megadeth

File:Megadeth performing in San Antonio, Texas (27457595376).jpg formed Megadeth in 1983, after being fired from Metallica.]]

On April 11, 1983, Dave Mustaine was fired from Metallica just prior to the band recording their debut album Kill 'Em All due to substance abuse and personal conflicts with James Hetfield kicking his dog. As Metallica's lead guitarist since 1981, Mustaine had composed some of the group's early songs and helped hone the band into a tight live unit.{{sfn|Mustaine|2010|p=101}}{{sfn|Gulla|2009|p=101}} Afterward, Mustaine vowed revenge by forming a band that was faster and heavier than Metallica.{{sfn|Wagner|2010|p=42}} On the bus trip back to Los Angeles, Mustaine found a pamphlet by California senator Alan Cranston that read: "The arsenal of megadeath can't be rid no matter what the peace treaties come to."{{sfn|Mustaine|2011|p=87}} The term "Megadeath" stuck with Mustaine and he wrote a song with that title with the spelling slightly changed to Megadeth, which, according to Mustaine, represented the annihilation of power.{{cite web|last=Summers|first=Jodi Beth|date=June 1987|title=Out to Lunch|work=Hit Parader|publisher=Rockmetal.art.pl|url=http://megadeth.rockmetal.art.pl/interviews_hitparader1987.html|access-date=November 15, 2013|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303192141/http://megadeth.rockmetal.art.pl/interviews_hitparader1987.html|url-status=dead}}

After arriving back in Los Angeles, Mustaine began the search for new bandmates for his band. He formed the band Fallen Angels, which included Lor Kane on vocals, Robby McKinney on guitar and Matt Kisselstein on bass, in April 1983.{{cite web|url=https://www.megadeth.com/blogs/news/439772|title=Scorpion Q+A 304|work=Megadeth.com|accessdate=April 18, 2024|date=March 14, 2017}} The band's name was changed to Megadeth on Kane's recommendation.{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/how-did-megadeth-get-band-name/|title=How Did Megadeth Get Their Band Name?|date=August 23, 2023|accessdate=April 18, 2024|work=Loudwire|last=DiVita|first=Joe}} As the founder, Mustaine added his new neighbors David Ellefson and Greg Handevidt to the band, who had moved from Minnesota to Los Angeles and played bass and guitar, respectively.• Laydon, Page 103. Layden, Joe (2011). Mustaine: A Heavy Metal Memoir. HarperCollins Publishers. {{ISBN|9780061714405}}. Ellefson has stated that Handevidt, rather than Kane, came up with the idea to change the band name.{{cite web |title=DAVID ELLEFSON Says He Is Technically A Founding Member Of MEGADETH|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/david-elefson-says-he-is-technically-a-founding-member-of-megadeth |website=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=October 2, 2024 |date=February 6, 2016}} A demo was recorded by the lineup (which had expanded to include Richard Girod on drums),{{cite journal|url=https://thecorroseum.org/fanzines/whiplash-usa-01.php|journal=Whiplash|date=1983|title=Megadeath|volume=1|accessdate=May 1, 2024}} though the band realized that they would have to retool some of the songs following the release of Metallica's debut album, in July 1983.{{cite web|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/features/megadeth-greg-handevidt|title="I'd hear Dave Mustaine aimlessly riffing on the couch, and it's the riffs that ended up on the first two Megadeth – and, frankly, Metallica – records": Megadeth's first lead guitarist Greg Handevidt on the birth of a metal institution|last=Daly|first=Andrew|work=Guitar World|date=August 2, 2023|accessdate=August 3, 2023}} The only Metallica-era song that ended up on Megadeth's debut album was "Mechanix".{{cite web|url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/8-things-you-didnt-know-about-megadeths-killing-my-business-and-business-good/|title=8 Things You Didn't Know About Megadeth's 'Killing Is My Business… And Business Is Good'|work=Revolver|date=June 12, 2018|accessdate=February 17, 2025}} Megadeth songs from the summer of 1983 included "No Time", "Self Destruct", "Hair Pin Trigger", "Speak No Evil", "Eye for Eye" and "Heaven Knows". "No Time" was an early title for "Set the World Afire", "Self Destruct" was the original title for "Mary Jane"{{cite web|url=https://lostmediawiki.com/Megadeath_(lost_Megadeth_demo_tape;_1983)|title=Megadeath (lost Megadeth demo tape; 1983)|work=Lost Media Wiki|accessdate=May 1, 2024}} and "Speak No Evil" was the original title of "Looking Down the Cross."{{sfn|Ellefson|McIver|2013|p=46}}

While Handevidt would only last a few months, Mustaine and Ellefson formed a tight musical bond. Despite his enthusiasm, Mustaine had trouble finding other members to fill out the lineup. He and Ellefson auditioned about 15 drummers, hoping to find one who understood meter changes in music.{{sfn|Prown|Newquist|1997|p=227}} After playing with Dijon Carruthers{{cite web|url=https://www.themetalvoice.com/post/agent-steel-singer-i-was-brought-into-megadeth-early-on-to-crush-metallica-vocally-john-cyriis|work=The Metal Voice|date=March 2, 2023|title=Agent Steel Singer “I Was Brought Into Megadeth, Early On, To Crush Metallica Vocally” John Cyriis|access-date=April 9, 2025}} and Girod, they selected Lee Rauch. Following six months of trying to find a lead singer, Mustaine decided to perform lead vocals himself.{{sfn|Prown|Newquist|1997|p=227}} Singers who temporarily joined the band included Billy Bonds and John Cyriis, who would found Agent Steel after his firing from Megadeth.{{cite web|url=https://bravewords.com/news/agent-steel-founder-vocalist-john-cyriis-on-briefly-joining-megadeth-dave-mustaine-was-not-prepared-to-launch-the-first-album-with-my-lyrical-subjects|title=AGENT STEEL Founder/Vocalist JOHN CYRIIS On Briefly Joining MEGADETH - "DAVE MUSTAINE Was Not Prepared To Launch The First Album With My Lyrical Subjects"|work=Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles|date=October 24, 2019|accessdate=May 12, 2022|archive-date=May 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220513032247/https://bravewords.com/news/agent-steel-founder-vocalist-john-cyriis-on-briefly-joining-megadeth-dave-mustaine-was-not-prepared-to-launch-the-first-album-with-my-lyrical-subjects|url-status=dead}}

In 1984, Megadeth recorded a three-song demo tape featuring Mustaine, Ellefson and Rauch.{{cite web|url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/dave-mustaine-metallica-fired/|title=Dave Mustaine After Metallica: 40 Moments for 40 Years|work=Ultimate Classic Rock|date=April 11, 2023|accessdate=April 17, 2024}} The demo tape, Last Rites, was released on March 9, 1984. It featured early versions of "Last Rites/Loved to Death", "The Skull Beneath the Skin" and "Mechanix", all of which appeared on the band's debut album.{{sfn|Mustaine|2011|p=124}}

The band was unable to find a compatible second guitarist. Kerry King of Slayer filled in on rhythm guitar for several shows in the San Francisco area in 1984, starting with the debut gig on February 17 at Ruthie's Inn in Berkeley, California,{{cite web|title=First Show Played 37 Years Ago Today|url=https://www.megadeth.com/blogs/news/first-show-played-37-years-ago-today|work=Megadeth.com|date=February 18, 2021|access-date=March 31, 2025}} as well as a gig at The Keystone in Berkeley that April{{cite web|title=Watch Slayer's Kerry King thrash it up onstage with Megadeth… in 1984|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/megadeth-slayer-video-kerry-king-dave-mustaine-1984|work=Metal Hammer|date=September 20, 2022|access-date=April 18, 2024}} and would play five shows in total with the band.{{cite web|last=Doe|first=Bernard|title=DAVID ELLEFSON Looks Back On KERRY KING's 1984 Shows With MEGADETH: He Was 'Incredible'|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/david-ellefson-looks-back-on-kerry-kings-1984-shows-with-megadeth-he-was-incredible|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=September 25, 2020|access-date=April 17, 2024}} King went back to Slayer and Rauch was replaced with jazz fusion drummer Gar Samuelson.{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/early-megadeth-drummer-lee-rauch-died/|title=Early Megadeth Drummer Lee Rauch Has Died|work=Loudwire|date=November 4, 2022|accessdate=November 18, 2024|last=Childers|first=Chad}} Samuelson officially joined Megadeth on October 24, 1984.{{cite web|url=https://rockcelebrities.net/dave-mustaines-remorse-about-megadeths-gar-samuelson/|title=Dave Mustaine's Remorse About Megadeth's Gar Samuelson|work=Rock Celebrities|date=November 4, 2022|accessdate=August 3, 2023|last=Cobanoglu|first=Cansu}} Samuelson had previously been in the jazz band The New Yorkers with guitarist Chris Poland.{{cite web|url=https://www.classicrockhistory.com/chris-poland-the-classicrockhistory-com-interview/|title=Chris Poland: The ClassicRockHistory.com Interview|work=Classic Rock History.com|date=|accessdate=August 3, 2023|last=Montalbano|first=Anthony}} After seeing Samuelson perform with Megadeth as a trio, Poland went backstage and suggested an impromptu audition as lead guitarist for the band; he joined Megadeth in December 1984.{{sfn|Wagner|2010|p=42}}

After considering several labels, Mustaine signed the band to Combat Records, a New York-based Independent record label that offered Megadeth the highest budget to record and tour.{{cite web|last=Doe|first=Bernard|title=Megadeth – Love It To Death|url=http://www.metalforcesmagazine.com/site/feature-megadeth-mf12/|work=Metal Forces|date=December 1985|access-date=November 13, 2013}} In 1985, Combat Records gave the band $8,000 to record and produce its debut album. After spending $4,000 of the budget on drugs, alcohol and food, the band fired the original producer and finished the recording themselves.{{sfn|Ellefson|McIver|2013|p=53}}

Despite its low-fidelity sound,{{sfn|Ellefson|McIver|2013|p=55}} Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good! was relatively successful in underground metal circles and attracted major-label interest.{{sfn|Bukszpan|2003|p=242}} The band was calling itself State Of The Art Speed Metal.{{cite web|url=https://www.metallian.com/megadeth.php|title=Megadeth Biography|website=metallian|access-date=August 1, 2022|date=August 1, 2022}} Music writer Joel McIver praised its "blistering technicality" and stated that the album "raised the bar for the whole thrash metal scene, with guitarists forced to perform even more accurately and powerfully".{{sfn|McIver|2008|loc=Chapter 7}} The front cover marked the debut of band mascot Vic Rattlehead, who regularly appeared on subsequent album artwork.{{cite news|title=Megadeth: The Making Of The New 'Vic Rattlehead' Mask|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-the-making-of-the-new-vic-rattlehead-mask-video/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=October 2, 2012|access-date=March 6, 2013}}

Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good! features "Mechanix", a song Mustaine wrote during his time with Metallica. Though Mustaine told the band after his dismissal not to use the music he had written, Metallica recorded a different version of the song, "The Four Horsemen", with a slower tempo and a melodic middle section.{{cite web|first=Josh|last=Hart|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/dave-mustaine-early-days-metallica-i-had-always-called-us-four-horsemen|title=Dave Mustaine on Early Days With Metallica: "I Had Always Called Us the 'Four Horsemen'"|work=Revolver|publisher=Guitar World|date=August 15, 2011|access-date=November 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212011659/http://www.guitarworld.com/dave-mustaine-early-days-metallica-i-had-always-called-us-four-horsemen|archive-date=December 12, 2013|url-status=dead}} The album also included a cover of Nancy Sinatra's "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'{{Thin space}}", at a faster tempo and with altered lyrics. Megadeth's version generated controversy during the 1990s, when its writer, Lee Hazlewood, called Mustaine's changes "vile and offensive".{{cite book|title=Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good! liner notes (2002 reissue)|year=2002|publisher=Loud Records|page=8}} Under threat of legal action, the song was removed from pressings released from 1995 to 2001.{{cite magazine|last=Begrand|first=Adrien|magazine=PopMatters|date=April 30, 2002|url=https://www.popmatters.com/review/megadeath-killing/|title=Megadeth: Killing is My Business... and Business is Good!|access-date=November 16, 2013}}

In mid-1985, on a bill with Canadian speed metal band Exciter, Megadeth played its first North American tour: the Killing for a Living Tour. Guitarist Mike Albert replaced Poland, who was battling drug addiction.{{sfn|Ellefson|McIver|2013|pp=55–56}} Although Albert was originally supposed to be a permanent replacement, Poland rejoined Megadeth in October 1985, shortly before the group began recording its second album for Combat.{{sfn|Ellefson|McIver|2013|p=58}}

According to Mustaine, Megadeth was under pressure to deliver another successful album: "That sophomore offering is the 'be-all or end-all' of any band. You either go to the next level, or it's the beginning of the nadir."{{cite news|last=Kot|first=Greg|title=Megadeth's Dave Mustaine says he and Metallica have hugged out|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-08-20/entertainment/ct-ott-0820-megadeth-20100820_1_metallica-thrash-metal-megadeth|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|date=August 15, 2010|access-date=November 17, 2013|archive-date=December 17, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217044616/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-08-20/entertainment/ct-ott-0820-megadeth-20100820_1_metallica-thrash-metal-megadeth|url-status=dead}} Mustaine composed the music for the album, with the other members adding arrangement ideas.{{sfn|Tarquin|2012|p=72}}

The album was produced on a $25,000 budget from Combat Records. Dissatisfied with its financial limitations, the band left Combat and signed with Capitol Records. Capitol bought the rights to the album, and hired producer Paul Lani to remix the earlier recordings. Released in late 1986, Peace Sells... but Who's Buying? has clearer production and more sophisticated songwriting.{{sfn|Konow|2009|p=243}} Mustaine wanted to write socially conscious lyrics, unlike mainstream heavy metal bands who sang about "hedonistic pleasures".{{cite news|last=Matsumoto|first=Jon|title=Megadeth: These Heavy Metalers Thrash For Peace|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-10-16-ca-5888-story.html|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=October 16, 1986|access-date=November 15, 2013}} The album was noted for its political commentary and helped Megadeth expand its fanbase.{{sfn|Talevski|2010|p=570}} The title track was the album's second single, and was accompanied by a music video that received regular airplay on MTV.{{sfn|Ellefson|McIver|2013|p=61}}

In February 1987, Megadeth was the opening act on Alice Cooper's Constrictor tour,{{cite news|last=Popson|first=Tom|date=February 6, 1987|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1987/02/06/megadeth-hed-to-go-here/|title=Megadeth Hed To Go Here|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|access-date=November 15, 2013}} and the following month began its first headlining world tour in the United Kingdom. The 72-week tour was supported by Overkill and Necros, and continued in the United States.{{sfn|Rees|Crampton|1999|p=658}} During the tour, Mustaine and Ellefson considered firing Samuelson for his drug abuse.{{sfn|Konow|2009|p=244}} According to Mustaine, Samuelson had become too much to handle when intoxicated. Drummer Chuck Behler traveled with Megadeth for the last dates of the tour as the other band members feared Samuelson would not be able to continue. Poland quarreled with Mustaine, and was accused of selling band equipment to buy heroin.{{sfn|Konow|2009|p=244}} As a result, Samuelson and Poland were asked to leave Megadeth in 1987, with Behler becoming the band's full-time drummer.{{sfn|Rees|Crampton|1999|p=658}}

Poland was initially replaced by Jay Reynolds of Malice, but as the band began working on its next record, Reynolds was replaced by his guitar teacher, Jeff Young, when Megadeth was six weeks into the recording of its third album.{{cite web|first=Celesete|last=Gomes|title=So Far, So Good For Megadeth|url=http://megadeth.rockmetal.art.pl/interviews_rock1988.html|work=Classic Rock|publisher=Rockmetal.art.pl|date=August 1988|access-date=November 8, 2013|archive-date=July 20, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090720120651/http://megadeth.rockmetal.art.pl/interviews_rock1988.html|url-status=dead}}

