Dave…You’re Fired

Picture this: it’s 1983, and Dave Mustaine gets the boot from Metallica, a band he helped shape in its infancy, whose first two albums are built upon his songwriting.

Most would’ve sulked and called it quits. Not Mustaine. In his words, “I wanted blood…theirs.”

He also wanted to build something bigger, faster, and unmistakably his own. Enter Megadeth, born from Mustaine’s grit and a burning need to prove he was no one’s second fiddle. 

Getting fired from Metallica wasn’t a setback; it was fate shoving Mustaine toward his true calling, fronting a band that would redefine thrash metal with technical precision and an arsenal of attitude. 

Four Masterpieces of Thrash

Let’s talk about Megadeth’s first four albums—Killing Is My Business…and Business Is Good! (1985), Peace Sells…but Who’s Buying? (1986), So Far, So Good…So What! (1988), and Rust in Peace (1990). 

These albums are cornerstones of the genre. Each one, an unapologetic display of innovative musical composition and guitar craft, blending speed, complexity, and raw aggression.

“Killing” is a scrappy, middle-finger debut, with searing standouts like “Skull Beneath the Skin” and “Mechanix” (whose riff and melody you will recognize as pilfered for Metallica’s “The Four Horsemen”). 

“Peace” brought the socio-political bite that would remain part of Mustaine’s writing. Tracks like “Peace Sells” and “Black Friday” would become anthems for a generation of headbangers.

“So Far”   had its chaotic genius. It’s opening track “Into the Lungs of Hell” is an instrumental that shows the power of metal without lyrics. And songs like “In My Darkest Hour” proved Mustaine could weave emotional depth into thrash’s fury. 

And “Rust”? A nuclear slab of technical wizardry. Mustaine’s uncanny ability to compose as well as shred solos is in full fruition. Tracks like “Holy Wars…The Punishment Due”, “Hangar 18” and “Take No Prisoners” are radioactively untouchable.

What makes these records stand out isn’t just their ferocity but their craftsmanship. Mustaine’s songwriting is intricate and precise. The riffs and structures evolve, shifting tempos and moods with a sophistication that’s rare for any band. And the guitar work? Surgical.

These albums didn’t just keep up with The Big 4; they set a standard that few could touch.

Mustaine: The Maestro of Guitar Dynamics

We need to give Dave Mustaine his due as the genre’s master-warlock-sorcerer of dynamics.

Yes, thrash is about speed and aggression, but Mustaine plays with a knowledge of sound that defies comprehension. His riffs can go from blistering chaos to haunting melody in a heartbeat, creating a compelling tension that galvanizes. 

Take “Symphony of Destruction.” The iconic opening riff is simple but menacing, building into a groove that rivals Metallica’s “Enter Sandman.” 

Or look at “Hook in Mouth” where the dynamics of guitar shred and shifting structures create a proud defiance of political manipulation, that complements the rote, acronym-themed chorus (F.R.E.E.D.O.M).

Mustaine’s ability to balance raw power with intricate phrasing and lyrical insight is why his work feels alive. No one in metal does dynamics and composition better.

Decades of Build-up

Megadeth’s career spans over 40 years, and while they’ve had their share of stumbles, their consistency is unmatched. Granted, albums like Risk (1999) and Supercollider (2013) were misfires, placations of industry suits chasing sales over authenticity.

But even those hiccups couldn’t derail the kill machine.

Mustaine and his revolving cast of virtuosos: guitarists Marty Friedman & Chris Poland, drummer Nick Menza (RIP), and the formidable bassist Dave Ellefson, Mustaine’s longest-tenured bandmate, and a host of others) kept delivering masterful albums that showcased undisputed talent and musicality. 

From Youthanasia’s polished aggression and foray into foreign language (metal in French? Dave did it!) to Thirteen & Endgame’s deft reminiscence of thrash roots, Megadeth stayed true to their core principles. They weren’t surviving; they were driving the creative warship, churning out some of the best metal music, decade after decade.

Conquering the Grunge Era

The ‘90s were a rough time for metal. Grunge stormed in, flannel-clad and angsty, pushing thrash bands to the sidelines. Many faltered, but Megadeth—be it forced or by choice—adapted. 

Countdown to Extinction (1992) was a monster, hitting number two on the Billboard 200 with anthems like “Symphony” and “Sweating Bullets.” But even though the structure of the album was indicative of apathy-informed trends, Megadeth found a sweet spot (keeping the proverbial middle finger taut, of course) that kept old fans and snagged new ones. 

Even when publicity pressure caused a tweaking of their classic band logo on Cryptic Writings—a move guaranteed to piss off loyal fans, as it did with Metallica’s 1995 Blues-Rock-Metal(?) album, Load—Megadeth doubled down on quality and integrity.

The reissued Cryptic Writings, with the iconic logo restored, proved Mustaine knew that not only did the music matter, but the brand design that represented the music mattered too. While the big kids floundered, Megadeth stood tall, proving metal could withstand the tepid grunge wave.

Grammy Glory and Beyond

Fast forward to 2017: Megadeth finally snags the Grammy for Best Metal Performance with Dystopia’s title track (thanks, almighty music industry for this lovely bone).

Kudos from the "intelligentsia" aside, Dystopia (2016) was a beast, dark, heavy, and packed with Mustaine’s signature snarl. He followed it with The Sick, The Dying…and the Dead!   (2022), another banger (in the traditional sense of the word) that showed Megadeth hadn’t faltered due to age. Far from it, kiddies.

Now, they’re working hard on their 17th studio album, and if Mustaine’s track record is any indication, we’re in for another face-melting foray into his peace-disturbing imagination. The man is 60-plus and still writing like he’s got something to prove. 

...The Final Note

Let’s settle the score: among the Big 4 of thrash bands: Metallica, Anthrax, Slayer, and Megadeth: Whose extreme reigns supreme?

Metallica’s the biggest and most iconic, no question, with their stadium-filling empire.

Anthrax brings the fun and the punk frivolity with their infectious energy and signature stomp.

Slayer.   ...F**kin’ Slayer.   They’re the fastest, the darkest, the most brutal. Wickedly uncompromising and repent-less.

But Megadeth? They’re the best.

Why? Because: Innovation. Consistency. Attitude. Craftsmanship.

Mustaine’s technical prowess, dynamic songwriting, and relentless drive sets Megadeth apart. Their body of work is a testament to what thrash can be, a true craft of aggressive musicmaking.

Metallica may have the empire, but Megadeth has the edge...still sharp, despite industry, notoriety, and time.

Dave…You Win.