Megadeth
Rust in Peace

Release Date: 1990 | Tracklist

Let’s start out with the background information that you all probably already know. Dave Mustaine got kicked out of the now insanely popular Metallica in the early eighties, allegedly for excessive substance abuse, though whether that was the only reason or even a reason at all is debated by metalheads. Anyway, Mustaine immediately formed Megadeth, who debuted with Killing Is My Business in 1985. There have been many, many lineup changes, and the only constant in the band has been Mustaine. When Rust In Peace was released in 1990, the band had their best lineup of all time, as far as I and most other fans are concerned. It consisted of Mustaine (guitars/vocals), Marty Friedman (guitars), Dave Ellefson (Bass), and Nick Menza (drums). Each of the members of Megadeth play their instruments well, even though the band was very much controlled, as it is now, by Mustaine (he wrote every song on the album).

And what great songs they are! I’ll start with the only flaw in this album so I can leave the rest to praise Mustaine and Co. with the strength of a true fanboy! I stated at the beginning of this review that there was very little I could say that hasn’t been said about RIP, so don’t be surprised when I tell you that the biggest (and pretty much only) problem to be had are the lyrics, and once in a while Dave’s voice. The lyrics are pretty bad, but does it really matter? I don’t really care about what Dave is saying. I want to hear the band rip it up. To me, that’s the main difference between Megadeth and Metallica. As for Dave’s voice, I actually think it is unique and pretty good, even though it can get annoying at some times and doesn’t really fit in others, such as on Poison Was The Cure and Dawn Patrol. Another review stated that the vocals on Take No Prisoners were bad as well. Actually, Dave was unable to find the original tapes for this song when he went to remaster it, so he had to redo it. The original vocals are much better than the ones on the remastered version, it’s a shame that the it’s so hard to find these days.

Now for a fanboy’s glorification of the album.

Rust In Peace features one of the best instrumental performances not just in the metal world, but in music history. Dave lays down some extremely impressive rhythm guitar (Take No Prisoners, Holy Wars… The Punishment Due), and Marty well… let’s just say the solos won’t let you down. Even though he primarily shreds on this album (remember, this is thrash people!), he changes things up enough to keep the solos from becoming stale, with more melodic solos on both Tornado Of Souls and Holy Wars…The Punishment due. The latter even includes a Spanish sounding classical acoustic solo that separates the two parts of the song. But true metalheads needn’t be worried. One listen to the colossal shred-fest that is Hangar 18 will put any fears of Meagdeth slowing down to rest. While Ellefson isn’t as big a part of Megadeth’s sound as, say, Cliff Burton was on Metallica’s first three albums, he really is a brilliant bassist and makes his presence known, mostly on Take No Prisoners. And if it weren’t for Mustaine’s incredibly bad vocals on Dawn Patrol, Ellefson’s simple-yet-incredible bass riff would have come off much better.

Review Summary:
The definitive masterpiece in the trash genre, Rust In Peace is easily one of, if not the best, metal albums of all time. While some find Mustaine’s voice annoying, it almost always fits the aggression of his arrangements. Megadeth’s golden lineup play brilliantly, especially Marty Friedman, who blows through breathtaking solos with ease, not failing to impress on any of the tracks. Mustaine plays uncompromisingly fast riffs and sings at the same time, a feat to be noted. Dave Ellefson and Nick Menza play well, and the whole band comes together for Megadeth’s shining moment. No thrash metal album has ever produced the technicality and pure intensity that Rust In Peace delivers. Indeed, this is definitely something that should be in any metalhead’s collection.

Recommended Tracks:
-Holy Wars… The Punishment Due
-Hangar 18
-Take No Prisoners
-Tornado Of Souls

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4.6 superb

Rank: #1 for 1990