Heavy Metal Greats

Heavy Metal Greats:

Megadeth

It’s Malcolm, once again, with a new installment of Heavy Metal Greats. This week, I’m discussing Megadeth, a very famous heavy metal band, and one of the participants of the Big 4. The band's wild success and popularity has landed them among metal stardom, and has earned them both a fan base and a legacy that is sure to continue. For their signature sound, notorious front man and fascinating album artwork, Megadeth has earned their reputation as one of the best.

Anyone who knows Megadeth has heard their signature riffs and chord progressions. The albums released by the band are also backed by the themes of nuclear fallout, warfare, and death. Though these themes may seem harsh or too extreme for the more peaceful types of people, the music is not abrasive, so much as intense and exciting. The prime example of this sound can be found in the band’s most famous album, Rust in Peace. The album is laced with heavy riffs, solos and artistic anger, and became a huge hit with the heavy metal crowd in its release year, 1990.

The front man has always been (and will likely continue to be) Dave Mustaine, lead guitarist and vocalist. There is much controversy surrounding the front man, most notably his mild, yet continuous antagonism towards another famous heavy metal band, Metallica. Dave Mustaine was, in fact, lead guitarist for Metallica before Kirk Hammett. Mustaine was kicked out of Metallica for his excessive violence, created by his and the rest of the band’s drinking. Following this expulsion, Mustaine and Metallica have had tense relations, yet keep their composure in front of the fans. Aside from this expulsion and antagonism, Mustaine has been notorious in front of the press for his controversial lyrics and religious turnaround. These factors have dubbed him as a highly infamous front man, as opposed to his seemingly normal band mates.

Megadeth has always had a signature character to represent them as a band. This character is Vic Rattlehead, a bald man with bony fingers. He can be found with iron staples, a metal visor, and ear blots, ans is so named for his representation of a victim (hence "Vic"). Vic appeared on each of the band's first 4 albums, respectively: Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good!, Peace Sells...but Who's Buying?, So Far, So Good, So What?,and Rust In Peace. Megadeth's albums often contain artwork that satirizes political issues, both past, present and what could be, such as Area 51 found in Rust In Peace, or a view of the destroyed United Nations building, found in Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?

Megadeth’s signature sound, notorious front man and unique album artwork make them valuable inspirations to current metal core and post core bands, the new waves of heavy metal. Long have they played among the other greats, and will continue to serve as gifts to the headbangers and thrashers of the world.

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