Megadeth, one of the pioneers of thrash steel, has left an indelible mark on the arena of heavy song. With a discography spanning over three many years, each album is a testament to the band’s evolution and innovation.
In this article, we are able to delve into the Megadeth discography, exploring every album in order of its release, and dissecting the specific characteristics that make them stand out within the world of metallic.
Megadeth Albums in Order
| Album Name | Release Date |
| Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good! | June 12, 1985 |
| Peace Sells… but Who’s Buying? | September 19, 1986 |
| So Far, So Good… So What! | January 19, 1988 |
| Rust in Peace | September 24, 1990 |
| Countdown to Extinction | July 14, 1992 |
| Youthanasia | November 1, 1994 |
| Cryptic Writings | June 17, 1997 |
| Risk | August 31, 1999 |
| The World Needs a Hero | May 15, 2001 |
| The System Has Failed | September 14, 2004 |
| United Abominations | May 15, 2007 |
| Endgame | September 15, 2009 |
| Thirteen | November 1, 2011 |
| Super Collider | June 4, 2013 |
| Dystopia | January 22, 2016 |
| The Sick, the Dying… and the Dead! | September 2, 2022 |
Before diving into the albums, let’s briefly study the band’s heritage. Formed in 1983 with the aid of Dave Mustaine, the band has continuously added an effective and concept-setting track. Known for its technical prowess and politically charged lyrics, Megadeth has garnered a devoted fan base globally.
1. “Killing Is My Business… And Business Is Good!” — June 12, 1985
Tracks
- Last Rites/Loved to Death
- Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good!
- The Skull Beneath the Skin
- These Boots
- Rattlehead
- Chosen Ones
- Looking Down the Cross
- Mechanix
Megadeth’s debut album, “Killing Is My Business… And Business Is Good!,” hit the metal scene like a whirlwind. With tracks like “Rattlehead” and “Mechanix,” this album showcased their uncooked energy and Mustaine’s shredding guitar talents.
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2. “Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying?” — September 19, 1986
Tracks
- Wake Up Dead
- The Conjuring
- Peace Sells
- Devils Island
- Good Mourning/Black Friday
- Bad Omen
- I Ain’t Superstitious
- My Last Words
This album is a landmark in the world of thrash metal. “Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying?” featured the enduring bassline of the title tune and lyrics that commented on the socio-political panorama of the 1980s.
3. “So Far, So Good… So What!” — January 19, 1988
Track
- Into the Lungs of Hell
- Set the World Afire
- Anarchy in the U.K.
- Mary Jane
- 502
- In My Darkest Hour
- Liar
- Hook in Mouth
With an alternate in the lineup, this album maintained Megadeth’s signature aggression. “In My Darkest Hour” and “Hook in Mouth” are standout tracks that showcase the band’s musical increase.
4. “Rust in Peace” — September 24, 1990
Tracks
- Holy Wars… The Punishment Due
- Hangar 18
- Take No Prisoners
- Five Magics
- Poison Was the Cure
- Lucretia
- Tornado of Souls
- Dawn Patrol
- Rust in Peace… Polaris
Often considered one of the greatest steel albums of all time, “Rust in Peace” showcased the band’s technical prowess. Tracks like “Holy Wars… The Punishment Due” and “Tornado of Souls” are elaborate masterpieces.
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5. “Countdown to Extinction” — July 14, 1992
Tracks
- Skin o’ My Teeth
- Symphony of Destruction
- Architecture of Aggression
- Foreclosure of a Dream
- Sweating Bullets
- This Was My Life
- Countdown to Extinction
- High Speed Dirt
- Psychotron
- Captive Honour
- Ashes in Your Mouth
This album marked a shift toward a more mainstream sound while maintaining the band’s lyrical intensity. “Symphony of Destruction” and “Sweating Bullets” became instantaneous classics.
6. “Youthanasia” — November 1, 1994
Tracks
- Reckoning Day
- Train of Consequences
- Addicted to Chaos
- A Tout le Monde
- Elysian Fields
- The Killing Road
- Blood of Heroes
- Family Tree” 4:07 9. “
- Youthanasia
- I Thought I Knew It All
- Black Curtains
- Victory
“Youthanasia” persisted the band’s exploration of a melodic aspect, with tracks like “A Tout le Monde” and “Reckoning Day” showcasing an extra contemplative Megadeth.
7. “Cryptic Writings” — June 17, 1997
Tracks
- Trust
- Almost Honest
- Use the Man
- Mastermind
- The Disintegrators
- I’ll Get Even
- Sin
- A Secret Place
- Have Cool, Will Travel
- She-Wolf
- Vortex
- FFF
This album offered a diverse variety of sounds, from the heavy “Trust” to the melodic “A Secret Place.” Megadeth proved their versatility.
