal band founded by Dave Mustaine in Los Angeles in 1983, known for their technically skilled guitar playing and complex musical arrangements. As one of the "big four" thrash metal bands alongside Slayer, Anthrax, and Metallica, they played a major role in developing and popularizing the thrash metal genre.

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Key facts

Musical artist.name: Megadeth
Musical artist.alias: Fallen Angels (1983)
Musical artist.image: Megadeth at the O2 Arena, London, 26 October 2025.jpg
Musical artist.caption: Megadeth performing at the O2 Arena in October 2025. Left to right: James LoMenzo, Dirk Verbeuren, Dave Mustaine and Teemu Mäntysaari.
Musical artist.alt: A four-piece band performing onstage
Musical artist.landscape: yes
Musical artist.background: group_or_band
Musical artist.origin: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Musical artist.current_members: Dave Mustaine James LoMenzo Dirk Verbeuren Teemu Mäntysaari
Musical artist.past_members: Full list

via Wikipedia infobox

Article

30 sections

Contents

History
1983–1985: Formation and ''Killing Is My Business''
1986–1987: ''Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?''
1988–1989: ''So Far, So Good... So What!''
1990–1991: ''Rust in Peace''
1992–1993: ''Countdown to Extinction''
1994–1995: ''Youthanasia''
1996–1999: ''Cryptic Writings'' and ''Risk''
2000–2002: ''The World Needs a Hero'', breakup, and hiatus
2004–2005: Reformation and ''The System Has Failed''
2006–2008: ''United Abominations''
2009–2010: ''Endgame'' and Ellefson's return
2011–2014: ''Thirteen'' and ''Super Collider''
2015–2018: ''Dystopia''
2019–2023: Ellefson's second departure and ''The Sick, the Dying... and the Dead!''
2023–present: Kiko Loureiro's departure, ''Megadeth'', and farewell tour
Controversies
Artistry
Musical style and instrumentation
Lyrical themes
Influences
Imagery
Legacy
Band members
Discography
Accolades
Notes
References
Bibliography
External links

In 1985, Megadeth released their debut album, Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!, on the independent record label Combat Records, to moderate success. It caught the attention of bigger labels, which led to Combat Records selling their contract to Capitol Records. Their first major-label album, ''Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?'', was released in 1986 and was a major hit with the underground metal scene. Band members' substance abuse issues and personal disputes had brought Megadeth negative publicity during the late 1980s. Nonetheless, the band went on to release a number of platinum-selling albums, including So Far, So Good... So What! (1988), Rust in Peace (1990), Countdown to Extinction (1992), and Youthanasia (1994). These albums, along with worldwide tours, brought them public recognition. Megadeth's most recent (and final) studio album, Megadeth, was released in 2026. Mustaine announced that, after the album's supporting tour concludes, Megadeth will disband.