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.

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.