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8. “Risk” — August 31, 1999
Tracks
- Insomnia
- Prince of Darkness
- Enter the Arena
- Crush ‘Em
- Breadline
- The Doctor Is Calling
- I’ll Be There
- Wanderlust
- EcstasySeven
- Time: The Beginning
- Time: The End
“Risk” became a controversial album due to its departure from the band’s conventional style. While a few enthusiasts have been divided, tracks like “Breadline” displayed Megadeth’s willingness to experiment.
9. “The World Needs a Hero” — May 15, 2001
Tracks
- Disconnect
- The World Needs a Hero
- Moto Psycho” 3:06 4. “
- 1000 Times Goodbye
- Burning Bridges
- Promises
- Recipe for Hate… Warhorse
- Losing My Senses
- Dread and the Fugitive Mind
- Silent Scorn
- Return to Hangar
- When
Returning to their thrash roots, “The World Needs a Hero” became a comeback of kinds. “Dread and the Fugitive Mind” became a standout song on this album.
10. “The System Has Failed” — September 14, 2004
Tracks
- Blackmail the Universe
- Die Dead Enough
- Kick the Chair
- The Scorpion
- Tears in a Vial
- I Know Jack
- Back in the Day
- Something That I’m Not
- Truth Be Told
- Of Mice and Men
- Shadow of Deth
- My Kingdom
This album noticed Dave Mustaine as the only authentic member of Megadeth. “Die Dead Enough” and “Kick the Chair” validated Mustaine’s resilience.
11. “United Abominations” — May 15, 2007
Tracks
- Sleepwalker
- Washington Is Next!
- Never Walk Alone… A Call to Arms
- United Abominations
- Gears of War
- Blessed Are the Dead
- Play for Blood
- À Tout le Monde (Set Me Free)
- Amerikhastan
- You’re Dead
- Burnt Ice
With its politically charged topics, “United Abominations” noticed Megadeth’s return to shape. “Washington Is Next!” and “Sleepwalker” are memorable tracks.
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12. “Endgame” — September 15, 2009
Tracks
- Dialectic Chaos
- This Day We Fight!
- 44 Minutes
- 1,320
- Bite the Hand
- Bodies
- Endgame
- The Hardest Part of Letting Go… Sealed with a Kiss
- Head Crusher
- How the Story Ends
- The Right to Go Insane
“Endgame” persevered the band’s resurgence with complicated compositions like “Head Crusher” and “The Right to Go Insane.”
13. “Th1rt3en” — November 1, 2011
Tracks
- Sudden Death
- Public Enemy No. 1
- Whose Life (Is It Anyways?)
- We the People
- Guns, Drugs, & Money
- Never Dead
- New World Order
- Fast Lane
- Black Swan
- Wrecker
- Millennium of the Blind
- Deadly Nightshade
- 13
Released on the band’s 13th studio album, “Thirteen” included re-recorded tracks and new compositions. “Public Enemy No. 1” stands out.
14. “Super Collider” — June 4, 2013
Tracks
- Kingmaker
- Super Collider
- Burn!
- Built for War
- Off the Edge
- Dance in the Rain
- Beginning of Sorrow
- The Blackest Crow
- Forget to Remember
- Don’t Turn Your Back…
- Cold Sweat
“Super Collider” featured a combination of heavy and radio-friendly tracks. “Kingmaker” is the highlight of this album.
15. “Dystopia” — January 22, 2016
Tracks
- The Threat Is Real
- Dystopia
- Fatal Illusion
- Death from Within
- Bullet to the Brain
- Post American World
- Poisonous Shadows
- Conquer or Die!
- Lying in State
- The Emperor
- Foreign Policy
“Dystopia” earned Megadeth a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance. “Fatal Illusion” showcases their endured relevance.
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16. “The Sick, the Dying… and the Dead!” — September 2, 2022
Tracks
- The Sick, the Dying… and the Dead!
- Life in Hell
- Night Stalkers
- Dogs of Chernobyl
- Sacrifice
- Junkie
- Psychopathy
- Killing Time
- Soldier On!
- Célebutante
- Mission to Mars
- We’ll Be Back
The most recent addition to the Megadeth discography, “The Sick, the Dying… and the Dead!” continues their legacy.
Conclusion
Megadeth’s journey through their albums is a testament to their ability to evolve while staying true to their metal roots. Each release offers a unique perspective on the world of heavy music, making them an enduring presence in the metal scene.