MEGADETH — Peace Sells... But Who's Buying? (review)

MEGADETH — Peace Sells... But Who's Buying? album cover Album · 1986 · Thrash Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
4.5/5 ·
The Angry Scotsman
Regarded as one of the thrash metal classics, this album certainly deserves the praise it receives.

It starts right off with a classic Megadeth song, "Wake Up Dead". It has all the Mustaine staples that we have come to expect. An unorthodox song structure, fast technical riffing, great guitar work and lots of solos. A unique, and amazingly well crafted song, just like every song on the album.

It should be no surprise that this is fairly complex and unusual (for metal) album considering the lead guitarist and drummer were originally from a jazz fusion band! Mustaine always did surround himself with great musicians. The drumming in particular is quite good on this album. His jazz influenced thrash drumming is superb, (though a bit toned down from the previous album) and adds an intriguing combo of feel and technicality.

The guitar work is amazing, though this shouldn't even need to be said. The riffing, the solos, the lead/rhythm work, it all is superb. More than the music itself, the songs are extremely well built. The structure and flow is great, and each song is unique. Also needless to say, Dave's vocals are not the best, (and can take some real getting used to) but are not too terrible, (sans that AWFUL chorus in Devil's Island). There is almost no filler or parts that drag.

Dave's vocals are merely adequate and sometimes are rough, the quality is quite low and can detract from the music. The re mastered version of Killing is My Business...did wonders, especially for the drumming. While thrashy, (and no doubt intense musically) it can lack a bit of power at times, not sure what this is due to though, most likely the production.

An excellent album. The music is near flawless in every way, and Mustaine really can be a brilliant songwriter, and not afraid to showcase some technical, (and even progressive) songwriting into thrash. His vocals are not the best but at least the lyrics are pretty intriguing.

Devil's Island is the weakest on the album, while standouts are Peace Sells, My Last Words, and I Ain't Superstitious, which is a cover of the original blues song and is really quite amazing. From the very first listen, it is obviously a blues song in its main riff and song structure, and actually works really well for metal. The second half is also one of the most intense parts on the whole CD!

Very Excellent album.

Four and a Half Stars

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