With a major-label budget, the Paul Lani-produced So Far, So Good... So What! took over five months to record. The production was plagued with problems, partially due to Mustaine's struggle with drug addiction. Mustaine later said: "The production of So Far, So Good... So What! was horrible, mostly due to substances and the priorities we had or didn't have at the time." Mustaine clashed with Lani, beginning with Lani's insistence that the drums be recorded separately from the cymbals, an unheard-of process for rock drummers.{{Cite AV media notes|title=So Far, So Good... So What! (2004 reissue)|type=liner notes|year=2004|publisher=Capitol Records|page=2}} Mustaine and Lani became estranged during the mixing, and Lani was replaced by Michael Wagener, who remixed the album.{{sfn|Ellefson|McIver|2013|p=71}}

So Far, So Good... So What! was released in January 1988 and was well received by fans and critics.{{cite web|last=Christgau|first=Robert|title=Consumer Guide Reviews|url=http://www.robertchristgau.com/get_artist.php?name=megadeth|work=The Village Voice|year=1987|access-date=December 6, 2013}} The album featured a cover version of the Sex Pistols' "Anarchy in the U.K."; Mustaine changed the lyrics, later saying that he had simply heard them incorrectly. To support the album, Megadeth embarked on a world tour that lasted for nearly eight months. The band (along with Savatage) opened for Dio on their Dream Evil tour and supported Iron Maiden on their Seventh Son of a Seventh Son tour, both in the United States.{{sfn|Rees|Crampton|1999|p=546}} They also headlined a North American tour with Warlock and Sanctuary (whose debut album Refuge Denied was produced by Mustaine), and a European trek with Testament, Nuclear Assault, Flotsam and Jetsam and Sanctuary.{{Cite web|url=http://www.metallipromo.com/meg.html|title=Megadeth|website=metallipromo.com|access-date=December 27, 2019}}

In June 1988, Megadeth appeared in Penelope Spheeris' documentary The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years.{{sfn|Bukszpan|2003|p=244}} The documentary chronicled the Los Angeles heavy metal scene of the late 1980s, and Spheeris, who had directed Megadeth in the video for "Wake Up Dead", decided to include them to feature a more serious band in contrast to the glam metal groups.{{sfn|Unterberger|Hicks|1999|p=416}}{{Cite AV media notes|title=Greatest Hits: Back to the Start|type=liner notes|year=2005|publisher=Capitol Records|page=2|last=Spheeris|first=Penelope}} Mustaine remembered the film as a disappointment, as it aligned Megadeth with "a bunch of shit bands".{{cite video|title=Megadeth: Rusted Pieces VHS|publisher=Capitol Records/EMI|date=January 1, 1991}}

In August, the band appeared at the Monsters of Rock festival at Castle Donington in the United Kingdom, performing to an audience of more than 100,000. One show featured a guest appearance by Metallica drummer (and Mustaine's former bandmate) Lars Ulrich. The band was added to the Monsters of Rock European tour, but left after the first show due to Ellefson's drug problems, for which he was treated immediately.{{sfn|Ellefson|McIver|2013|p=72}} Megadeth was replaced by Testament.{{Cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ex-megadeth-guitarist-jeff-young-responds-to-dave-mustaine-s-drug-allegations/|title=Ex-MEGADETH Guitarist JEFF YOUNG Responds To DAVE MUSTAINE's Drug Allegations|date=December 20, 2009|work=BLABBERMOUTH.NET|access-date=December 27, 2019|language=en-US}}

Shortly after the Monsters of Rock appearance, Mustaine fired Behler and Young and canceled Megadeth's Australian tour. "On the road, things escalated from a small border skirmish into a full-on raging war," Mustaine later recalled. "I think a lot of us were inconsistent because of [drugs]."{{cite web|last=Niles|first=Eric|title=Rust in Peace|url=http://megadeth.rockmetal.art.pl/interviews_musicconnection1990.html|work=Music Connection|publisher=Rockmetal.art.pl|date=September 1990|access-date=December 8, 2013|archive-date=July 23, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090723233916/http://megadeth.rockmetal.art.pl/interviews_musicconnection1990.html|url-status=dead}} During the tour, Mustaine noticed problems developing with Behler and brought in drummer Nick Menza as Behler's drum technician. As with Samuelson, Menza was expected to take over if Behler could not continue the tour. Menza replaced Behler in 1989.{{sfn|Kajzer|Lotring|2010|p=192}} Young's dismissal resulted from Mustaine's suspicions that he was having an affair with Mustaine's then-girlfriend, an allegation Young denied.{{cite web|last=Dome |first=Malcolm |title=Megadeth Bitching: Mustaine And Young At War! |url=http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/megadeth-bitching-mustaine-and-young-at-war/ |work=Classic Rock |date=December 21, 2009 |access-date=December 8, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211012459/http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/megadeth-bitching-mustaine-and-young-at-war/ |archive-date=December 11, 2013 }}

The band was unable to quickly find a suitable replacement for Young. Although 1989 marked the first time since its inception that Megadeth did not tour nor perform at least one show, they recorded a cover version of Alice Cooper's "No More Mr. Nice Guy" which appeared on the soundtrack to the Wes Craven horror movie Shocker.{{sfn|Buckley|2003|p=660}} The video was directed by Penelope Spheeris, who recalled the filming as a "Herculean task" as Mustaine was unable to play guitar because of his drug addiction.{{sfn|Bukszpan|2003|p=244}} During the March 1989 auditions for a new lead guitarist, Mustaine was arrested for driving under the influence and possession of narcotics after crashing into a parked vehicle occupied by an off-duty police officer.{{sfn|Janosik|2006|p=97}} Mustaine entered court-ordered drug rehabilitation shortly afterwards, and became drug-free for the first time in ten years.{{sfn|Bukszpan|2003|p=244}}

With Mustaine sober, Megadeth continued searching for a new lead guitarist. Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash had been jamming with Mustaine and Ellefson, and although it seemed that he might join Megadeth, he remained with Guns N' Roses.{{sfn|Ellefson|McIver|2013|p=79}} Dimebag Darrell of Pantera was offered the job, but the deal fell through after Mustaine refused his request to recruit his brother, Pantera drummer Vinnie Paul, as he had already hired Menza.{{cite web|title=Dave Mustaine: Kerry King Hates My Guts|url=http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/interviews/dave_mustaine_kerry_king_hates_my_guts.html|work=Blabbermouth.net|publisher=Ultimate-Guitar.com|date=August 16, 2013|access-date=November 18, 2013}} The offer was also extended to Criss Oliva who also declined as he did not want to leave Savatage.{{cite web|title=A Look Back at Savatage's Criss Oliva|url=https://allthatshreds.com/look-back-savatages-criss-oliva/|work=All That Shreds Magazine|date=April 8, 2017|access-date=December 31, 2018|archive-date=October 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019024251/https://allthatshreds.com/look-back-savatages-criss-oliva/|url-status=dead}} Jeff Loomis, who would later go on to form progressive metal titans Nevermore, also auditioned though Mustaine deemed him too young to join as Loomis was only 18 at the time.{{cite web|title=Guitarist Jeff Loomis - "If I Would Have Joined MEGADETH I Really Wouldn't Had The Open Writing That I'm Able To Do In NEVERMORE"|url=http://bravewords.com/news/guitarist-jeff-loomis-if-i-would-have-joined-megadeth-i-really-wouldnt-had-the-open-writing-that-im-able-to-do-in-nevermore|work=BraveWords|date=July 3, 2010|access-date=February 14, 2025|archive-date=July 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730123351/https://bravewords.com/news/guitarist-jeff-loomis-if-i-would-have-joined-megadeth-i-really-wouldnt-had-the-open-writing-that-im-able-to-do-in-nevermore|url-status=dead}}

File:Megadeth1991AL.jpg in Birmingham, Alabama, in July 1991]]

Marty Friedman filled the guitarist position at the recommendation of Ron Laffitte, a member of Capitol management. Laffitte had heard Dragon's Kiss, a solo recording by Friedman when he was in Cacophony. Mustaine and Ellefson were satisfied with Friedman's style and thought that he understood Megadeth's music.{{sfn|Ellefson|McIver|2013|p=88}} With Friedman in the group, the band completed what fans consider the definitive Megadeth lineup.{{sfn|Kajzer|Lotring|2010|p=320}} The revitalized band entered the studio at Rumbo Recorders in March 1990 with co-producer Mike Clink to begin Megadeth's most critically acclaimed album, Rust in Peace. Clink was the first producer to complete a Megadeth album without being fired. Its recording was documented in Rusted Pieces, a home video released in 1991 with six music videos and an interview with the band.{{sfn|Rubiner|1993|p=167}}

Released in September 1990, Rust in Peace debuted at number 23 in the United States and number eight in the United Kingdom.{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artists/|title=The Official Charts Company – Megadeth|work=Official Charts Company|access-date=February 24, 2013}} Mustaine had developed a writing style with a rhythmically complex, progressive edge, and the songs featured longer guitar solos and frequent tempo changes.{{sfn|Pillsbury|2006|p=82}} Described as a genre-defining work by Decibel,{{cite web|title=Megadeth "Rust in Peace"|work=Decibel|url=http://www.decibelmagazine.com/hall-of-fame/megadeth/|access-date=December 8, 2013}} the album solidified Megadeth's reputation in the music industry.{{sfn|Prown|Newquist|1997|p=227}} It features the singles "Holy Wars... The Punishment Due" and "Hangar 18", both of which were accompanied by music videos and became live staples. Rust in Peace received a Grammy nomination in 1991 for Best Metal Performance,{{cite news|title=Megadeth: First Look At 'Rust In Peace Live' DVD|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-first-look-at-rust-in-peace-live-dvd/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=August 23, 2010|access-date=December 8, 2013}} and was the group's third platinum album, certified in December 1994.{{cite magazine|last=Morris|first=Chris|title=Ace Of Base, 'Lion King' Lead Record Certs|magazine=Billboard|date=January 14, 1995|page=76|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tQsEAAAAMBAJ&q=1995+rust+in+peace+billboard&pg=PA76|access-date=December 8, 2013}}

Early in 1990, Megadeth joined Slayer, Testament and Suicidal Tendencies for the successful European Clash of the Titans tour, featuring several American thrash metal bands.{{sfn|McIver|2008|loc=Chapter 13}} An American leg began the following year featuring Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax, with Alice in Chains as a supporting act. The tour was considered a multi-headliner, as the three main bands alternated time slots.{{sfn|Harrison|2011|p=60}} In addition to the Clash of the Titans tour, Megadeth (along with Testament) supported Judas Priest on their Painkiller tour in North America late in 1990 and appeared at the second Rock in Rio festival in January 1991.{{sfn|Ellefson|McIver|2013|p=101}} In July 1991 the song "Go to Hell" was featured in the film Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey and on its soundtrack.{{cite web |title=Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey: Official Motion Picture Soundtrack |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/bill-teds-bogus-journey-soundtrack-mw0000675194 |website=Allmusic}}

The music for Megadeth's fifth studio album was written in two different sessions. The first session occurred after the conclusion of the Clash of the Titans tour, while the second session happened in the fall of 1991 following a one-month break.{{cite web|url=http://warrmageddoninc.wordpress.com/2013/03/27/archive-interview-with-dave-ellefson-of-megadeth/|title=Archive: Interview with Dave Ellefson of Megadeth|first=Johnny|last=Ringo|date=March 27, 2013|work=Hails & Horns|publisher=Word Press|access-date=October 19, 2013|archive-date=October 24, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024052548/http://warrmageddoninc.wordpress.com/2013/03/27/archive-interview-with-dave-ellefson-of-megadeth/|url-status=live}} Recording sessions for the album began in January 1992 at Enterprise Studios in Burbank, California. Max Norman was chosen to produce, as the band was pleased with his mixing of Rust in Peace.{{cite book|title=Countdown to Extinction liner notes (Japanese edition)|year=1992|publisher=Capitol Records|pages=3–5, 7–8, 10}} Megadeth spent nearly four months in the studio with Norman, writing and recording what became the band's most commercially successful album, Countdown to Extinction.{{cite news|last=Herrmann|first=Brenda|title=Megadeth – Countdown to Extinction (Capitol)|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1992/07/30/megadethcountdown-to-extinction-capitol-starstarstarstarlike-metallica-megadeth/|access-date=December 8, 2013|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|date=July 30, 1992}} The album, whose title was suggested by Menza, features songwriting contributions from each band member.{{cite news|last=Prince|first=Patrick|title=Megadeth fully embraces "Countdown" anniversary|work=Goldmine|url=http://www.goldminemag.com/article/megadeth-fully-embraces-countdown-anniversary|date=November 19, 2012|access-date=November 17, 2013}} Ellefson explained that the band changed its approach to songwriting for this album, beginning to write more melodic songs.{{sfn|Ellefson|McIver|2013|p=103}}

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Released in July 1992, Countdown to Extinction entered the Billboard 200 chart at number two and was certified double platinum in the United States.{{certification cite ref|region=United States|artist=Megadeth|type=album|refname=RIAA|access-date=March 19, 2019}}{{sfn|Joyner|2002|p=301}} It received a nomination for Best Metal Performance at the 1993 Grammy Awards,{{cite news|url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19930108/1678846/grammys-show-influence-of-seattle-music|title=Grammys show influence of Seattle music|last=MacDonald|first=Patrick|date=January 8, 1993|work=The Seattle Times|access-date=December 17, 2009|archive-date=June 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614185516/http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19930108&slug=1678846|url-status=live}} and its title track won a Genesis Award from the Humane Society in 1993 for raising awareness for animal rights issues.{{cite web|last=Grow|first=Kory|title=Megadeth – Countdown To Extinction 20th Anniversary Edition Cover Art Shown In New York's Times Square|work=Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles|url=http://www.bravewords.com/news/190162|date=September 13, 2012|access-date=November 17, 2013|archive-date=February 28, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140228223605/http://www.bravewords.com/news/190162|url-status=dead}} Ellefson later said that he and Friedman were disappointed that Megadeth did not win the Grammy: "It was such a bizarre moment, because it was as if the amount of work it had taken to ramp up to that hopeful night was literally gone in a second."{{sfn|Ellefson|McIver|2013|p=106}}

A world tour in support of the album was launched in late 1992, with Pantera and White Zombie as supporting acts.{{sfn|Ellefson|McIver|2013|p=106}} The tour included a North American leg in early 1993, with Stone Temple Pilots as the opening act. One month into the leg, the remaining shows, including dates in Japan, were canceled when Mustaine returned to substance abuse, ending up in a hospital emergency room.{{cite web|last=Chirazi|first=Steffan|title=Trial by Fire|url=http://megadeth.rockmetal.art.pl/interviews_rip1993.html|work=RIP|publisher=Rockmetal.art.pl|date=October 1993|access-date=December 8, 2013|archive-date=February 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120214232455/http://megadeth.rockmetal.art.pl/interviews_rip1993.html|url-status=dead}} After seven weeks in rehab, Mustaine emerged sober again and the band returned to the studio to record "Angry Again". The song is featured on the soundtrack of the 1993 film Last Action Hero and received a Grammy nomination in 1994.{{cite web|first=Carlos|last=Ramirez|title=10 Most Underrated Megadeth Songs|url=http://noisecreep.com/most-underrated-megadeth-songs/|website=Noisecreep|date=September 13, 2013 |access-date=November 24, 2013}}

During mid-1993, Megadeth performed at a number of shows with Metallica in Europe. The first was at Milton Keynes Bowl in England, and included Diamond Head.{{sfn|Ellefson|McIver|2013|p=106}} In July, Megadeth was added as the opening act for Aerosmith's Get a Grip Tour, but was removed from the bill after three shows.{{cite web|last=Hartmann|first=Graham|title=Megadeth's David Ellefson Plays 'Wikipedia: Fact or Fiction?'|url=http://loudwire.com/megadeth-david-ellefson-wikipedia-fact-or-fiction/|work=Loudwire|date=April 2, 2014|access-date=May 25, 2014}} Aerosmith said that Megadeth was "dumped" because of Mustaine's erratic behavior, while Capitol Records said it was due to "artistic restrictions".{{cite journal|author=Spin staff|title=Clash of the Quasi-Titans|journal=Spin|date=October 1993|volume=9|page=36|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fsi_VCMy0tQC&q=megadeth+aerosmith+tour&pg=PA36|access-date=November 18, 2013}} After the canceled US tour, Megadeth returned to the studio to record "99 Ways to Die", which appeared on The Beavis and Butt-Head Experience, a compilation album released in November featuring songs interspersed with commentary by the main characters of the animated series Beavis and Butt-Head. The song was nominated for Best Metal Performance at the 1995 Grammy Awards.{{cite web|last=Harris|first=Chris|title=The Grammys Don't Understand Metal|url=http://noisecreep.com/the-grammys-dont-understand-metal/|website=Noisecreep|date=January 29, 2010|access-date=December 8, 2013}} During these sessions, Megadeth recorded a cover version of Black Sabbath's "Paranoid", which appeared on the Black Sabbath tribute album Nativity in Black; it was nominated for a Grammy the following year.{{cite news|last=MacDonald|first=Patrick|title=Presidents of the U.S. are riding high in the musical polls|url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19960105/2307442/presidents-of-the-us-are-riding-high-in-the-musical-polls|date=January 5, 1996|work=The Seattle Times|access-date=December 17, 2009|archive-date=September 26, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120926021748/http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19960105&slug=2307442|url-status=live}}

In early 1994, Megadeth reunited with producer Max Norman for the follow-up to Countdown to Extinction. With three band members living in Arizona, initial work began at Phase Four Studios in Phoenix.{{sfn|Larkin|1995|p=2777}} A few days into pre-production, problems with Phase Four's equipment forced the band to look for another studio. Mustaine insisted on recording in Arizona, but no suitable recording facility could be found. At Norman's request, the band built its own recording studio in Phoenix in a rented warehouse, later called "Fat Planet in Hangar 18".{{cite book|title=Youthanasia liner notes (2004 reissue)|year=2004|publisher=Capitol Records|pages=2, 24–25}} During the studio's construction, much of the pre-production songwriting and arrangements were done at Vintage Recorders in Phoenix.{{sfn|Rees|Crampton|1999|p=658}} At Norman's suggestion, the tracks on Youthanasia had a slower tempo than previous albums, at about 120 beats per minute.{{sfn|Ellefson|McIver|2013|p=118}} The band abandoned the progressive approach from its previous albums and focused on stronger vocal melodies and more accessible, radio-friendly arrangements.{{cite web|last=Erlewine|first=Stephen Thomas|title=Megadeth: Youthanasia|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/youthanasia-mw0000119424|website=AllMusic|access-date=December 8, 2013}} For the first time, Megadeth wrote and arranged the entire album in the studio, including basic tracks recorded live by the entire band. The album's recording was video recorded and released as Evolver: The Making of Youthanasia in 1995.

