Top 10 Megadeth Songs

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Megadeth are one of the top bands of thrash metal from California. They were formed by vocalist and guitarist Dave Mustaine with fellow guitarist Dave Ellefson in 1983 a short time after Mustaine had been thrown out of Metallica. They released their debut album in 1985, Killing is My Business…and Business is Good!, on independent label Combat Records, which was met with moderate success. This enabled the band to be looked at by major labels, leading them to be signed to Capitol Records. They released their second album, Peace Sells…But Who’s Buying? a year later, which made waves in the metal scene. However, despite this success, personal troubles plagued the band.

Despite this, Megadeth enjoyed even more significant success with multiple multi-platinum albums such as 1990’s Rust in Peace and 1992’s Countdown to Extinction. They did much touring to support these albums, maintaining their popularity throughout the 1990s. This ended when the band split up in 2002 after Mustaine suffered an arm injury that prevented him from playing. Still, after he recovered, they got back together in 2004 without Ellefson, who had fallen out with Mustaine and was taking legal action. Eventually, this rift was settled, and he decided to re-join in 2010. Since 2005, Megadeth has hosted its music touring festival several times, which is called the Gigantour.

They have reportedly sold around 38 million albums worldwide, with six certified platinum albums, and have received twelve Grammy nominations. They won their first in 2017 for the song “Dystopia” for Best Metal Performance. Like Iron Maiden’s Eddie, they have their mascot, Vic Rattlehead (who, like Eddie, is also an undead Skeleton), adorned several of their album covers. The band, particularly Mustaine, have caused a fair amount of controversy throughout their career, having experienced censorship for some of their lyrics and Mustaine’s tendency to start feuds with other bands, most notably his former bandmates in Metallica.

# 10 – Set the World Afire

Our top 10 Megadeth songs list begins with “Set the World Afire.” This was one of the first Megadeth songs I heard, instantly making me a fan. The opening riff is particularly memorable for its intensity. The song is from their third studio album, So Far, So Good… So What!, released in 1988. “Set the World Afire” is notable as Dave Mustaine’s first composition after leaving Metallica, showcasing his and the band’s talent. The lineup for this track included Dave Mustaine on guitars and lead vocals, David Ellefson on bass and backing vocals, Jeff Young on guitars, and Chuck Behler on drums and percussion, each contributing to the song’s distinctive sound.

# 9 – Hangar 18

Hangar 18″ is a killer track from Megadeth’s critically acclaimed album Rust in Peace, capturing the band in their prime during the early ’90s. This high-octane song is infused with themes of conspiracy theories, particularly those surrounding UFOs and the secretive military base known as Area 51. The driving riff, while more straightforward compared to some of Megadeth’s other work, remains a quintessential element of their musical repertoire, challenging and inspiring countless metal guitarists to conquer its complexities.

The song is not only a showcase of Megadeth’s thrash metal roots but also highlights the band’s ability to weave intricate narratives into their music. “Hangar 18” is renowned for its rapid-fire guitar solos, a testament to the virtuosic skill of Dave Mustaine and Marty Friedman, whose interplay adds a layer of depth and intensity to the track. The relentless pace and technical precision of the song, combined with its intriguing storyline, cement “Hangar 18” as a landmark in Megadeth’s discography and a favorite among fans and critics alike.

# 8 – Tornado of Souls

“Tornado of Souls,” a high-velocity track from Megadeth’s acclaimed album Rust in Peace, showcases the band at their most furious and rapid. This song stands out not only for its breakneck pace and raw energy but also for its deeply personal lyrics penned by Dave Mustaine, reflecting the tumultuous end of a relationship. It’s this blend of emotional depth and intense musicianship that elevates “Tornado of Souls” to a fan favorite.

Marty Friedman’s guitar work on this track is nothing short of legendary, with a solo that has etched its place in the annals of metal history. His masterful execution and emotive phrasing capture the essence of the song’s theme, making the solo a highlight that resonates with fans and guitar aficionados alike.

Beyond its technical prowess, “Tornado of Souls” is a cathartic journey through the eye of a personal and emotional storm, showcasing Megadeth’s ability to fuse heartfelt lyrics with their signature thrash metal sound.

