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Megadeth
Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?


4.5
superb

Review

by Mikesn EMERITUS
October 18th, 2006 | 2261 replies


Release Date: 1986 | Tracklist


Though these days it seems as though Megadeth is less of a thrash act and more of a standard metal act, back in the late 80's the band was universally considered one of the premier thrash metal bands in the world. When you release albums such as Killing is my Business, Peace Sells…But Who's Buying, and Rust in Peace, it isn't quite hard to achieve those lofty heights. But Megadeth did, and was readily grouped with fellow thrash stars Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax in a group known as the Big Four of Thrash. 1986 had three of the four Thrash juggernauts (Megadeth, Slayer, and Metallica) releasing albums and each of these albums were incredibly successful, with all three being considered classics in the genre.

Peace Sells is a fan favourite of Megadeth fans for a reason. Very rarely does the band stray from the thrash sound that made them so famous in the metal realm, and the result is a very focused effort. Guitarists Dave Mustaine and Chris Poland show off their skill through countless riffs and solos. These two elements are the basis of Megadeth's lightning fast thrash metal assault, and are both generally the most enjoyable parts of the album. Every track, save for the Willy Dixon cover, I Ain't Superstitious, features this traditional Megadeth sound. However, tracks such as Wake Up Dead, Devil's Island, and Good Morning/Black Friday showcase this talent very well. The album has a raw feel to it, as do many of the old school thrash albums do. Overall, this is definitely my favourite part of the album, and where the band impresses the most.

By many, Dave Mustaine's vocals are not exactly considered among metal's best. Admittedly, I enjoy Dave's singing quite a lot. However, on Peace Sells, he does not give his best performance. Though in tracks like the title cut, he does a very good job, at times, such as in The Conjuring, his effort borderlines on annoying. His trademark snarl is once again present, but at this point in time, it too feels very raw. Albums like Rust in Peace and Countdown to Extinction definitely exhibit a big improvement over this particular album, likely due to the fact that he has had less time to hone his skill (or lack of, according to some). The 2004 re-issue definitely affected his voice positively, as it did away with the poorer sound quality found on the original. Fairly good effort from Mega-Dave, but he's had better moments.

My only concern with the album is quite similar to that of Rust in Peace: the length. At 36 minutes, it's pretty damn short. Now, I'm aware that many of metal's (especially thrash) older records are a lot shorter that they are now, being around the 30-40 minute mark. But I feel the band could have definitely recorded a few more (or at least longer) songs to make this a longer album. Keep in mind that while the 2004 the re-issue contains 20 extra minutes of music, none of the bonus tracks are new material, rather they are just new mixes by Randy Burns.

Peace Sells…But Who's Buying is definitely among Megadeth's better albums. There isn't much to be disappointed about, save for perhaps the length. A bona-fide thrash metal masterpiece, it possesses everything a fan of metal could ask for. Rapid-paced, heavy riffs that scream through the ears of listeners for the better part of 36 minutes; excellent musicianship from the entire band; and top notch song writing all propel this album to the top of the crowded thrash scene. This album is perfect for those who want to get into both Megadeth and metal, as it contains many of the genre's important aspects. It's pretty cheap too.

Recommended Tracks:
Good Morning/Black Friday
Wake Up Dead
Peace Sells
My Last Words



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user ratings (4076)
4.3
superb
other reviews of this album
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Comments:Add a Comment 
El_Goodo
October 18th 2006


1016 Comments

Album Rating: 3.0

This album was a dissapointment the production is bad, and not many of the songs really stand out for me.



The System Has Failed >Rust In Peace>Countdown To Extinction>Peace Sells



Those are the albums I have...

Mikesn
Emeritus
October 18th 2006


3707 Comments

Album Rating: 3.8

At first nothing really stood out for me either, but after a few listens it really grew on me.

Dethtrasher
October 19th 2006


2211 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

Very good review for an awesome album (and band). This is would be my second favourite Megadeth album, I dig every song except Bad Omen. My Last Words and Good Morning/Black Friday are killer songs.

Mikesn
Emeritus
October 19th 2006


3707 Comments

Album Rating: 3.8

Thanks.



Hmm, the only song I dislike is I Ain't Superstitious. I don't really find it all that interesting.This Message Edited On 10.19.06

DethThrasher
October 20th 2008


458 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

This is probably the best thrash album ever made

Flyboy
October 20th 2008


395 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

Really great album. Your review was spot on too. I prefer Rust In Peace over this.

DethThrasher
October 20th 2008


458 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

I dont know..sometimes i like RIP more but then i like this more..and even sometimes i like So far so good so what more!!

Dragonforce89
November 20th 2008


332 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

Propably thier best.

Dragonforce89
November 20th 2008


332 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

RIP is their worst album

Bfhurricane
November 20th 2008


6284 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5 | Sound Off

RIP is their second or third best, this is my favorite of theirs. Still don't think it touches Ride The Lightning though.

Altmer
November 20th 2008


5711 Comments

Album Rating: 3.0

rust in peace is like infinitely better

SlaveLabor
December 16th 2008


490 Comments


Probably the best Megadeth album!

Gore
December 16th 2008


349 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

Yeah, I like this a tad more than Rust In Peace



And I agree with Mike, I don't like I ain't superstitious muchThis Message Edited On 12.16.08

SlaveLabor
December 16th 2008


490 Comments


Yea thats the only song i think is average

btw i just won a Jackson DKMGT on ebay woot!!!

Bleak123
December 16th 2008


1900 Comments


i prefer rust in peace to this not gonna lie

SlaveLabor
December 16th 2008


490 Comments


I dont know they are both fucking awesome its hard to decide

Hawks
December 16th 2008


93615 Comments


The only album that I've heard by Megadeth is Countdown to Extinction and it kind of blows. I doubt I'll be checking out anything else by them.

bastard
December 16th 2008


3432 Comments


RUST IN PEACE Hawks

RUST IN PEACE

SlaveLabor
December 16th 2008


490 Comments


Countdown to Extinction is awesome but isnt really thrash you should check out Rust in Peace or this!

Hawks
December 16th 2008


93615 Comments


It had nothing to do with it being thrash or not. It sucked no matter what the genre was.



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