Review Summary: The best album from 1990 and one of the greatest from the decade.
After releasing So Far So Good... so What? in 1988 Dave Mustaine would fire drummer Chuck Behler and Jeff Young due to internal issues within the band. A year later or so Dave Mustaine would hire Marty Friedman from Cacophony and Nick Menza. This lineup from Rust in Peace was the longest lineup in Megadeth to date.
Rust in Peace was released in 1990 and peaked at 23rd on the charts. Rust in Peace is 40 minutes long on the original version and 57 minutes long on the 2004 remastered version due to the bonus track and three demos of some songs on the album. Rust in peace contains 9 tracks (13 on remastered version) and here's my track by track review of this album:
1. Holy Wars: The Punishment due.... A great track to start this album. Classic thrash Megadeth showcased right here on this song. The song starts with a guitar intro followed by an intense riff played throughout the song. One thing you notice on this opener is that Dave's vocals are improved over the Peace Sells album. The lyrics are very well written on this song as well. Friedman and Mustaine have some great guitar solos in this song. The song slows down somewhat midway but the guitar sounds heavy and it fits with this song. Mustaine starts a great solo after singing " No more Mistakes" but instead of slowing down the entire bands speeds up and another solo starts. Fantastic solo by Mustaine and it's incredible how he could sing and play these fast riffs at the same time. This song checks in at over 6 minutes but these are just 6 minutes of all OUT THRASH. Song Rating 5/5
2. Hangar 18 This song is well known for the Marty Friedman vs. Dave Mustaine guitar solo duel. Mustaine's vocals are scarce with only two verses. After mustaine sings his last phrase the solos just start coming in. There are over seven solos and if you like heavy metal you will surely like this song. These guitar solos are just great. Rating 5/5
3. Take No Prisoners This song starts off with a fast riff and then the drums following in a fast beat. This has to be one of the heaviest if not the heaviest riff on Rust in Peace. Dave starts singing Got one chance and then there are some good harmonies following Dave's phrases that just makes this song so good. You can hear the bass briefly and then the madness continues. At first Dave's lyrics are heard to comprehend at first but after a few listens you will understand his lyrics. At the end of the song Dave and company sing TAKE NO ***! and the song ends with a great solo. If you don't mind the vocals, then you will like this song. Another problem with this track is the length. It is TOO short in my opinion but this doesn't cause any setbacks to this track. Rating 4.5/5
4. Five Magics Somehow this song was never played live by Megadeth until the 2010 Rust in Peace 20th Anniversary tour. This track is about a fantasy novel called " Master of five magics" and it just shows the broad amount of topics covered on this album. One negative thing about this song is how long it takes before the great portion of the song starts. The song starts with some great riffing and a drum beat but then it slows down a lot and this intro consists of Mustaine playing a few notes. It sets the mood for the song though but it would be nice if it was cut down. When the songs speeds up though you are in for a treat. Over 3 minutes of relentless guitar playing, drums and bass as well. In the first few phrases Dave Mustaine sings there is a crazy solo following a phrase. Underrated song and it deserves more credit. Rating 5/5
5. Poison was the cure Another song that wasn't played until the Rust in Peace 20 years tour. This is the second shortest song on the album(third on 2004 remaster) and this song should be way longer. Just like Five Magics there is another intro. When the intro is over there is a long and fast drum roll that leads into madness on all instruments from the members of megadeth. One problem with this song has to be Dave's vocals. He sings the lyrics very fast and it's hard to understand him at times. Also previously mentioned the length is an issue here. The intro last for over a minute and the song is 2 minutes and 56 seconds so you only get a minute and a half of great Megadeth. The song ends with another good solo but it leaves you wanting more or exclaiming WTF? due to it's brief ending. Rating 4/5
6. Lucretia This song took me awhile to appreciate. The song starts with a random laugh and then some quick notes follow. The main riff in this song isn't as fast as the others but the best part of this song has to be the solo. The solo starts at around 2:16 into the song and it just fits in with this song. Marty Friedman sure knew how to shred and compose solos that sound great at the same time. The lyrics in this song are about a ghost in Dave's attic called Lucretia. Dave's singing in this song is like Take no Prisoners, hard to understand at first but after a few listens you will understand the lyrics. Another underrated song. Rating: 5/5
7. Tornado of Souls One of the highlights of this album is Tornado of Souls. Everyone puts in a great performance in this song. I just love the main riff in this song. There is one negative thing about the song though. The first few phrases are hard to understand. The lyrics themselves are great and they touch a more serious topic of break ups. The best part of this song without a doubt is Friedman's solo. This has to be one of the all time greatest solos ever. Marty does everything in the solo and it still sounds great. Here's what he said about the solo in 2002: When I finished the solo to this one, Mustaine came into the studio, listened to it down once, turned around and without saying a word, shook my hand. It was at that moment that I felt like I was truly the guitarist for this band." Rating 5/5
8. Dawn Patrol Guitar+Vocals+Bass+Drums= Megadeth. Take one of them out and you don't have a Megadeth song. This song is just filler. The song does showcase Mustaine's vocal range as he sings some very low notes but this song lasts a minute and a half or so and that's a good thing on this track. I would still listen to this any day over today's crappy mainstream music though. Rating 2.5/5
9. Rust in Peace.... Polaris This song was never played live until 2010 and I don't know why. A great song ends this album. The song starts off with a drum solo and then guitar and bass kick in. Dave's singing in this song is good and there is plenty of singing in this 5 minute song. Midway through the song there is a pause and then everything speeds up with more great riffs and some badass solos. Classic Megadeth here again. Rating 5/5
10. My creation(remaster bonus track This song was added on the 2004 master and it's a very short song at 1 minute and 36 seconds. Very few lyrics and the song mainly focuses on guitar solos. Some good solos in this song but this is a above average track. It should be longer. 1 minute and a half is just way TOO short. Rating 3/5
Remaster vs. Original
IN the re=mastered version there are a few differences. Rust in peace... Polaris, Take no Prisoners and Five Magics have different vocals takes due to the original takes being lost. It won't affect you enjoying of the album though but it's just a notice beforehand.
Closing Words
This is the greatest album from 1990 and one of the best from the decade. I listen to the album in it's entirety practically every day and I still love these songs. If you enjoy heavy metal and don't have this album, then you must get it as soon as possible. If you liked Peace Sells but who's buying album you will enjoy this album. Also if you are looking to expand your Megadeth collection then get this album. If you enjoyed the album check out the 20th anniversary Rust in Peace concert video.
Songs rated
All great songs but here my favorites to least favorite
1. Tornado of Souls
2. Holy Wars... The punishment due
3. Hangar 18
4. Take No Prisoners
5. Rust in Peace... Polaris
6. Five Magics
7. Lucretia
8. Poison was the Cure
9. Dawn Patrol
Megadeth Rust in Peace
Megadeth was: Dave Mustaine- Lyrics and guitar
Marty Friedman- Lead Guitar
Nick Menza- Drums
David Ellefson- Bass