# 7 – In My Darkest Hour

“In My Darkest Hour,” a poignant track from Megadeth’s album So Far…So Good…So What?, encapsulates a period of profound turmoil and introspection for Dave Mustaine and the band. Amid struggles with substance abuse and the departure of members Chris Poland and Gar Samuelson, this song emerges as a raw expression of vulnerability and loss. Adding a layer of depth to its significance, Mustaine dedicates the track to Cliff Burton, his late former bandmate from Metallica, whose untimely death left a deep impact.

# 6 – A Toute Le Monde

“A Tout Le Monde,” a distinct departure from Megadeth’s typical high-octane tracks, showcases the band’s versatility with a more subdued, ballad-like composition. Featured on their 1994 album Youthanasia, this song highlights Dave Mustaine’s lyrical prowess, incorporating French phrases that add a unique touch to the track’s introspective appeal. The use of French not only showcases Mustaine’s skill as a songwriter but also lends the song an international flair, setting it apart within Megadeth’s discography.

The song stirred considerable controversy upon its release, with MTV expressing concerns over the lyrics’ potential to be interpreted as glorifying suicide. Despite the controversy, “A Tout Le Monde” remains a fan favorite, appreciated for its emotional depth and melodic approach, proving Megadeth’s ability to transcend the boundaries of thrash metal.

Years after its initial release, Megadeth revisited “A Tout Le Monde,” recording a new version with Lacuna Coil’s vocalist, Cristina Scabbia. This collaboration breathed new life into the song, introducing it to a wider audience and showcasing the timeless quality of its composition and lyrical themes.

# 5 – Sweating Bullets

Countdown the Extinction was an album that’s consistency was helped by stability in the lineup at the time. “Sweating Bullets” was one of the highlights of the album, made notable by its unqiue music video and lyrics that dealt with schizophrenia.

# 4 – Wake Up Dead

From Peace Sells… this was the band’s first single and a relentless slice of early raw thrash metal. A great example of the band’s speed, it tells a tale of marital infidelity with energetic riffs and leads that are good for any aspiring guitarist who likes a challenge.

# 3 – Peace Sells

In many ways the prototypical Megadeth song, with its technicality and social commentary. A Megadeth anthem and of thrash metal in general, it shows the band at the time when they were at their best both musically and when Mustaine seemed to have a better idea politically before he became a born-again Christian appearing on right-wing talk shows.

# 2 – Symphony of Destruction

Diving into Megadeth’s iconic 1992 album Countdown to Extinction, we uncover the gem “Symphony of Destruction,” a track that marries electrifying guitar work with insightful commentary on leadership and its potential for catastrophe. The song crafts a compelling narrative around a figure resembling a modern-day pied piper, drawing parallels to the dangers of blindly following authority to the brink of disaster. Its gripping riff, which has undoubtedly energized many a metal club night, underscores the song’s urgent message.

Megadeth masterfully intertwines a catchy, hard-hitting musical foundation with a storyline that captures the imagination, making “Symphony of Destruction” a standout in their repertoire. The song’s exploration of apocalyptic imagery and the allure of demagoguery speaks volumes, cementing its place as a thought-provoking piece within the metal genre.

# 1 – Holy Wars…The Punishment Due

“Holy Wars… The Punishment Due” stands as a quintessential track from Megadeth’s seminal album Rust in Peace, epitomizing the band’s hallmark intensity and musical ingenuity. This masterpiece showcases the band’s remarkable versatility, morphing seamlessly from one thematic and musical phase to another. Initially, the song dives into a high-octane thrash metal frenzy, accompanied by incisive lyrics that cast a critical eye on the pitfalls of religious fanaticism and conflict.

As the track progresses, it undergoes a dramatic transformation, both in terms of its musical composition and lyrical content. Shifting gears into a more progressive metal terrain, the latter half narrates a compelling tale of vengeance, enriched by intricate guitar work and complex arrangements that highlight Megadeth’s technical prowess. This transition not only serves as a testament to the band’s dynamic range but also encapsulates the thematic depth and narrative storytelling that Megadeth has come to be known for.

Beyond its immediate impact, “Holy Wars… The Punishment Due” is celebrated for its intricate guitar riffs and solos, masterfully executed by Dave Mustaine and Marty Friedman, which have left an indelible mark on the genre. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to blend aggressive musicianship with thought-provoking themes, making it a definitive anthem in Megadeth’s catalog and a touchstone for metal aficionados worldwide.