After eight months of studio work, Youthanasia was released in November 1994. It debuted at number four on the Billboard 200 and charted in several European countries.{{cite magazine|title=Billboard 200|magazine=Billboard|date=November 19, 1994|page=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_ZggEAAAAMBAJ/page/n87 88]|url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_ZggEAAAAMBAJ|quote=youthanasia.|access-date=December 9, 2013|publisher=Nielsen Business Media}} The album was certified gold in Canada the day it was released,{{cite web|url=http://www.musiccanada.com/GPSearchResult.aspx?st=Youthanasia&sa=Megadeth&smt=0|title=Canadian album certifications – Megadeth – Youthanasia|publisher=Music Canada|access-date=December 9, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212164322/http://www.musiccanada.com/GPSearchResult.aspx?st=Youthanasia&sa=Megadeth&smt=0|archive-date=December 12, 2013}} and was certified platinum in the US two months later. Megadeth hired fashion photographer Richard Avedon to enhance the band's image. Avedon had the band members exchange their jeans and T-shirts for a more conscious appearance.{{cite web|first=P.J.|last=Merkle|title=Megadeth: Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered|url=http://megadeth.rockmetal.art.pl/interviews_hitparader1995.html|date=May 1995|work=Hit Parader|publisher=Rockmetal.art.pl|access-date=September 16, 2013|archive-date=July 24, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090724011730/http://megadeth.rockmetal.art.pl/interviews_hitparader1995.html|url-status=dead}} To promote Youthanasia, the band played a Halloween show in New York City called "Night of the Living Megadeth", which was broadcast live on MTV.{{sfn|Ellefson|McIver|2013|p=118}} In November, the band performed twice on the Late Show with David Letterman, playing "Train of Consequences" on the first appearance and "A Tout le Monde" on the second.{{cite web|title=Late Show With David Letterman: Episode Guide|url=http://tv.msn.com/tv/series-episodes/late-show-with-david-letterman/?sb=2&si=326&ipp=15|publisher=MSN Entertainment|date=November 18, 1994|access-date=July 17, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727025435/http://tv.msn.com/tv/series-episodes/late-show-with-david-letterman/?sb=2&si=326&ipp=15|archive-date=July 27, 2014|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|last=Menza|first=Nick|title=When Megadeth Needed a Drummer|url=http://menzajamz.com/site/nm/bio.html|publisher=Nick Menza's Official Website|access-date=July 18, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727101440/http://menzajamz.com/site/nm/bio.html|archive-date=July 27, 2014}}

An eleven-month tour began in South America in November 1994. In 1995, Megadeth played in Europe and North America with several opening acts, including Corrosion of Conformity, Korn and Fear Factory.{{cite web|title=The Killing Road – A History Of Megadeth's Opening Acts|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/news/exclusive-the-killing-road-a-history-of-megadeth-s-opening-acts|publisher=Roadrunner Records|date=February 2, 2012|access-date=December 9, 2013}} The tour culminated with an appearance at the Monsters of Rock festival in Brazil, co-headlining with Alice Cooper and Ozzy Osbourne.{{cite web|title=History|url=http://www.megadeth.com/history|publisher=Megadeth.com|access-date=December 9, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130906102158/http://www.megadeth.com/history|archive-date=September 6, 2013|url-status=dead}} In January 1995, Megadeth appeared on the soundtrack of the horror movie Demon Knight with the song "Diadems".{{cite web|last=Henderson|first=Alex|title=Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight (Original Soundtrack)|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/tales-from-the-crypt-demon-knight-original-soundtrack-mw0000627023|website=AllMusic|access-date=December 9, 2013}} In July, Megadeth released Hidden Treasures, an extended play featuring songs which originally appeared on movie soundtracks and tribute albums.{{cite news|last=Golemis|first=Dean|date=November 9, 1995|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1995/11/09/megadethhidden-treasures-capitol-star-12this-campy-collection/|title=Megadeth: Hidden Treasures (Capitol)|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|access-date=December 11, 2013}}

After completing the extensive world tour in support of Youthanasia, Megadeth took time off in most of 1996 and nearly broke up.{{cite web |title=Watch: MEGADETH Joined By FEAR's LEE VING For Performance Of 'Nothing Is Something' From MD.45 |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/watch-megadeth-joined-by-fears-lee-ving-for-performance-of-nothing-is-something-from-md-45 |website=Blabbermouth |access-date=August 3, 2023 |date=June 25, 2023 |quote=Two decades ago, Mustaine told Classic Rock magazine that "a lot of" the music on "The Craving" "was intended for MEGADETH, but every time I turned around, Marty [Friedman, then-MEGADETH guitarist] had a solo record coming out; Nick [Menza, then-MEGADETH drummer] had his own solo project. Y'know, was this MEGADETH or not? I said, 'You don't see me going off to play with anybody else. If I'm not doing it, then none of you guys are. And if I do it, then we all can — but I might not come back.' By the time I got into the studio with Lee, I figured it was a case of goodbye. But we got back together after a little period of time."}} During this period, Mustaine began work on MD.45, a side project with vocalist Lee Ving of Fear. The majority of the songs on the album were intended for Megadeth, but due to the band almost disbanding, Mustaine decided to use them for MD.45 instead. The duo hired drummer Jimmy DeGrasso, who had played with Alice Cooper on the South American Monsters of Rock tour earlier that year.{{cite web|last=Prato|first=Greg|title=MD.45 – Biography|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/md45-mn0000219971|website=AllMusic|access-date=December 10, 2013}} Marty Friedman built a studio in his new home in Phoenix and completed his fourth solo album, released in April 1996.

In September 1996, Megadeth went to London to work on songs for the next album. The songwriting was closely supervised by new manager Bud Prager, who contributed musical ideas and lyrics; many lyrics and song titles were changed at his request.{{sfn|Ellefson|McIver|2013|p=129}} Regarding Prager's influence, Mustaine later wrote: "I figured maybe this guy [Prager] could help me get that intangible number one record I so badly wanted."{{cite book|title=Cryptic Writings liner notes (2004 reissue)|year=2004|publisher=Capitol Records|pages=2–3}} The album, recorded in Nashville, was Megadeth's first collaboration with country pop producer Dann Huff, who had met Mustaine in 1990.{{sfn|Mustaine|2011|p=275}}

Cryptic Writings was released in June 1997. The album peaked at number ten on the Billboard 200, and was eventually certified gold in the United States. Its lead single, "Trust", became Megadeth's highest charting song on the Mainstream Rock Tracks at number five,{{cite magazine|title=Megadeth – Chart History (Songs) – second page|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/310366/megadeth/chart?page=1&f=376|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 10, 2013}} and was nominated for Best Metal Performance at the 1998 Grammy Awards.{{cite magazine|author=Billboard staff|title=40th Annual Grammy Awards: Final Nominations|magazine=Billboard|date=January 17, 1998|page=78|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rg0EAAAAMBAJ&q=trust+megadeth+best+metal+performance&pg=RA1-PA78|access-date=December 10, 2013}} Although all four singles from the album entered the top 20 on Billboard{{'}}s Mainstream Rock Tracks chart,{{cite web|title=Cryptic Writings – Megadeth – Charts|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/cryptic-writings-mw0000023863/awards|website=AllMusic|access-date=December 10, 2013}} press response to the album was mixed. The album featured a diverse set of songs which the Los Angeles Times described as a "rousing balance" between older material and experimental songs.{{cite news|last=Masuo|first=Sandy|date=June 29, 1997|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-06-29-ca-7946-story.html|title=In Brief: Megadeth, "Cryptic Writing," Capitol.|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|access-date=December 10, 2013}} Asked about the album's eclecticism, Mustaine said that Cryptic Writings was divided into thirds. One part was based around faster, more aggressive material, another was "radio-orientated music like Youthanasia", and the final third was more melodic.{{cite web|last=Wiederhorn|first=Jon|title=Last Men Standing|url=http://megadeth.rockmetal.art.pl/interviews_guitarworld1998.html|work=Guitar World|publisher=Rockmetal.art.pl|date=June 1998|access-date=December 10, 2013|archive-date=February 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120214231953/http://megadeth.rockmetal.art.pl/interviews_guitarworld1998.html|url-status=dead}}

After more than a year since the band's last concert, Megadeth returned as a live act in June 1997, beginning a world tour with the Misfits and touring in the United States with Life of Agony and Coal Chamber. In July, the band participated in Ozzfest '98 but, halfway through the tour, Menza reportedly discovered a tumor on his knee and left to undergo surgery.{{cite web|author=Metal Sludge staff |title=20 question with ex-Megadeth drummer Nick Menza |url=http://www.metalsludge.tv/?p=28655 |publisher=Metal Sludge |date=March 12, 2002 |access-date=November 15, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111105113/http://www.metalsludge.tv/?p=28655 |archive-date=November 11, 2013 }} Jimmy DeGrasso, who had collaborated with Mustaine in MD.45, was hired to replace Menza for the remainder of the tour.{{cite web|title=Nick Menza: "I Was Fired From Megadeth Two Days After Surgery"|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/nick-menza-i-was-fired-from-megadeth-two-days-after-surgery/|work=RockRage|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|date=February 19, 2002|access-date=December 10, 2013}} Though initially meant to be a temporary replacement, DeGrasso joined the band permanently after the tour. Mustaine later said that he dismissed Menza from the band because he believed the drummer had lied about having cancer.

Following the band's mainstream radio success with Cryptic Writings, Megadeth again worked with Dann Huff on its eighth studio album. The band began writing in January 1999, supervised by manager Bud Prager, who was credited with co-writing five of the album's twelve songs.{{cite book|title=Risk liner notes (2004 reissue)|year=2004|publisher=Capitol Records|pages=2–5, 9, 11, 13, 15}} With high expectations following the chart success of "Trust", Prager convinced Mustaine to grant Huff even more control over the album's recording, a decision Mustaine later regretted.{{cite web|last=Hjelm|first=Fredrik|title=It Wasn't Fun Anymore|url=http://megadeth.rockmetal.art.pl/interviews_shockwaves2001.html|work=Shockwaves Online|publisher=Rockmetal.art.pl|year=2001|access-date=December 10, 2013}}

Risk, released in August 1999, was a critical and commercial failure and led to backlash from many longtime fans. Although its two predecessors incorporated rock elements alongside a more traditional heavy metal sound, Risk was virtually devoid of metal.{{cite web|last=Stagno|first=Mike|title=Megadeth: Risk|url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/9218/Megadeth-Risk/|website=Sputnikmusic|date=September 19, 2006|access-date=December 11, 2013}}{{cite web|last=Huey|first=Steve|title=Risk – Megadeth|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/risk-mw0000244020|website=AllMusic|access-date=December 9, 2013}} About the band's musical direction, Dave Mustaine said: "We hit the nadir of our career with Risk, and I vowed after that we were going to get back to our roots. It took a little bit of time to do that."{{cite web|last=Plenda|first=Melanie|title=Frontman Dave Mustaine talks about reviving thrash-metal sound, getting back into the studio, hitting the road|url=http://www.newhampshire.com/article/20130703/NEWHAMPSHIRE01/130709786/0/NEWHAMPSHIRE1405|publisher=NewHampshire.com|date=July 3, 2013|access-date=November 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202224308/http://www.newhampshire.com/article/20130703/NEWHAMPSHIRE01/130709786/0/NEWHAMPSHIRE1405|archive-date=December 2, 2013|url-status=dead}} Despite this, Risk was certified gold in the United States.{{cite journal|last=Sciarretto|first=Amy|title=Loud Rock News|journal=CMJ New Music Report|date=January 31, 2000|volume=61|page=35|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=86qdz9zBkJYC&q=megadeth+risk+certified+gold&pg=PA35|access-date=March 28, 2014}}{{Failed verification|date=October 2024}} The album's lead single, "Crush 'Em", appeared on the soundtrack for Universal Soldier: The Return and was used as an entrance theme for NHL hockey games and professional wrestling events.{{cite web|title=Megadeth's Mustaine Raring To "Crush 'Em"|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1432012/megadeths-mustaine-raring-to-crush-em/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140519235910/http://www.mtv.com/news/1432012/megadeths-mustaine-raring-to-crush-em/|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 19, 2014|publisher=MTV|date=June 23, 1999|access-date=December 11, 2013}}

File:Marty Friedman - 01.jpg left Megadeth at the end of 1999, citing "musical differences".]]

