Megadeth is a legendary heavy metal band that is known for their powerful and intricate guitar work. The band has had an impressive career spanning four decades, making them one of the most enduring acts in metal.
Formed in 1983 in Los Angeles, California, Megadeth is the brainchild of frontman and guitarist Dave Mustaine. Mustaine had previously been in another metal band, Metallica. After being fired from the latter due to creative differences, Mustaine embarked on what would become a legendary journey with Megadeth.
The early 80s saw the release of the bands debut album Killing Is My Business...And Business Is Good! Featuring radically innovative musical themes and songwriting, the album offered something different than the thrash metal that was popular at the time. While the album wasnt a commercial success, it gained heavy acclaim within the metal community and positioned Megadeth within the upper echelons of metal bands.
This success was followed with the release of Peace Sells...But Whos Buying? in 1986. This album is widely credited as Megadeths masterpiece and was a commercial success. Prior to the release of the album, the band toured extensively and built a huge following for their live shows. This accomplishment put Megadeth in the spotlight and created the hype that would help them reach mainstream success.
The band continued to make powerful music throughout the 90s and 2000s. Megadeth released a total of fourteen studio albums, including their 2016 release of Dystopia, which became their third studio album to reach number one on the Billboard 200.
Through their career, Megadeth has been honoured with numerous awards, including a Grammy award in 2018 for the song Dystopia. This is in addition to twelve other Grammy nominations.
Throughout the years, Megadeths lineup has undergone a number of changes, but the core of the band still consists of Dave Mustaine and bassist David Ellefson. Their signature sound and awe-inspiring guitar work have made a legacy that many newer bands have tried to emulate.
Though the band has experienced periods of inactivity due to health issues, they have continued to tour and make music. Megadeth has shown that they are a powerful force that will continue to make music and influence heavy metal for years to come.
