Megadeth

Peace Sells...But Who's Buying?

This ain't no sophomore slump

Review Score:

(8/10)
Peace Sells... But Who's Buying? (1986.) Megadeth's second album.

Following his being exiled from Metallica, Dave Mustaine formed his own band, Megadeth. The band went through a few persona changes before releasing their 1985 debut album, Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good!. Although that album was very rough around the edges, it DID show that the band had serious potential. Along with the same musicians that recorded the first album with him, Dave and company went into the studio, and recorded and released their sophomore effort, Peace Sells... But Who's Buying? in 1986. Read on for my review.

This album is by no means perfect, but it's a major step up from the band's previous album. I feel that this probably the band's most overrated album, but it's a rare example of a metal album that deserves its lofty reputation - this is the recording that would put Megadeth on the map. Most of the album is comprised of raw thrash tracks, similar to what was featured on the band's previous album as well as on Metallica's first album. However, when it comes to raw thrash tracks, Megadeth is king. Wake Up Dead, Peace Sells, and Bad Omen are instant thrash classics. One song on the album that is rather frequently debated is the Willie Dixon cover, I Ain't Superstitious. This song IS different from all the others, but I think people are too hard on it. It's an all around good tune. My personal favorite tune on the album, though, would have to be the medley of Good Mourning and Black Friday. What starts as a slow and melodic tune quickly evolves into fast and furious thrash as only Megadeth could do. This album isn't perfect by any means, but it was Megadeth's first wildly-popular album, and in more ways than not, the one that put them on the map. Four (out of five) stars.

Unfortunately, when it comes to the current edition of this album, there are a few problems. In America, the only version of the album readily available (as of June 17, 2004) is the original CD release. This recording is in dire need of remastering! Likewise, it would be great if they remastered and rereleased it in a similar manner to what they did with Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good!, with expanded liner notes and bonus tracks. If that album can get remastered and rereleased, why can't this one?

In the end, this is a very good album. Not Megadeth's finest by any means, but solid through and through nonetheless. However, this is NOT the best place to start if you're new to the band! If you're new to Megadeth, start with the 1990 album Rust In Peace - their eighties stuff could give you the wrong idea about what the band is all about. Get some experience listening to the band first, and then get this album. You'll be able to appreciate it more then.

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