On July 14, 1999, former drummer Gar Samuelson died of liver failure at age 41 in Orange City, Florida.{{cite web|author=MTV News staff|title=Original Megadeth Drummer Samuelson Dead At 41|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1432009/original-megadeth-drummer-samuelson-dead-at-41/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725185248/http://www.mtv.com/news/1432009/original-megadeth-drummer-samuelson-dead-at-41/|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 25, 2014|publisher=MTV|date=July 23, 1999|access-date=July 16, 2014}} Eleven days later, during Megadeth's performance at Woodstock 1999, Mustaine dedicated "Peace Sells" to Samuelson's memory. That month, Megadeth also recorded a cover version of the Black Sabbath's "Never Say Die" for the second Nativity in Black tribute album.{{sfn|Rosen|2011|p=92}} The band began a world tour in support of Risk in September, playing with Iron Maiden during the European leg. Three months into the tour, Friedman announced his resignation from Megadeth, citing musical differences.{{cite web|last=Saidman|first=Sorelle|title=Megadeth Guitarist Marty Friedman Leaves Band|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1431999/megadeth-guitarist-marty-friedman-leaves-band/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140519234404/http://www.mtv.com/news/1431999/megadeth-guitarist-marty-friedman-leaves-band/|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 19, 2014|publisher=MTV|date=January 10, 2000|access-date=December 12, 2013}} Mustaine later said: "I told [Marty] after Risk that we had to go back to our roots and play metal, and he quit."{{cite magazine|first=Greg|last=Prato|title=Megadeth's Dave Mustaine Talks New Riffs, Old Drama|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/megadeths-dave-mustaine-talks-new-riffs-old-drama-20090729|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=July 29, 2009|access-date=December 15, 2013}}

In January 2000, guitarist Al Pitrelli, formerly of Savatage and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, became Friedman's replacement.{{cite magazine|last=Newman|first=Melinda|title=The Beat|magazine=Billboard|date=January 22, 2000|page=18|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sA0EAAAAMBAJ&q=marty+friedman+leaves+megadeth&pg=PA18|access-date=December 12, 2012}} Megadeth returned to the studio in April to work on its ninth studio album. A month into production, the band received an offer to join the Maximum Rock tour with Anthrax and Mötley Crüe. Megadeth put the recording on hold and toured North America during the second quarter of 2000. Early in the tour, Anthrax was removed from the bill, allowing Megadeth to play an extended co-headlining set. The tour, however, suffered from poor ticket sales.{{sfn|Ellefson|McIver|2013|p=136}}

After 15 years with Capitol Records, Megadeth left the label in July 2000. According to Mustaine, the departure was due to ongoing tensions with Capitol management.{{cite news|last=Baird|first=Kirk|title=Acerbic Mustaine explains Megadeth's metal issues|url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2001/sep/14/acerbic-mustaine-explains-megadeths-metal-issues/|access-date=December 7, 2013|newspaper=Las Vegas Sun|date=September 14, 2001}} Capitol returned the band's newest recordings and released a greatest hits album, Capitol Punishment: The Megadeth Years, with two new tracks: "Kill the King" and "Dread and the Fugitive Mind".{{cite web|last=Huey|first=Steve|title=Capitol Punishment: The Megadeth Years|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/capitol-punishment-the-megadeth-years-mw0000104229|website=AllMusic|access-date=December 5, 2013}} In November, Megadeth signed with Sanctuary Records. The band returned to the studio in October to finish its next album, The World Needs a Hero, which was near completion when Megadeth joined the Maximum Rock tour six months earlier. Following the negative response to Risk,{{cite web|last=Huey|first=Steve|title=Megadeth: The World Needs A Hero|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r532450|pure_url=yes}}|website=AllMusic|access-date=December 7, 2013}} Mustaine fired Bud Prager and produced the album himself.{{cite magazine|title=Megadeth Completes 'Hero'|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/80726/megadeth-completes-hero|magazine=Billboard|date=January 22, 2001|access-date=December 7, 2013}} The songs were written by Mustaine alone, except for "Promises", which had contributions from Pitrelli.{{cite news|last=Chandrasekhar|first=Chaitra|title=Back to their Metallic Roots|work=The Tech|date=May 15, 2001|volume=121|issue=26|url=http://tech.mit.edu/V121/N26/Megadeth.26a.html|access-date=December 7, 2013|archive-date=September 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925080114/http://tech.mit.edu/V121/N26/Megadeth.26a.html|url-status=dead}} Two days before the release of The World Needs a Hero, Megadeth appeared in an episode of VH1's Behind the Music showcasing Mustaine, Ellefson, several past members, and Mustaine's old Metallica bandmates James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich.{{cite magazine|title=Metal Returns: Megadeth, Halford, Slayer|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/80495/metal-returns-megadeth-halford-slayer|magazine=Billboard|date=February 20, 2001|access-date=December 7, 2013}}

The World Needs a Hero was released in May 2001 and debuted at number sixteen on the Billboard 200. It was banned in Malaysia when the national government determined that the album's artwork was "unsuitable for the nation's youth". Consequently, the band canceled its concert of August 2 in Kuala Lumpur.{{cite magazine|title=Fans To Choose Set Lists For U.S. Megadeth Trek|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/78874/fans-to-choose-set-lists-for-us-megadeth-trek|magazine=Billboard|date=August 6, 2001|access-date=December 7, 2013}} The album marked Megadeth's return to a more aggressive sound after the stylistic variations of its previous two albums, but critics felt it fell short of expectations.{{cite book|editor1-first=Nathan|editor1-last=Brackett|editor2-first=Christian David|editor2-last=Hoard|title=The New Rolling Stone Album Guide|year=2004|publisher=Simon & Schuster|isbn=0-7432-0169-8|page=[https://archive.org/details/newrollingstonea00brac/page/534 534]}} Mustaine compared the album to a huge ship at sea, turning and trying to right itself to get back on course. Its lead single, "Moto Psycho", reached number 22 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.

File:Megadeth Summer Breeze Open Air 2017 18.jpg

A European tour with AC/DC in support of The World Needs a Hero began in mid-2001, followed by an American tour with Iced Earth and Endo in September. Mustaine allowed fans to choose the setlist in each American city. However, the tour was cut short following the September 11 attacks; all dates were canceled, including a DVD shoot in Argentina. The band instead played two shows in Arizona on November 16 and 17, which were filmed and released as Megadeth's first live release, Rude Awakening.{{sfn|Ellefson|McIver|2013|p=139}} That year, Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good! was remixed and remastered; the reissue featured modified artwork and several bonus tracks.{{sfn|Ellefson|McIver|2013|p=218}}

In January 2002, Mustaine was hospitalized for the removal of a kidney stone and was administered pain medication that triggered a relapse of his drug addiction. Following his stay, Mustaine checked himself into a treatment center in Texas. While there, Mustaine fell asleep with his left arm over the back of a chair, causing compression of the radial nerve. He was subsequently diagnosed with radial neuropathy, which left him unable to grasp or make a fist with his left hand.{{cite web|last=Wiederhorn|first=Jon|title=Megadeth Pack It In After Nearly 20 Years|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1453246/megadeth-pack-it-in-after-nearly-20-years/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140519160532/http://www.mtv.com/news/1453246/megadeth-pack-it-in-after-nearly-20-years/|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 19, 2014|publisher=MTV|date=March 2, 2004|access-date=May 19, 2014}}{{cite magazine|magazine=Billboard|title=Injury Forces Mustaine To Disband Megadeth|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/76247/injury-forces-mustaine-to-disband-megadeth|date=April 3, 2002|access-date=November 25, 2013}}

On April 3, Mustaine announced in a press release that he was disbanding Megadeth, as his arm injury rendered him unable to play guitar.{{cite news|title=Megadeth to split up|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1910481.stm|work=BBC News|date=April 4, 2002|access-date=January 21, 2014}} For the next four months, he had physical therapy five days a week, and slowly began to "re-teach" his left hand.{{cite web|last=Epstein|first=Dan|title=Die Another Day|url=http://megadeth.rockmetal.art.pl/interviews_guitarworld2003.html|work=Guitar World|publisher=Rockmetal.art.pl|date=August 2003|access-date=November 25, 2013|archive-date=July 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729174243/http://megadeth.rockmetal.art.pl/interviews_guitarworld2003.html|url-status=dead}} To fulfill contract obligations to Sanctuary, Megadeth released the compilation album Still Alive... and Well?. The first half of the album contains live tracks recorded at the Web Theatre in Phoenix, and the second half has studio recordings from The World Needs a Hero.{{cite web|last=Torreano|first=Bradley|title=Megadeth: Still, Alive...and Well?|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/still-aliveand-well-mw0000223873|website=AllMusic|access-date=December 5, 2013}}

Following nearly a year of recovery, including physical therapy,{{cite web|title=Dave Mustaine Talks About His Arm Injury|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dave-mustaine-talks-about-his-arm-injury/|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|date=January 16, 2004|access-date=December 19, 2024}} Mustaine began work on what was to have been his first solo album. The recording sessions for the new material, with session musicians Vinnie Colaiuta and Jimmie Lee Sloas{{Failed verification|date=December 2024}}, began in October 2003{{cite web |title=MEGADETH RECORDING IN NASHVILLE STUDIO?! |url=https://bravewords.com/news/megadeth-recording-in-nashville-studio |website=Brave Words |access-date=December 19, 2024 |date=October 23, 2003}} and were completed in April 2004.{{cite web |title=MEGADETH - NEW CD TRACKLISTING REVEALED |url=https://bravewords.com/news/megadeth-new-cd-tracklisting-revealed |website=Brave Words |access-date=December 19, 2024 |date=April 9, 2004}} The project was put on hold when Mustaine agreed to remix and remaster Megadeth's eight-album back catalog on Capitol Records,{{cite news|work=Blabbermouth.net|title=Dave Mustaine: 'I Am And Always Will Be Megadeth'|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dave-mustaine-i-am-and-always-will-be-megadeth/|date=July 12, 2003|access-date=November 25, 2013}} re-recording portions that were missing.{{cite web|last=Ayers|first=Chris|title=Megadeth: Remixed and Remastered Series|url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/megadeth-remixed_remastered_series|work=Exclaim!|date=February 28, 2005|access-date=December 19, 2024}}

In May 2004, Mustaine returned to his solo project. Contractual obligations to the band's European label, EMI, resulted in the recording's release as a Megadeth album.{{cite web|last=Wiederhorn|first=Jon|title=Dave Mustaine, Megadeth Return To Life With New System|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1490891/dave-mustaine-megadeth-return-to-life-with-new-system/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140514095917/http://www.mtv.com/news/1490891/dave-mustaine-megadeth-return-to-life-with-new-system/|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 14, 2014|publisher=MTV|date=September 10, 2004|access-date=May 19, 2014}} Mustaine reformed the band and contacted the fan-favorite Rust in Peace lineup to re-record backing tracks. While drummer Nick Menza agreed to return, both Marty Friedman and David Ellefson were unable to come to an agreement with Mustaine.{{cite web|last=Nalbandian|first=Bob|title=Dave Mustaine Interview|date=August 28, 2004|publisher=Hard Radio|url=http://www.hardradio.com/shockwaves/mustaine6.php3 |access-date=November 19, 2006}} Menza was sent home shortly after rehearsals began, a few days before the start of a tour supporting Megadeth's upcoming album. Mustaine said Menza was insufficiently prepared for the physical demands of a US tour, and "it just didn't work out".{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-s-mustaine-says-nick-menza-wasn-t-prepared-to-tour-with-the-band/|title=Megadeth's Mustaine Says Nick Menza Wasn't Prepared To Tour With The Band|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=November 16, 2004|access-date=December 3, 2013}} This was the first album without Ellefson. Chris Poland, who played lead guitar on Megadeth's first two albums, was hired to contribute guitar solos to the new album, working with Mustaine for the first time since the 1990s. Poland opted to serve only as a session musician, wanting to remain focused on his jazz fusion project OHM.{{cite web|last=Gitter|first=Mike|title=Where Are They Now? Chris Poland of Megadeth|url=http://noisecreep.com/chris-poland-megadeth/|website=Noisecreep|date=October 24, 2012|access-date=December 18, 2024}}

File:Megadeth at Sauna crop.jpg 2005: From left to right: Shawn Drover, James MacDonough, Dave Mustaine and Glen Drover.]]

The System Has Failed was released in September 2004. Critics heralded it as a return to form; Revolver gave the album a favorable review, calling it "Megadeth's most vengeful, poignant and musically complex offering since 1992's Countdown to Extinction".{{cite news|first=Joey|last=Dizon|title=A Life of 'Deth|url=http://www.philstar.com/modern-living/2012/07/07/825130/life-deth|newspaper=The Philippine Star|date=July 7, 2012|access-date=July 17, 2014}} The album marked a shift toward the band's earlier sound; journalist Amy Sciarretto of CMJ New Music Report wrote that the album contained "neo-thrash riffing with biting, politically charged lyrics".{{cite journal|last=Sciarretto|first=Amy|title=Genre Focus – Megadeth; The System Has Failed|journal=CMJ New Music Report|date=September 13, 2004|page=22|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pcY5T_TgSEUC&q=megadeth+cmj+report&pg=PA22|access-date=November 22, 2013}} The System Has Failed debuted at number eighteen on the Billboard 200{{cite magazine|title=Megadeth – Chart History (Albums)|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/310366/megadeth/chart?f=305|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 4, 2013}} and was led by "Die Dead Enough", which reached number 21 on the US Mainstream Rock chart.{{cite magazine|title=Megadeth – Chart History (Songs)|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/310366/megadeth/chart?f=376|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 4, 2013}} Mustaine announced that the album would be the band's last and would be followed by a farewell tour, after which he would focus on a solo career.{{cite news|title=Dave Mustaine Discusses Going Solo, Dimebag, Kerry King And Metallica|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dave-mustaine-discusses-going-solo-dimebag-kerry-king-and-metallica/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=February 11, 2005|access-date=December 4, 2013}}

Megadeth began the Blackmail the Universe world tour in October, enlisting touring bassist James MacDonough of Iced Earth and guitarist Glen Drover of Eidolon and King Diamond. Five days before the first show, Menza was replaced by Shawn Drover, who remained with the band as a regular member.{{cite web|title=Megadeth Tour Manager Talks About Drummer Nick Menza's Departure|url=http://www.bravewords.com/news/19670|work=Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles|date=November 5, 2004|access-date=December 4, 2013|archive-date=May 15, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515172806/http://www.bravewords.com/news/19670|url-status=dead}} The band toured the US with Exodus and Europe with Diamond Head and Dungeon.{{cite news|title=Updated: Exodus Added To More Dates On Megadeth's U.S. Tour|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/updated-exodus-added-to-more-dates-on-megadeth-s-u-s-tour/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=October 16, 2004|access-date=December 4, 2013}}{{cite news|title=Diamond Head To Support Megadeth In Europe|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/diamond-head-to-support-megadeth-in-europe/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=December 30, 2004|access-date=December 4, 2013}} In June 2005, Capitol released a greatest-hits compilation, Greatest Hits: Back to the Start, featuring remixed and remastered versions of songs chosen by fans from Megadeth's Capitol albums.{{cite magazine|last=Begrand|first=Adrien|title=Megadeth: Greatest Hits: Back to the Start|url=https://www.popmatters.com/review/megadeath-greatest2005/|magazine=Popmatters|date=July 28, 2005|access-date=December 3, 2013}}

In mid-2005, Mustaine organized an annual thrash metal festival tour, Gigantour. Megadeth headlined the inaugural tour with acts such as Dream Theater, Nevermore, Anthrax and Fear Factory. Performances at the Montreal and Vancouver shows were filmed and recorded for a live DVD-and-CD set released in the second quarter of 2006.{{cite web|first=Chad|last=Bowar|title=Gigantour DVD Review|url=http://heavymetal.about.com/od/dvdreviews/fr/gigantourdvd.htm|publisher=About.com|date=October 1, 2006|access-date=July 16, 2014|archive-date=April 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402200641/http://heavymetal.about.com/od/dvdreviews/fr/gigantourdvd.htm|url-status=dead}} On October 9, following the successes of The System Has Failed and the Blackmail the Universe world tour, Mustaine announced to a sold-out crowd at the Pepsi Music Rock Festival in Argentina that Megadeth would continue to record and tour.{{cite web|title=Megadeth Will Continue|url=http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/megadeth_will_continue.html|publisher=Ultimate-Guitar.com|date=October 10, 2005|access-date=December 4, 2013}} The concert, held at Obras Sanitarias stadium in Buenos Aires in front of 25,000 fans, was filmed and released on DVD as That One Night: Live in Buenos Aires in 2007.{{cite web|first=Greg|last=Prato|title=Megadeth: That One Night: Live in Buenos Aires|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/that-one-night-live-in-buenos-aires-mw0000487698|website=AllMusic|date=March 27, 2007|access-date=December 4, 2013}}

