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
5/5 ·
Negoba
Maybe the Best Thrash Album of All Time

Megadeth's Peace Sells is of course a classic thrash album, with virtually all metalheads knowing it forward and backward. It is a guitar junkie's paradise, a combination of speed, attitude, and feel that is simply some of the best metal I've ever heard. And though I am a Chris Poland fanboy, the credit for this monster goes #1 to Dave Mustaine and #2 to Gar Samuelson.

The leadership provided by Gar in early Megadeth is often overlooked, though Dave is quick to recognize him interviews. Gar basically set the tone for the entire band, giving the idea of stressing political lyrics, a more economical songwriting style (and often helped with arrangements), and unfortunately was the one who brought in the really heavy drugs. He brought in Poland, a monster talent with a monster habit. The band was a firestorm of chaos and it is only the phenomenal talent of the musicians that kept it together at all.

This recording sees the classic lineup essentially at their peak. Some of the songs and riffs had been in Dave's back catalog for some time. (The intro riff to Devil's island was the first thing the two Daves ever played together.) But hundreds of gigs together and a bigger budget allowed the second album to combine the raw energy and a refinement to a nice point.

Everyone has their favorite parts, but the instrumental aspects of "Wake Up Dead" are what hooked me when I first got this album and still capture me. The harmony leads, the mid solo, and most importantly the most break are just great. Right after "Diana," comes the most crushing riff I've ever heard, with Mustaine and Gar working together perfectally.

"I Ain't Superstitious" is the only weak part of the album, and it's a fun novelty. Every other track here is a metal classic. Poland and Mustaine's soloing works together quite well despite the fact that they are completely different players. Poland's legato runs contrast to the raw agression and the result is shred genius.

More words than necessary. Bottom Line is this is an absolute classic and masterpiece. I rate this as on nearly equal footing as Master of Puppets as perhaps the best metal album of all time.
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