In February 2006, bassist James MacDonough left the band over "personal differences".{{cite news|title=Ex-Megadeth Bassist MacDonough: 'There Is No Animosity Here'|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ex-megadeth-bassist-macdonough-there-is-no-animosity-here/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=February 20, 2006|access-date=December 4, 2013}} He was replaced by James LoMenzo, who had worked with David Lee Roth, White Lion and Black Label Society.{{cite web|title=Megadeth bassist James Lomenzo joins Yamaha Guitars|url=http://www.yamaha.com/artists/newsdetail.html?CNTID=5116386&CTID=325000|publisher=Yamaha Corporation|date=January 25, 2008|access-date=December 4, 2013}} The new Megadeth lineup made its live debut headlining the Dubai Desert Rock Festival in the United Arab Emirates with Testament.{{cite news|title=Megadeth Play First Show With Bassist James LoMenzo|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-play-first-show-with-bassist-james-lomenzo-photos-available/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=March 18, 2006|access-date=December 4, 2013}} In March, Capitol released a two-disc DVD, Arsenal of Megadeth, which included archive footage, interviews, live shows, and many of the band's music videos. Due to licensing issues, soundtrack and non-Capitol videos were not included.{{cite web|first=Chad|last=Bowar|title=Megadeth – Arsenal Of Megadeth DVD|url=http://heavymetal.about.com/od/dvdreviews/gr/megadethdvd.htm|publisher=About.com|date=March 21, 2006|access-date=December 4, 2013|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303185551/http://heavymetal.about.com/od/dvdreviews/gr/megadethdvd.htm|url-status=dead}} The second Gigantour began during the third quarter of 2006; Megadeth again headlined, this time with Lamb of God, Opeth, Arch Enemy and Overkill.{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gigantour-2006-announced-megadeth-lamb-of-god-opeth-arch-enemy-overkill-confirmed/|title=Gigantour 2006 Announced: Megadeth, Lamb of God, Opeth, Arch Enemy, Overkill Confirmed|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=July 23, 2006|access-date=December 4, 2013}} The 2006 tour included three dates in Australia, supported by Soulfly, Arch Enemy and Caliban.{{cite web|url=http://www.bravewords.com/news/54674?iframe=true&width=95%&height=95%|title=Gigantour 2006 – Australian Mini-Tour|work=Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles|date=November 10, 2006|access-date=December 4, 2013|archive-date=September 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200904105101/http://bravewords.com/news/gigantour-2006-australian-mini-tour-diary-available-if-satan-had-a-wife-it-would-be-in-the-form-of-angela-gossow|url-status=dead}}

In May 2006, Megadeth announced that its eleventh studio album, United Abominations, was near completion. Originally scheduled for release in October, Mustaine said that the band was "putting the finishing touches on it" and postponed its release to May of the following year.{{cite news|title=Megadeth: New Album Pushed Back To 2007|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-new-album-pushed-back-to/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=August 23, 2006|access-date=November 25, 2013}} He commented on the release: "Metal needs a really good old-school record again. I believe I have delivered."{{cite news|title=Megadeth: 'United Abominations' To Be Released In May|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-united-abominations-to-be-released-in-may/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=January 21, 2007|access-date=November 28, 2013}} United Abominations was the band's first album to feature Glen Drover, Shawn Drover and James LoMenzo. It also has a newer version of "A Tout le Monde" entitled "À Tout le Monde (Set Me Free)". The 2007 version is a duet with Cristina Scabbia of Lacuna Coil; it was recorded at a slightly faster tempo than the original and contains an extended solo.{{cite news|title=Megadeth's New Version Of 'A Tout Le Monde' To Feature Lacuna Coil's Scabbia|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-s-new-version-of-a-tout-le-monde-to-feature-lacuna-coil-s-scabbia/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=March 3, 2007|access-date=November 26, 2013}}

Released in May 2007, United Abominations debuted at number eight on the Billboard 200, selling 54,000 copies in the first week.{{cite magazine|last=Hasty|first=Katie|date=May 23, 2007|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1051972/linkin-park-scores-years-best-debut-with-midnight|title=Linkin Park Scores Year's Best Debut With 'Midnight'|magazine=Billboard|access-date=November 26, 2013}} In March, Megadeth began a North American tour opening for the newly reformed Heaven & Hell. The band played with Down for Canadian shows and with Machine Head for the US dates.{{cite news|last=Freeman|first=John|title=Heaven and Hell (Black Sabbath), Megadeth, Machine Head|url=http://www.dallasobserver.com/2007-05-03/music/heaven-and-hell-black-sabbath-megadeth-machine-head/|access-date=November 26, 2013|newspaper=Dallas Observer|date=May 3, 2007|archive-date=October 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019072912/http://www.dallasobserver.com/2007-05-03/music/heaven-and-hell-black-sabbath-megadeth-machine-head/|url-status=dead}} A European summer festival tour followed. Late in the year, Megadeth returned to the United States to headline its Tour of Duty.{{cite web|last=Kilgore|first=Kym|title=Megadeth's 'Tour of Duty'|url=http://www.soundspike.com/story2/12432/megadeths-tour-of-duty/|work=Sound Spike|date=July 10, 2007|access-date=November 27, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203112537/http://www.soundspike.com/story2/12432/megadeths-tour-of-duty/|archive-date=December 3, 2013}} In November, the band brought Gigantour to Australia with a lineup including Static-X, DevilDriver and Lacuna Coil.{{cite news|title=Megadeth, Static-X, DevilDriver, Lacuna Coil Team Up For Australia's Gigantour|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-static-x-devildriver-lacuna-coil-team-up-for-australia-s-gigantour/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=August 8, 2007|access-date=November 28, 2013}}

File:ChrisBroderickbyTannerWolff.jpg joined Megadeth in 2008, replacing Glen Drover.]]

In January 2008, Glen Drover quit Megadeth, stating that he was tired of the frequent touring and wanted to spend more time with his family. He also cited personal issues with other band members.{{cite web|last=Dodgin|first=Rich|title=Interview with Glen Drover|url=http://allabouttherock.co.uk/interview-glen-drover/|work=All About the Rock|date=October 31, 2013|access-date=November 26, 2013}} Drover was replaced by Chris Broderick, formerly of Nevermore and Jag Panzer.{{cite web|first=Robert|last=Laing|url=http://www.musicradar.com/guitarist/rumour-megadeth-to-recruit-new-guitarist-244099|title=Rumour: Megadeth to recruit new guitarist|publisher=MusicRadar|date=January 8, 2008|access-date=November 29, 2013}} Broderick was initially asked by Mustaine's management company at the end of 2007 if he would be interested in auditioning for Megadeth. After an informal meeting at Mustaine's house, Broderick was introduced as the band's new guitarist.{{cite web|first=Andy|last=Aledort|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/interview-megadeths-chris-broderick-talks-technique|title=Interview: Megadeth's Chris Broderick Talks Technique|work=Guitar World|date=June 13, 2013|access-date=November 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203022931/http://www.guitarworld.com/interview-megadeths-chris-broderick-talks-technique|archive-date=December 3, 2013|url-status=dead}} Mustaine complimented Broderick's playing skills and called him "the best guitarist Megadeth has ever had".{{cite web|first=Terry|last=Bezer|url=http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/megadeths-dave-mustaine-broderick-is-best-guitarist-megadeth-has-ever-had/ |title=Megadeth's Dave Mustaine: Broderick Is 'Best Guitarist Megadeth Has Ever Had' |work=Metal Hammer |date=March 9, 2009 |access-date=November 29, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203041959/http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/megadeths-dave-mustaine-broderick-is-best-guitarist-megadeth-has-ever-had/ |archive-date=December 3, 2013 }} Broderick's former Nevermore bandmate, Van Williams, congratulated Megadeth on "getting one hell of a good player, more importantly they're getting a great guy to hang out with and a true friend".{{cite news|title=Nevermore drummer: Megadeth is getting "One Hell Of A Good Player, Great Guy And True Friend"|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/nevermore-drummer-megadeth-is-getting-one-hell-of-a-good-player-great-guy-and-true-friend/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=January 16, 2008|access-date=November 29, 2013}}

The new lineup made its live debut at the Helsinki Ice Hall on February 4. The 2008 Gigantour, with 29 North American dates, began shortly afterwards.{{cite web|author=Guitar World staff|title=Dave Mustaine Announces Gigantour 2008 & New Guitarist|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/dave-mustaine-announces-gigantour-2008-new-guitarist|work=Guitar World|date=January 14, 2008|access-date=July 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714224029/http://www.guitarworld.com/dave-mustaine-announces-gigantour-2008-new-guitarist|archive-date=July 14, 2014|url-status=dead}} Mustaine wanted a shorter lineup, allowing each band a chance to perform well. The third tour featured In Flames, Children of Bodom, Job for a Cowboy and High on Fire.{{cite news|last=Ratliff|first=Ben|title=Thrash Times Five When Bands Convene|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/24/arts/music/24giga.html?_r=0|access-date=November 28, 2013|newspaper=The New York Times|date=April 24, 2008}} Megadeth continued the Tour of Duty in South America and Mexico in May and June. A compilation album, Anthology: Set the World Afire, was released in September 2008.{{cite web|last=Bowar|first=Chad|title=Megadeth – Anthology: Set The World Afire|url=http://heavymetal.about.com/od/cdreviews/fr/megadethantholo.htm|publisher=About.com|date=September 30, 2008|access-date=November 28, 2013|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304061419/http://heavymetal.about.com/od/cdreviews/fr/megadethantholo.htm|url-status=dead}}

In February 2009, Megadeth and Testament were scheduled on the European "Priest Feast" tour, with Judas Priest as headliners.{{cite news|title='Priest Feast' Featuring Judas Priest, Megadeth, Testament: Dutch Date Added|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/priest-feast-featuring-judas-priest-megadeth-testament-dutch-date-added/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=October 29, 2008|access-date=November 19, 2013}} At this time, Metallica, who had been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, invited Mustaine to attend the ceremony. Mustaine was informed that he would not be inducted to the Hall of Fame because such honors were granted only to those members who received recording credit on a Metallica album.{{sfn|Mustaine|2011|p=370}} Mustaine congratulated the group respectfully, and honored his commitment to the European tour with Judas Priest.{{cite news|title=Dave Mustaine to Metallica: I Am So Very Proud of All You Have Accomplished|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dave-mustaine-to-metallica-i-am-so-very-proud-of-all-you-have-accomplished/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=February 27, 2009|access-date=November 19, 2013}} In April, Megadeth and Slayer co-headlined the Canadian Carnage. This was the first time they had performed together in more than 15 years. Machine Head and Suicide Silence opened for the four shows that occurred later in June.{{cite news|title=Megadeth And Slayer To Co-Headline 'Canadian Carnage' Trek|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-and-slayer-to-co-headline-canadian-carnage-trek/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=April 27, 2009|access-date=November 19, 2013}}

In May, Megadeth finished recording its twelfth album, Endgame.{{cite web|first=Terry |last=Bezer |url=http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/megadeth-reveal-more-about-new-album/ |title=Megadeth Reveal More About New Album |work=Metal Hammer |date=June 19, 2009 |access-date=November 19, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215132405/http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/megadeth-reveal-more-about-new-album/ |archive-date=December 15, 2013 }} The release date for Endgame was announced on the Megadeth official website, and Metal Hammer was the first to review the album track-by-track.{{cite web|first=Terry|last=Bezer |title=Megadeth 'Endgame' Track-By-Track Preview |url=http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/megadeth-endgame-track-by-track-preview/ |date=July 27, 2009 |work=Metal Hammer |access-date=November 19, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090815084407/http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/megadeth-endgame-track-by-track-preview/ |archive-date=August 15, 2009 }} Megadeth began its Endgame tour in October, and finished it in December. The tour featured a number of supporting acts, including Machine Head, Suicide Silence, and Warbringer.{{cite magazine|first=David|last=Buchanan|url=https://consequence.net/2009/09/megadeth-brings-endgame-to-life-tours-north-america/|title=Megadeth brings Endgame to life, tours North America|magazine=Consequence of Sound|date=September 15, 2009|access-date=November 19, 2013}} In January 2010, Megadeth was set to embark on the American Carnage tour with Slayer and Testament, but the tour was postponed due to Tom Araya's back surgery.{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/slayer-megadeth-testament-complete-american-carnage-details-revealed/|title=Slayer, Megadeth, Testament: Complete 'American Carnage' Details Revealed|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=November 16, 2009|access-date=November 19, 2013}} Several weeks later, Megadeth's "Head Crusher" was nominated for Best Metal Performance at the 2010 Grammy Awards, the band's eighth Grammy nomination in 19 years.{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/news/megadeth-s-head-crusher-nominated-for-a-grammy|title=Megadeth's "Head Crusher" Nominated For a Grammy|publisher=Roadrunner Records|date=July 12, 2011|access-date=November 19, 2013}}

File:Megadeth - 2017216231435 2017-08-04 Wacken - Sven - 1D X MK II - 1221 - AK8I0437.jpg rejoined Megadeth in 2010 after an eight year hiatus and remained in the band until 2021.]]

In March, Megadeth embarked on the Rust in Peace 20th Anniversary Tour, which took place in North America and had support from Testament and Exodus. During the tour, Megadeth played Rust in Peace in its entirety.{{cite web|author=Guitar World staff|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/megadeth-announce-rust-peace-20th-anniversary-tour-dates|title=Megadeth Announce 'Rust In Peace' 20th Anniversary Tour Dates|work=Guitar World|date=January 25, 2010|access-date=November 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217221720/http://www.guitarworld.com/megadeth-announce-rust-peace-20th-anniversary-tour-dates|archive-date=December 17, 2013|url-status=dead}} Prior to the start of the tour, original bassist David Ellefson rejoined Megadeth after eight years. In an interview for Classic Rock, he stated that Shawn Drover contacted him, informing him that bassist LoMenzo was leaving the band, saying "if ever there was a time for you and Dave [Mustaine] to talk, now is it".{{cite web|first=Malcolm |last=Dome |url=http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/dave-ellefson-exclusive-why-im-back-in-megadeth/ |title=David Ellefson Exclusive: Why I'm Back In Megadeth |work=Classic Rock |date=February 9, 2010 |access-date=November 19, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101110346/http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/dave-ellefson-exclusive-why-im-back-in-megadeth/ |archive-date=November 1, 2013 }}

Megadeth, along with Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax, collectively known as the "big four" of thrash metal, agreed to perform on the same bill during mid-2010. These performances were part of the Sonisphere Festival and were held in a number of European countries.{{cite web|author=MusicRadar staff|url=http://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/thrash-metals-big-four-for-sonisphere-2010-229761/|title=Thrash metal's 'Big Four' for Sonisphere 2010!|publisher=MusicRadar|date=December 15, 2009|access-date=November 20, 2013}} One such performance in Sofia, Bulgaria, was filmed and released as a full-length video entitled The Big Four: Live from Sofia, Bulgaria.{{cite magazine|first=Andre|last=Paine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/957831/metallica-heading-to-cinemas|title=Metallica Heading To Cinemas|magazine=Billboard|date=June 10, 2010|access-date=November 20, 2013}} These shows continued the following year in the United States. The first took place in Indio, California, and was the only scheduled show in the United States at the time,{{cite web|first=Ryan J.|last=Downey|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1662574/big-4-concert-metallica-anthrax-slayer-megadeth/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225010722/http://www.mtv.com/news/1662574/big-4-concert-metallica-anthrax-slayer-megadeth/|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 25, 2014|title=Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer And Anthrax Make Big 4 History|publisher=MTV|date=April 25, 2011|access-date=November 20, 2013}} although a second American production was held at Yankee Stadium in New York City shortly afterwards.{{cite web|first=Ben|last=Ratliff|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/16/arts/music/music-review-big-four-with-anthrax-megadeth-slayer-and-metallica.html|title=Metallica Earns Its Top Billing of the Big Four|work=The New York Times|date=September 15, 2011|access-date=November 20, 2013}}

In July 2010, after the European "big four" shows, Megadeth and Slayer commenced the first leg of the American Carnage Tour, where Megadeth played Rust in Peace in its entirety, while Slayer performed its album Seasons in the Abyss, both of which were released in 1990.{{cite web|author=Guitar World staff|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/slayer-perform-complete-seasons-abyss-album-upcoming-tour|title=Slayer to Perform Complete 'Seasons in the Abyss' Album on Upcoming Tour|work=Guitar World|date=April 26, 2010|access-date=November 20, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824150745/http://www.guitarworld.com/slayer-perform-complete-seasons-abyss-album-upcoming-tour|archive-date=August 24, 2017|url-status=dead}} From these shows onward, Vic Rattlehead started making sustained onstage appearances, to improve the visual facet of Megadeth's live performances.{{cite web|last=Bezer |first=Terry |title=Vic Rattlehead Makes Megadeth Live Debut |url=http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/vic-rattlehead-makes-megadeth-live-debut/ |work=Metal Hammer |date=August 20, 2010 |access-date=March 6, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130405133637/http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/vic-rattlehead-makes-megadeth-live-debut/ |archive-date=April 5, 2013 }} Shortly afterward, the two bands united with Anthrax for the Jägermeister Music Tour in late 2010.{{cite web|first=Pete|last=Freedman|url=https://www.spin.com/2010/09/backstage-anthrax-megadeth-slayer/|title=Backstage with Anthrax, Megadeth & Slayer!|work=Spin|date=September 30, 2010|access-date=November 20, 2013}} During the final show of the tour, Kerry King joined Megadeth on stage at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Hollywood to perform Megadeth's "Rattlehead". It was the first time that King had performed onstage with Megadeth since 1984.{{cite magazine|first=Megan|last=Vick|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/viral-videos/952724/slayers-kerry-king-performs-with-megadeth|title=Slayer's Kerry King Performs with Megadeth|magazine=Billboard|date=October 25, 2010|access-date=November 20, 2013}} Megadeth and Slayer again shared the stage for the European Carnage Tour in March and April 2011.{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/slayer-megadeth-to-join-forces-for-european-carnage-tour/|title=Slayer, Megadeth To Join Forces For 'European Carnage' Tour|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=December 18, 2010|access-date=November 20, 2013}} Megadeth also headlined the fourth annual Rockstar Mayhem Festival in July and August the same year.{{cite web|first=Matt|last=Debenedictis|url=http://noisecreep.com/mayhem-festival-2011-lineup-disturbed-godsmack-megadeth/|title=Disturbed, Godsmack, Megadeth Headlining Rockstar Mayhem Festival 2011|website=Noisecreep|date=January 31, 2011|access-date=November 20, 2013}}

In September, the band released the DVD album Rust in Peace Live, recorded at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles.{{cite web|author=Guitar World staff|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/megadeth-release-rust-peace-live-blu-ray-dvd-and-cd|title=Megadeth to Release 'Rust In Peace Live' Blu-Ray, DVD and CD|work=Guitar World|date=June 23, 2010|access-date=November 20, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610033053/http://www.guitarworld.com/megadeth-release-rust-peace-live-blu-ray-dvd-and-cd|archive-date=June 10, 2011|url-status=dead}} Later that month, Megadeth released "Sudden Death" for the video game Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock.{{cite web|first=Thomas|last=East|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/262448/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-megadeth-trailer/|title=Guitar Hero: Warriors Of Rock Megadeth trailer|date=September 1, 2010|work=Official Nintendo Magazine|access-date=November 20, 2013}} The song was commissioned by the publishers of the Guitar Hero franchise, who wanted the track to feature dark lyrics and multiple guitar solos.{{cite magazine|first=Chris|last=Harris|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/mustaine-pens-fresh-megadeth-track-for-guitar-hero-20100604|title=Mustaine Pens Fresh Megadeth Track For 'Guitar Hero'|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=June 4, 2010|access-date=November 20, 2013}} It was nominated for Best Metal Performance at the 2011 Grammy ceremony.{{cite web|first=Amy|last=Sciarretto|url=http://noisecreep.com/grammy-nominees-2011-metal-hard-rock/|title=Grammy Nominees 2011 Announced for Hard Rock and Metal|website=Noisecreep|date=December 1, 2010|access-date=November 20, 2013}}

Megadeth returned to its own Vic's Garage studio in 2011 to record its thirteenth album, to be produced by Johnny K, because Andy Sneap, the producer of Megadeth's previous two albums, was unavailable.{{cite magazine|first=Gary|last=Graff|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/465450/megadeths-dave-mustaine-6-questions-about-thirteen|title=Megadeth's Dave Mustaine: 6 Questions About 'Thirteen'|magazine=Billboard|date=October 31, 2011|access-date=November 20, 2013}} The album was titled Thirteen and featured previously released tracks such as "Sudden Death" and "Never Dead".{{cite magazine|first=Greg|last=Prato|magazine=Rolling Stone|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/dave-mustaine-reveals-new-megadeth-album-details-20110712|title=Dave Mustaine Reveals New Megadeth Album Details|date=July 12, 2011|access-date=November 20, 2013}} The album was released in November 2011, and charted at number eleven on the Billboard 200; its lead single "Public Enemy No. 1" received a Grammy nomination for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance, but did not win.{{cite web|first=Brett|last=Bittke|title=Megadeth Receives their 10th Grammy Nomination|url=http://screamermagazine.com/press-releases/megadeth-receives-their-10th-grammy-nomination/|publisher=Screamer magazine|date=December 2, 2011|access-date=November 20, 2013}} Shortly after the album was released, Dave Mustaine stated that, after a four-year hiatus, there would be a new Gigantour tour in early 2012.{{cite magazine|first=Alex|last=Young|url=https://consequence.net/2011/11/megadeth-motorhead-team-up-for-gigantour-2012/|title=Megadeth, Motorhead, team up for Gigantour 2012|magazine=Consequence of Sound|date=November 1, 2011|access-date=November 20, 2013}} The lineup consisted of Motörhead, Volbeat, and Lacuna Coil alongside Megadeth.{{cite magazine|first=Dave|last=MacIntyre|title=Gigantour 2012 featuring Lacuna Coil, Volbeat, Motorhead and Megadeth|url=https://www.popmatters.com/review/154651-gigantour-2012-featuring-lacuna-coil-volbeat-motorhead-and-megadeth/|magazine=PopMatters|date=February 16, 2012|access-date=November 20, 2013}} After the conclusion of Gigantour, Rob Zombie and Megadeth embarked on a nine-date co-headlining US tour in the summer of 2012.{{cite web|first=Tree|last=Riddle|title=Rob Zombie and Megadeth To Embark on Co-Headlining 2012 U.S. Tour|url=http://loudwire.com/rob-zombie-megadeth-co-headlining-2012-u-s-tour/|work=Loudwire|date=February 21, 2012|access-date=November 20, 2013}}

In September 2012, it was announced that Megadeth would re-release Countdown to Extinction in honor of the album's 20th anniversary. To mark the occasion, Megadeth launched a tour in which the band performed the album live in its entirety.{{cite web|last=Childers|first=Chad|title=Megadeth to Celebrate 20th Anniversary of 'Countdown to Extinction' With Reissue and Fall 2012 Tour|url=http://loudwire.com/megadeth-20th-anniversary-countdown-to-extinction-reissue-fall-2012-tour/|work=Loudwire|date=September 10, 2012|access-date=November 17, 2013}} One performance, filmed at the Pomona Fox Theater, was released as a live album, Countdown to Extinction: Live, the following year.{{cite web|last=Ouellette|first=Mary|title=Megadeth Reveal 'Countdown To Extinction: Live' Trailer|url=http://loudwire.com/megadeth-reveal-countdown-to-extinction-live-trailer/|work=Loudwire|date=September 21, 2013|access-date=November 17, 2013}} Another track from Thirteen, "Whose Life (Is It Anyways?)", was nominated for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance at the 2013 Grammy Awards, but lost to Halestorm's "Love Bites (So Do I)".{{cite web|title=Halestorm: "Winning A Grammy Is A Huge Milestone For Us" |url=http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/halestorm-winning-a-grammy-is-a-huge-milestone-for-us/ |work=Metal Hammer |date=February 12, 2013 |access-date=November 17, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203063529/http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/halestorm-winning-a-grammy-is-a-huge-milestone-for-us/ |archive-date=December 3, 2013 }}

File:Flickr - Official U.S. Navy Imagery - Shawn Drover and Chris Broderick, members of the band Megadeth, sign autographs in the crew mess aboard USS Helena.jpg.]]

In August, Megadeth announced the recording of its fourteenth album with producer Johnny K.{{cite news|title=Megadeth Taps Producer Johnny K For New Album|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-taps-producer-johnny-k-for-new-album/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=August 22, 2012|access-date=August 23, 2012}} At the start of 2013, Megadeth left Roadrunner Records for Mustaine's newly founded label, Tradecraft, distributed through Universal Music Group.{{cite news|title=Megadeth Working On 'Dark', 'Heavy' And 'Fast' New Album|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-working-on-dark-heavy-and-fast-new-album/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=January 28, 2013|access-date=January 29, 2013}}{{cite web|last=Hartmann|first=Graham|title=Megadeth Announce June Release for Upcoming Album 'Super Collider'|url=http://loudwire.com/megadeth-june-release-upcoming-album-super-collider/|work=Loudwire|date=February 12, 2013|access-date=February 12, 2013}} The album, Super Collider, was released in June and debuted at number six on the Billboard 200, the band's highest chart position since 1994's Youthanasia.{{cite magazine|first=Keith|last=Caulfield|title=Queens Of The Stone Age Get First No. 1 Album On Billboard 200|url=https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/chart-alert/1566510/queens-of-the-stone-age-get-first-no-1-album-on-billboard-200|magazine=Billboard|date=June 12, 2013|access-date=September 28, 2013}} Critical reaction to the album, however, was mixed, with criticism directed towards the album's deviation from the band's traditional metal sound.{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/super-collider/megadeth|title=Super Collider – Megadeth|work=Metacritic|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=June 17, 2013}} Shortly after the release of Super Collider, Mustaine stated that he had already started thinking about a fifteenth Megadeth album. He said this had been spurred by the death of Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman, which gave him a sense of mortality.{{cite web|last=Wise|first=Lauren|title=Megadeth's Dave Mustaine: There's Been a Renaissance With Us|url=http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/uponsun/2013/11/dave-mustaine-interview-2013-megadeth.php?page=2|work=Phoenix New Times|date=November 25, 2013|access-date=December 16, 2013|archive-date=December 17, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217005700/http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/uponsun/2013/11/dave-mustaine-interview-2013-megadeth.php?page=2|url-status=dead}} Mustaine elaborated: "You know, time is short. Nobody knows how long they're gonna live. You see what happened with Jeff Hanneman, so I wanna write as much as I can while I can."{{cite web|title=Megadeth Planning New Album: 'Time Is Short'|url=http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/megadeth_planning_new_album_time_is_short.html|publisher=Ultimate-Guitar.com|date=July 24, 2013|access-date=November 17, 2013}}

The 2013 edition of Gigantour featured Black Label Society, Hellyeah, Device, and Newsted as opening bands.{{cite web|last=Hartmann|first=Graham|title=Black Label Society Join Lineup for Megadeth's Gigantour 2013 + Dates Announced|url=http://loudwire.com/black-label-society-megadeth-gigantour-2013-dates-announced/|work=Loudwire|date=May 3, 2013|access-date=June 12, 2014}} At the final show, Jason Newsted, Metallica's former bassist, joined Megadeth onstage to perform "Phantom Lord", a song Mustaine had co-written during his stint with Metallica.{{cite web|last=Bowar|first=Chad|title=Megadeth and Jason Newsted Play Metallica's 'Phantom Lord' During Toronto Gigantour Finale|url=http://loudwire.com/megadeth-jason-newsted-play-metallica-phantom-lord-toronto-gigantour-finale/|work=Loudwire|date=August 12, 2013|access-date=June 12, 2014}} Early in 2014, Megadeth was slated to play the Soundwave festival in Australia, but pulled out over a disagreement with tour promoter A. J. Maddah concerning the band's sideshows with Newsted.{{cite news|last=Vincent|first=Peter|title=Soundwave 2014: Megadeth cancels Australian tour|url=https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/soundwave-2014-megadeth-cancels-australian-tour-20140210-32b0r.html|access-date=February 15, 2014|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=February 10, 2014}} Icon, an eleven-song compilation of Megadeth's Capitol-era material, was released as part of Universal Music's Icon series in February.{{cite news|title=Megadeth: 'Icon'-Series Compilation Due This Month|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-icon-series-compilation-due-this-month/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=February 15, 2014|access-date=July 6, 2014}}

Megadeth encountered several setbacks throughout 2014. After Ellefson's brother died of cancer in May, the band cancelled its June tour dates to allow him to mourn.{{cite web |last1=Hartmann |first1=Graham |title=Megadeth Cancel Tour Dates Following Death of Bassist David Ellefson's Brother |url=https://loudwire.com/megadeth-cancel-tour-dates-death-bassist-david-ellefson-brother/ |website=Loudwire |date=May 21, 2014 |access-date=October 21, 2023}} A planned August concert in Tel Aviv was canceled due to an armed conflict between Israel and Gaza.{{cite web|first=Colin|last=Joyce|title=Cee Lo Green and Megadeth Cancel Israel Shows|url=https://www.spin.com/2014/08/cee-lo-green-megadeth-cancel-israel-shows-palestine-conflict/|work=Spin|date=August 5, 2014|access-date=August 7, 2014}} Megadeth was scheduled to appear on Motörhead's Motörboat cruise in late September, but withdrew because of Mustaine's complications following his cervical spine surgery.{{cite magazine|last=Leight|first=Elias|title=Megadeth Pulls Out of Motorhead's Motorboat Cruise|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6244196/megadeth-motorhead-motorboat-cruise-cancel|magazine=Billboard|date=September 10, 2014|access-date=September 17, 2014}} In October, Mustaine's mother-in-law, who suffered from Alzheimer's, went missing from a campground; her remains were discovered in late November.{{cite web |date=November 27, 2014 |title=Body of Missing Woman Found in Julian |website=CBS8.com |url=http://www.cbs8.com/story/27495570/body-found-near-campsite-where-woman-went-missing |access-date=November 28, 2014}} That same month, Drover quit the band after ten years, wanting to pursue his own musical interests, but has said he is grateful for the career Mustaine gave him.{{cite web |title=Why Does DAVE MUSTAINE Get Such A Bad Rap? Ex-MEGADETH Drummer SHAWN DROVER Weighs In |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/why-does-dave-mustaine-get-such-a-bad-rap-ex-megadeth-drummer-shawn-drover-weighs-in |website=Blabbermouth |access-date=August 3, 2023 |date=July 18, 2023}} This was quickly followed by the departure of Broderick, due to artistic and musical differences.{{cite web|first=Martin|last=Kielty|title=Broderick & Drover Quit Megadeth|url=http://teamrock.com/news/2014-11-26/megadeth-chris-broderick-shawn-drover-quit|work=Classic Rock|date=November 26, 2014|access-date=November 27, 2014}} Ellefson denied rumors that Megadeth would disband, and said he and Mustaine would continue working on new music.{{cite web|first=Spencer|last=Kaufman|title=Megadeth's David Ellefson: We Are Not Disbanding|url=http://loudwire.com/megadeth-david-ellefson-not-disbanding/|work=Loudwire|date=December 2, 2014|access-date=December 3, 2014}} Mustaine later said one of the reasons for Broderick and Drover leaving was their frustration over Megadeth's fan base demanding a reunion with Friedman and Menza.{{cite web|first=Dan|last=Epstein|title=Interview: Megadeth's Dave Mustaine Gives Update from the Studio|url=http://www.revolvermag.com/news/interview-megadeths-dave-mustaine-give-update-from-the-studio.html|work=Revolver|date=July 20, 2015|access-date=July 22, 2015}}

{{multiple image

| total_width=300

| align = right

| footer = Kiko Loureiro (left) replaced Chris Broderick in 2015, while Dirk Verbeuren (right) replaced Chris Adler the following year.

| image1 = Kiko Loureiro, em Fort Rock, DystopiaTour 2016.jpg

| image2 = Dirk Verbeuren 2016.jpg

}}

Lamb of God drummer Chris Adler and guitarist Kiko Loureiro of Angra were brought in to perform on Megadeth's fifteenth studio album after Mustaine unsuccessfully attempted to reunite the Rust in Peace lineup.{{cite web|title=Meet Megadeth's New Guitarist: Kiko Loureiro of Angra|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/meet-megadeths-new-guitarist-kiko-loureiro-angra|website=Guitar World|date=April 2, 2015|access-date=April 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160702080953/http://www.guitarworld.com/meet-megadeths-new-guitarist-kiko-loureiro-angra|archive-date=July 2, 2016|url-status=dead}} In October 2015, Megadeth streamed "Fatal Illusion" off the album Dystopia, which was released in January 2016.{{cite web|last=Bienstock|first=Richard|title=Megadeth Premiere New Song, "Fatal Illusion"|url=http://www.revolvermag.com/news/megadeth-premiere-new-song-fatal-illusion.html|work=Revolver|date=October 1, 2015|access-date=October 2, 2015}} In support of Dystopia, Megadeth embarked on a North American tour in February and March with Suicidal Tendencies, Children of Bodom and Havok (though Havok was soon removed from the tour by Megadeth's management following a dispute over a contract).{{cite news|title=Megadeth, Suicidal Tendencies, Children Bodom: North American Tour Dates Announced|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-suicidal-tendencies-children-of-bodom-north-american-tour-dates-announced/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=December 7, 2015|access-date=December 7, 2015}} Mustaine announced that Adler, who was performing with both Lamb of God and Megadeth, was no longer in the band due to scheduling conflicts between the two bands. He was replaced by Dirk Verbeuren from Soilwork, on Adler's recommendation.{{cite web|last=Childers|first=Chad|title=Megadeth Officially Confirm Dirk Verbeuren as New Drummer|url=http://loudwire.com/megadeth-officially-confirm-dirk-verbeuren-new-drummer/|work=Loudwire|date=July 14, 2016|access-date=July 15, 2016}} A second US tour took place in September and October, with support from Amon Amarth, Suicidal Tendencies, Metal Church,{{cite news|title=Megadeth Announces U.S. Tour With Amon Amarth, Suicidal Tendencies, Metal Church, Havok|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-announces-u-s-tour-with-amon-amarth-suicidal-tendencies-metal-church-havok/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=July 18, 2016|access-date=July 18, 2016}} and Butcher Babies.{{cite news|title=Butcher Babies Added To Megadeth's Tour With Amon Amarth, Suicidal Tendencies, Metal Church|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/butcher-babies-added-to-megadeth-tour-with-amon-amarth-suicidal-tendencies-metal-church/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=September 10, 2016|access-date=September 10, 2016}} Former drummer Menza died of a heart attack on May 21, 2016, while performing with OHM at a jazz club in Los Angeles.{{cite web|last=Kennedy|first=Maev|title=Former Megadeth drummer Nick Menza dies after collapsing on stage|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/may/22/nick-menza-megadeth-drummer-dies-collapsing-stage-los-angeles|work=The Guardian|date=May 22, 2016|access-date=July 15, 2016}}

Asked about any further Big Four gigs, Mustaine called for "the powers-that-be" to help put together a new Big Four tour in 2017 as all the respective bands were promoting new albums.{{cite news|url=http://teamrock.com/news/2016-12-06/megadeths-dave-mustaine-calls-for-2017-big-four-tour|title=Megadeth's Dave Mustaine calls for 2017 Big Four tour|date=December 6, 2016|newspaper=Metal Hammer|language=en-GB|access-date=December 7, 2016}} Dystopia's title track won the Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance at the 2017 Grammy Awards, the band's first win after 12 nominations. Mustaine, Loureiro, Ellefson, and Verbeuren attended the ceremony; however, album drummer and award recipient Chris Adler{{cite web |url=https://www.grammy.com/node/218641 |title=Chris Adler|work=The Grammys |access-date=February 20, 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222054146/https://www.grammy.com/node/218641 |archive-date=February 22, 2017 }} did not. While accepting the award, the house band played Mustaine's former band Metallica's "Master of Puppets" causing some controversy among fans.{{cite magazine|last=Teitelman|first=Bram|title=Megadeth's Dave Mustaine Reflects on First Grammy Win, House Band Playing Metallica|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/7694277/megadeth-dave-mustaine-interview-grammy-2017-metallica-dystopia|magazine=Billboard|date=February 19, 2017|access-date=February 20, 2017}}

In a June 2017 interview with No Brown M&Ms, Mustaine said that Megadeth would enter the studio at the end of the year to begin working on their sixteenth studio album.{{cite magazine|url=http://loudwire.com/dave-mustaine-megadeth-return-studio-late-2017/|title=Megadeth New Album In 2018|website=Loudwire|date=June 28, 2017}} A month later, Mustaine stated on Twitter that he had begun "collecting ideas" for the new album, but stated that they would "probably" enter the studio in mid-2018 to begin recording it for a 2019 release.{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-to-probably-begin-recording-new-album-next-summer/|title=Megadeth To 'Probably' Begin Recording New Album Next Summer|website=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=December 28, 2017}} The band joined with Scorpions for a co-headlining tour in the fall of 2017.{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/scorpions-announce-crazy-world-north-american-tour-with-megadeth/|title=SCORPIONS Announce 'Crazy World' North American Tour With MEGADETH|work=Blabbermouth|date=March 22, 2017|access-date=August 5, 2017}}

In 2018, Megadeth marked their 35th anniversary by re-releasing their 1985 debut album Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good!, dubbed Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good! - The Final Kill on June 8, 2018, as a deluxe package containing remastered versions of all songs to Mustaine's intended vision, a re-cut version of "These Boots" lyrically adjusted to Lee Hazlewood's version, rare live performances of songs off the album during Alice Cooper's Live in the Flesh Tour and the 1984 three song demo.{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/megadeth-final-kill-reissue-killing-is-my-business-and-business-is-good/|author=Childers, Chad|title=Megadeth to Offer 'Final Kill' Reissue of 'Killing Is My Business … And Business Is Good' Disc|website=Loudwire|date=April 8, 2018 |access-date=April 8, 2018}}

On May 10, 2019, Megadeth entered the studio in Franklin, Tennessee, to begin pre-production of the next album, once again teaming up with Dystopia co-producer Chris Rakestraw.{{cite news|title=MEGADETH Enters Studio For New Album Pre-Production|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-enters-studio-to-record-new-album/|website=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=May 10, 2019}} On June 17, the band announced that all shows scheduled in 2019 (with the exception of the MegaCruise) would be cancelled due to Mustaine being diagnosed with throat cancer;{{cite web|url=https://www.kerrang.com/the-news/megadeths-dave-mustaine-diagnosed-with-throat-cancer/|title=Megadeth's Dave Mustaine Diagnosed With Throat Cancer|website=Kerrang!|date=June 17, 2019 |access-date=June 17, 2019}} of all the cancelled dates, the band was scheduled to support Ozzy Osbourne on the North American leg of the No More Tours II tour,{{cite news|title=OZZY OSBOURNE Announces 2019 North American Tour With MEGADETH|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ozzy-osbourne-announces-2019-north-american-tour-with-megadeth/|work=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=November 5, 2018}} which had been postponed from the summer of 2019 to the summer of 2020 due to Osbourne sustaining an injury while dealing with pneumonia. They were replaced by Marilyn Manson instead.{{cite news|title=OZZY OSBOURNE To Be Joined By MARILYN MANSON For Rescheduled 2020 North American Dates|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ozzy-osbourne-to-be-joined-by-marilyn-manson-for-rescheduled-2020-north-american-dates/|work=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=November 20, 2019|date=November 14, 2018}} Despite Mustaine's illness, the band vowed to continue working on their new album.{{cite web|url=https://www.houseofhaironline.com/2019/06/megadeths-dave-mustaine-vows-to-beat-cancer/|author=HOUSE OF HAIR|title=Megadeth's Dave Mustaine Vows To Beat Cancer|website=houseofhaironline.com|date=June 28, 2019|access-date=June 28, 2019}} On November 6, Mustaine shared a video on Instagram teasing a track from the band's upcoming album,{{Cite news|url=http://loudwire.com/megadeth-new-song-tease/|title=Dave Mustaine Teases Heavy + Fast New Megadeth Song – Listen|website=Loudwire|access-date=November 8, 2018}} which was originally set for release in 2019.{{Cite news|url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/megadeth-share-rehearsal-footage-from-new-album-sessions|title=Megadeth share rehearsal footage from new album sessions|website=Metal Hammer|access-date=November 8, 2018}} On July 17, Megadeth announced their partnership with Gimme Radio and Richard Childress Racing on the No. 2 Gimme Radio Chevrolet Camaro, which was driven by Xfinity Series driver Tyler Reddick at the New Hampshire 200 on July 20.{{cite web |url=https://www.rcrracing.com/news-media/news/2019/07/17/tyler-reddick-megadeth-new-hampshire-gimme-radio/|title=Reddick to Celebrate Metal Band Megadeth with Gimme Radio Chevy in Loudon|website=rcrracing.com|date=July 17, 2019|access-date=July 17, 2019}} On August 21, the band announced that they would embark on their first tour since Mustaine's illness in January and February 2020, with Five Finger Death Punch and Bad Wolves supporting on the European tour.{{cite news|title=FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH To Tour Europe With MEGADETH And BAD WOLVES|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/five-finger-death-punch-to-tour-europe-with-megadeth-and-bad-wolves/|website=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=August 21, 2019}}{{cite news|title=FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH Announces Dates For European Tour With MEGADETH, BAD WOLVES|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/five-finger-death-punch-announces-dates-for-european-tour-with-megadeth-bad-wolves/|website=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=September 9, 2019}}

The band was originally scheduled to perform on the first-ever MegaCruise to coincide with the release of the next album,{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-announces-first-ever-megacruise/|title=MEGADETH Announces First-Ever 'Megacruise'|website=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=September 25, 2018}} due to sail on October 13, 2019, from Los Angeles and hit ports of San Diego and Ensenada before returning on October 18, including performances by heavy metal acts such as Lamb of God, Anthrax, Testament, Overkill, Corrosion of Conformity, Queensrÿche, Armored Saint, Metal Church, Suicidal Tendencies, DragonForce, Doro, John 5, Death Angel and Toothgrinder,{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/anthrax-testament-corrosion-of-conformity-others-confirmed-for-megadeths-first-ever-megacruise/|title=ANTHRAX, TESTAMENT, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY, Others Confirmed For MEGADETH's First-Ever 'Megacruise'|website=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=October 9, 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://www.metalinsider.net/news/overkill-and-dragonforce-added-to-first-ever-megacruise|title=Overkill and Dragonforce added to first-ever MegaCruise|website=Metal Insider|date=October 25, 2018|access-date=October 28, 2018}}{{cite web|last=Trapp|first=Philip|title=Suicidal Tendencies, Queensryche + More Added to 2019 Megacruise|url=https://loudwire.com/suicidal-tendencies-queensryche-megacruise-2019/|website=Loudwire|date=March 21, 2019|access-date=June 18, 2019}}{{cite news|title=LAMB OF GOD Added To MEGADETH's 'Megacruise'|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/lamb-of-god-added-to-megadeths-megacruise/|work=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=August 31, 2020|date=August 6, 2019}} however, Mustaine was not present due to his illness. It was instead a live performance featuring members of each respective band playing Kiss songs.{{cite news|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-no-official-decision-has-yet-been-made-regarding-dave-mustaines-involvement-in-megacruise/|title=MEGADETH: No Official Decision Has Yet Been Made Regarding DAVE MUSTAINE's Involvement In 'Megacruise'|website=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=September 21, 2019}}{{cite news|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/members-of-megadeth-anthrax-testament-death-angel-others-take-part-in-kiss-all-star-jam-on-megacruise-video/|title=Members Of MEGADETH, ANTHRAX, TESTAMENT, DEATH ANGEL, Others Take Part In All-Star KISS Jam On 'Megacruise' (Video)|website=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=October 19, 2019}}

File:HF2022Megadeth 5.jpg rejoined Megadeth in 2022, after his replacement David Ellefson was dismissed from the group the previous year.]]

Megadeth was originally scheduled to embark on a co-headlining tour in North America with Lamb of God dubbed "The Metal Tour of the Year" in the summer of 2020, with Trivium and In Flames as support acts,{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/live/8550594/megadeth-lamb-of-god-north-america-2020-tour-dates/|author=Mims, Taylor|title=Megadeth and Lamb Of God Announce North American 2020 Co-Headline Tour|magazine=Billboard|access-date=February 10, 2020}} but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The tour was rescheduled for the summer of 2021,{{cite news|title=MEGADETH, LAMB OF GOD, TRIVIUM And IN FLAMES Announce 2021 Dates For 'The Metal Tour Of The Year'|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-lamb-of-god-trivium-and-in-flames-announce-2021-dates-for-the-metal-tour-of-the-year/|website=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=July 1, 2020}} with Hatebreed replacing In Flames due to the latter being forced to withdraw from the line-up due to international visa issues caused by the pandemic.{{Cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/hatebreed-replaces-in-flames-on-the-metal-tour-of-the-year/|title=HATEBREED Replaces IN FLAMES On 'The Metal Tour Of The Year'|access-date=July 13, 2021|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=July 13, 2021}} Megadeth re-entered the studio in Nashville in mid-2020 to resume recording their new album, tentatively planned for release in 2021.{{cite news|title=DAVID ELLEFSON Will Travel To Nashville This Week To Begin Recording New MEGADETH Album|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/david-ellefson-will-travel-to-nashville-this-week-to-begin-recording-new-megadeth-album/|website=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=May 19, 2020}}{{cite news|title=DAVE MUSTAINE Says New MEGADETH Album Is 'Coming Along Great'|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dave-mustaine-says-new-megadeth-album-is-coming-along-great/|work=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=July 25, 2020}}{{cite news|title=Why MEGADETH Decided Against Recording New Album Remotely|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/why-megadeth-decided-against-recording-new-album-remotely/|website=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=July 31, 2020}} While hosting a Masterclass "Front Row Live" for fans via Zoom on January 9, 2021, Mustaine announced the title of the band's sixteenth album would be called The Sick, the Dying... and the Dead!, however he indicated that the title might be subject to change.{{cite web|url=https://metaladdicts.com/site/dave-mustaine-reveals-title-for-new-megadeth-album/|title=Dave Mustane Reveals Title For New Megadeth Album|publisher=Metal Addicts|date=January 10, 2021|access-date=January 11, 2021}}

In May 2021, sexually explicit videos of Ellefson were leaked to social media. The videos, reportedly recorded by a 19-year-old fan who was in correspondence with Ellefson, led to initial accusations of child grooming. Ellefson and the fan denied these claims in separate statements and maintained their encounters were consensual.{{cite web |title=Megadeth Comments On Leak Of 'Embarrassing' David Ellefson Videos: 'We Are Watching Developments Closely' |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-comments-on-leak-of-embarrassing-david-ellefson-videos-we-are-watching-developments-closely/ |website=Blabbermouth |date=May 10, 2021 |access-date=May 23, 2021}} On May 24, Megadeth issued a statement announcing Ellefson's dismissal from the band.{{cite web |title=MEGADETH Officially Parts Ways With David Ellefson Following Sex Video Scandal|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-offically-parts-ways-with-david-ellefson-following-sex-video-scandal/ |website=Blabbermouth |date=May 24, 2021 |access-date=May 24, 2021}} Ellefson later confirmed that he had actually been dismissed ten days earlier on May 14; the videos originally surfaced on May 10.{{cite web|url=https://metalinjection.net/news/drama/david-ellefson-was-actually-fired-from-megadeth-four-days-after-sexual-allegations-surfaced-new-details-from-revenge-porn-report|author=Pasbani, Robert|title=David Ellefson Was Actually Fired From Megadeth Four Days After Sexual Allegations Surfaced, New Details From Revenge Porn Report|website=Metal Injection|date=June 9, 2021|access-date=June 9, 2021}} Following the controversy, Mustaine said there would be no chance for Ellefson to rejoin the band, while Ellefson said he would pursue legal action against the leaked videos.{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dave-mustaine-says-there-is-no-chance-of-david-ellefson-ever-rejoining-megadeth-again/|title=Dave Mustaine Says There Is No Chance Of David Ellefson Ever Rejoining Megadeth Again|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=July 13, 2021|access-date=July 13, 2021}}{{cite web |last1=Kennelty |first1=Greg |title=David Ellefson On Recent Sex Scandal: "There Was Nothing Illegal" |url=https://metalinjection.net/news/drama/david-ellefson-on-recent-sex-scandal-there-was-nothing-illegal |website=Metal Injection |date=October 22, 2021 |access-date=September 13, 2023}}

On Mustaine's Gimme Radio program The Dave Mustaine Show on June 17, he said that the bass tracks recorded by Ellefson in May 2020 would not appear on the upcoming album and would be re-recorded by a different bassist,{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dave-mustaine-confirms-david-ellefson-will-not-appear-on-upcoming-megadeth-album/|title=DAVE MUSTAINE Confirms DAVID ELLEFSON Will Not Appear On Upcoming MEGADETH Album|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=June 17, 2021|access-date=June 17, 2021}} which was completed a short time later, but did not say who it was. He also revealed a song title from the album called "The Dogs of Chernobyl".{{cite web|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/dave_mustaine_confirms_david_ellefsons_bass_parts_on_new_megadeth_album_were_already_re-recorded_by_another_bassist.html|author=jomatami|title=Dave Mustaine Confirms David Ellefson's Bass Parts on New Megadeth Album Were Already Re-Recorded By Another Bassist|website=Ultimate Guitar|access-date=July 8, 2021}} Mustaine confirmed soon after that a new bassist was chosen with a picture showing the neck of the bass guitar and the unknown member being shown on the floor behind a chair, however, he did not reveal the name, but would announce it soon.{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/heres-the-first-glimpse-of-megadeths-new-bassist/|title=Here's The First Glimpse Of MEGADETH's New Bassist|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=July 12, 2021|access-date=July 12, 2021}} Former bassist James LoMenzo filled in for the band's upcoming tour with Lamb of God,{{cite web|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/news/megadeth-new-live-bassist|author=Maxwell, Jackson|title=Megadeth announce James LoMenzo as new live bassist|website=Guitar World|date=August 11, 2021|access-date=August 11, 2021}} while Steve Di Giorgio of Testament performed as a session bassist on The Sick, the Dying... and the Dead!, which was released in September 2022.{{cite web|url=https://metaladdicts.com/megadeth-new-album-the-sick-the-dying-and-the-dead-postponed-to-september/|title=Megadeth's New Album, 'The Sick, The Dying... And The Dead', Postponed To September|date=June 12, 2022|accessdate=June 12, 2022|work=Metal Addicts}} LoMenzo was announced as the band's official bassist in May 2022.{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-announces-james-lomenzo-as-permanent-replacement-for-david-ellefson|title=MEGADETH Announces JAMES LOMENZO As 'Permanent' Replacement For David Ellefson|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=May 31, 2022|access-date=May 31, 2022}}

After several teasers,{{Cite web |date=June 21, 2022 |title=Megadeth tease new music on mysterious website|url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/megadeth-tease-new-music-on-mysterious-website|access-date=June 23, 2022 |website=loudersound |language=en}} "We'll Be Back", the first single from the record, was released on June 23,{{Cite web |last=Trapp |first=Todd FooksTodd FooksContributing Authors: Philip|title=Fans React to Megadeth's New Song 'We'll Be Back'|url=https://loudwire.com/megadeth-new-song-well-be-back-reactions-fans-listeners/ |access-date=June 23, 2022 |website=Loudwire |date=June 23, 2022 |language=en}} along with the tracklist, followed by next singles "Night Stalkers" and "Soldier On!", released on July 22{{cite web|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/news/megadeth-ice-t-night-stalkers|title=Megadeth join forces with Ice-T for pummeling new single, Night Stalkers|work=Guitar World|date=July 22, 2022|accessdate=September 3, 2022}} and August 12{{cite web|url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/megadeth-soldier-on|title=Megadeth Unleash New Single 'Soldier On'|website=Ultimate Classic Rock|date=August 12, 2022|accessdate=September 3, 2022}} respectively.

In November 2022, the band released a cover of a Judas Priest song titled "Delivering The Goods" from their 1978 album, Killing Machine.{{Cite web |last=Kennelty |first=Greg |date=February 21, 2023|access-date=May 15, 2025|title=MEGADETH Streams Cover Of JUDAS PRIEST's "Delivering The Goods" |url=https://metalinjection.net/new-music/megadeth-streams-cover-of-judas-priests-delivering-the-goods |website=Metal Injection}}

On February 27, 2023, Megadeth was joined by former guitarist Marty Friedman where they performed three songs at the Budokan in Japan. This marked Friedman's first performance with the band since 2000.{{cite web|url=https://guitar.com/news/music-news/marty-friedman-megadeth-reunion-japan/|title=Watch: Marty Friedman reunites with Megadeth onstage for the first time in 23 years|website=Guitar.com|date=February 28, 2023|accessdate=May 19, 2023}} On June 23, former drummer Lee Rausch died at the age of 58.{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/former-megadeth-drummer-lee-rauch-dies|title=Former MEGADETH Drummer LEE RAUCH Dies|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=June 25, 2023}}

On September 6, 2023, it was announced that lead guitarist Kiko Loureiro would temporarily be leaving the North American portion of the tour and that he would be replaced by Teemu Mäntysaari.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/megadeth-kiko-loureiro-pulls-out-tour-temporary-replacement-announced-1234819072/|title=Megadeth's Kiko Loureiro Pulls Out of Tour, Temporary Replacement Announced|magazine=Rolling Stone|first=Charisma|last=Madarang|date=September 6, 2023|accessdate=November 25, 2023}} On November 20, 2023, Mäntysaari joined Megadeth as their lead guitarist, after Loureiro announced he would be extending his absence from the band.{{Cite web |date=November 20, 2023 |title=DAVE MUSTAINE: We Will Move Forward With TEEMU MÄNTYSAARI As Guitar Player For MEGADETH|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/dave-mustaine-we-will-move-forward-with-teemu-maantysari-as-guitar-player-for-megadeth |access-date=November 25, 2023|website=Blabbermouth.net |language=en}} Loureiro said in a November 28, 2023, podcast interview that he was no longer in the band.{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/kiko-loureiro-opens-up-about-decision-to-leave-megadeth |title=KIKO LOUREIRO Opens Up About His Decision To Leave MEGADETH |date=November 29, 2023|access-date=November 30, 2023|work=Blabbermouth.net}} Loureiro explained his departure in a January 2024 interview with Guitar World, saying: “I had two viable options: to be in Megadeth or not. I chose my personal life. No regrets”.{{Cite web|first=Andrew|last=Daly |date=January 10, 2024 |title="I had two viable options: to be in Megadeth or not. I chose my personal life. No regrets": Kiko Loureiro opens up on what he meant by "freedom," how he trained up his replacement, and why he suggested Marty Friedman should return |url=https://www.guitarworld.com/features/kiko-loureiro-megadeth-departure |access-date=May 20, 2024 |website=Guitar World |language=en}}

In a December 2023 interview on The SDR Show, Mustaine revealed his intention to release at least three more studio albums as Megadeth, with the first to be released in 2025: "If it takes two years between an album — let's just say it does, if I'm able to put them out fast — it'll probably be three years, but let's just say it's two years. And I put an album out. We've still got about a year left on this one, at least. So that'll take us into '25."{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/megadeths-dave-mustaine-i-see-myself-living-till-im-in-my-80s-or-maybe-90s |title=MEGADETH's DAVE MUSTAINE: 'I See Myself Living Till I'm In My 80s Or Maybe 90s' |date=December 15, 2023|access-date=December 30, 2023 |work=Blabbermouth.net}}

Mustaine has made numerous inflammatory statements in the press,{{cite web|last=Crawford|first=Allyson B.|title=Megadeth Frontman Dave Mustaine's Most Controversial Quotes|url=http://noisecreep.com/dave-mustaine-quotes/|website=Noisecreep|date=April 5, 2012|access-date=November 21, 2013}} usually regarding issues with former Metallica bandmates. The feud stemmed from his ejection from the band, how it was conducted, and disagreements on songwriting credits.{{cite web|last=Hartmann|first=Graham|title=Metallica vs. Dave Mustaine – Nastiest Rock Feuds|url=http://loudwire.com/metallica-vs-dave-mustaine-nastiest-rock-feuds/|work=Loudwire|date=August 31, 2012|access-date=November 21, 2013}} Mustaine expressed his anger in the movie Metallica: Some Kind of Monster,{{cite magazine|last=Hay|first=Carla|title="Monster" Film Reveals Metallica's Dynamics|magazine=Billboard|date=January 17, 2004|volume=116|page=15|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gg8EAAAAMBAJ&q=dave+mustaine+fired+metallica&pg=PA15|access-date=November 21, 2013}} in a scene he later disapproved of as he felt he was mischaracterized, and that it did not represent the full extent of what happened during the meeting.{{cite web|last=Wiederhorn|first=Jon|title=Megadeth Frontman, Filmmakers At Odds Over Metallica Doc|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1489539/megadeth-frontman-filmmakers-at-odds-over-metallica-doc/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140524093031/http://www.mtv.com/news/1489539/megadeth-frontman-filmmakers-at-odds-over-metallica-doc/|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 24, 2014|publisher=MTV|date=July 20, 2004|access-date=November 21, 2013}}

During a live performance of "Anarchy in the U.K." at a 1988 show in Antrim, Northern Ireland, Mustaine dedicated the song to "the cause" of "giving Ireland back to the Irish!"{{refn|Before the show in Antrim, Mustaine discovered that bootlegged Megadeth T-shirts were on sale in the venue. The seller explained to Mustaine that he was raising money for "The Cause". Mustaine felt supportive of the idea and unknowingly dedicated the last song to the organization, saying: "This one's for the cause, give Ireland back to the Irish, anarchy in Antrim." The quote was inspired by Paul McCartney's song "Give Ireland Back to the Irish".{{cite web|first=Kenny|last=Herzog|title=Dave Mustaine Interview|url=https://www.avclub.com/article/dave-mustaine-59091|work=The A.V. Club|date=July 18, 2011|access-date=June 4, 2014}}|group=nb}} Before the final song, Mustaine said, "This one's for the cause! Give Ireland back to the Irish!"{{cite web|first=Richard |last=Bienstock |title=Megadeth: Rust Never Sleeps |url=https://www.guitarworld.com/features/megadeth-rust-never-sleeps |work=Guitar World |date=September 17, 2010 |access-date=November 22, 2013}} This elicited a riot and fighting among the audience between Irish Nationalists, the majority of whom are Catholic, and the predominantly Protestant, British Unionists in attendance. The band had to travel in a bulletproof bus back to Dublin.{{cite web|author=Metal Sludge staff|title=23 Questions With Dave Mustaine|url=http://www.metalsludge.tv/?p=28520|publisher=Metal Sludge|date=September 4, 2001|access-date=December 10, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213140143/http://www.metalsludge.tv/?p=28520|archive-date=December 13, 2013}} This incident served as inspiration for the song "Holy Wars... The Punishment Due".{{cite magazine|title=Holy Wars...The Punishment Due|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/song-stories/holy-wars-the-punishment-due-megadeth|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=December 6, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140309221717/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/song-stories/holy-wars-the-punishment-due-megadeth|archive-date=March 9, 2014}}

Controversial or misinterpreted lyrics have caused complications for the band. In 1988, MTV deemed that the song "In My Darkest Hour" encouraged suicide and banned the video.{{cite web|first=Laura|last=Mann|title=The Ten Best Music Videos Banned by MTV|url=http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/dc9/2011/08/the_ten_best_videos_banned_by.php|work=Dallas Observer|date=August 1, 2011|access-date=November 22, 2013|archive-date=May 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150513182039/http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/dc9/2011/08/the_ten_best_videos_banned_by.php|url-status=dead}} The station banned the video for "A Tout le Monde" for the same reason, though Mustaine said the song was written from the perspective of a dying man saying his last words to his loved ones. According to him, MTV considered the videos for "Skin o' My Teeth" and "Symphony of Destruction" a "little bit too harsh" and refused to play them.{{cite journal|first=Anna Lisa|last=Pessin|title=Dressed for Success|journal=Spin|date=October 1992|volume=8|page=52|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wJumg6TLv8EC&q=countdown+to+extinction+thrash+metal&pg=PT53|access-date=September 20, 2013}}

During a world tour in 2001, the Malaysian government canceled the band's show in the nation's capital because the authorities had a negative perception of the group's image and music.{{cite magazine|first=Barry A.|last=Jeckell|title=Billboard Bits: LL Cool J, Megadeth, Money Mark|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/79013/billboard-bits-ll-cool-j-megadeth-money-mark|magazine=Billboard|date=August 6, 2001|access-date=December 13, 2013}} The government deemed the band's mascot, Vic Rattlehead, as inappropriate and told the members that they would be arrested if they performed.{{cite web|title='Hero' Takes A Fall In Malaysia|url=https://www.nme.com/news/megadeth/8697|work=New Musical Express|date=July 24, 2001|access-date=December 13, 2013}} Dave Mustaine responded: "I recognize what the Malaysian government is trying to do, and it is admirable of them trying to protect the young people in the country. But it just shows the degree of ignorance and apathy that the government has toward the problem."

In 2003, after recovering from an arm injury that threatened to end his career, Mustaine became a born-again Christian.{{cite web|first=George|last=Stroumboulopoulos|publisher=CBS|title=Interview: Dave Mustaine|url=http://www.cbc.ca/strombo/guests/dave-mustaine|access-date=November 22, 2013}} Minor controversy was sparked by Mustaine's announcement that Megadeth would not play certain songs live due to his conversion.{{cite news|last=Prince|first=Patrick|title=Dave Mustaine at 'Peace' in his career, 25 years later|url=http://www.goldminemag.com/features/dave-mustaine-at-peace-in-his-career-25-years-later|work=Goldmine|date=June 13, 2011|access-date=November 22, 2013}} In May 2005, Mustaine allegedly threatened to cancel shows in Greece and Israel with extreme metal bands Rotting Christ and Dissection due to the bands' anti-Christian beliefs. This caused the two bands to cancel appearances.{{cite web|last=Kerby|first=Jeff|title=Dave Mustaine Speaks to KNAC.com From Gigantour| date=July 24, 2005|url=http://www.knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=3761|publisher=KNAC.com|access-date=November 22, 2013}}

{{Wikisource|David Ellefson v Megadeth}}

In July 2004, former bassist Ellefson sued Mustaine for $18.5 million in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Ellefson alleged that Mustaine short-changed him on profits including tour merchandise and publishing royalties.{{cite magazine|magazine=Billboard|title=Megadeth Founders Exchange Lawsuits|date=August 9, 2004|url=https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/1430579/megadeth-founders-exchange-lawsuits|access-date=November 22, 2013}} The suit was dismissed in 2005, and Mustaine filed a countersuit alleging that Ellefson had used the band's name in an advertisement for musical equipment;{{cite magazine|title=Megadeth's Mustaine Sues Former Bassist|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/61979/megadeths-mustaine-sues-former-bassist|magazine=Billboard|date=July 26, 2005|access-date=June 4, 2014}} the suit was settled out of court.{{cite web|first=Jon|last=Wiederhorn|website=Noisecreep|title=Megadeth Frontman Extends Olive Branch to Original Bassist|date=February 10, 2010|url=http://noisecreep.com/megadeth-dave-mustaine-olive-branch-dave-ellefson/|access-date=November 22, 2013}}

On May 10, 2021, sexually explicit videos of Ellefson were posted on Twitter. The videos, reportedly recorded by a fan that Ellefson was in correspondence with, initially led to accusations of child grooming. However, Ellefson and the other party both denied the accusations, and the fan publicly claimed they were a consenting adult and the videos were unknowingly released by a third party. The Scottsdale Police Department (SPD) was contacted by Ellefson, who sought charges for revenge porn. Ellefson took a polygraph test to affirm his claims and presented police with a photo of the fan's driver's license to prove their age. He also shared screen shots of Snapchat and WhatsApp messages related to the allegations. Ellefson's partner admitted that she had shared the video with some friends but wasn't sure how it got leaked out to others. The SPD report states the fan "was remorseful and agreed to send out a social media statement on...Instagram" that they were "a willing consenting adult during their mutual virtual sexual encounter." Ellefson then posted her statement and one of his own on May 10, asserting that the allegations of grooming were false. Ellefson stated he has not been extorted in any way, and he believes the videos of their consensual adult encounter were not intentionally leaked.{{Cite magazine|last1=Grow|first1=Kory|date=June 7, 2021|title=David Ellefson: Ex-Megadeth Bassist Details Revenge-Porn Case in Police Report|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/david-ellefson-megadeth-bassist-revenge-porn-police-report-1179919/|access-date=January 16, 2022|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US}} An official statement released the next day from Megadeth stated that the situation was being "watched closely". Mustaine announced on May 24, 2021, that Ellefson was fired from the band.{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2021/music/news/megadeth-david-ellefson-fires-sexual-misconduct-1234980355/ |title=Megadeth Fires Bassist David Ellefson After Sexual Misconduct Allegations |author=Jordan Moreau |date=May 24, 2021 |website=Variety |access-date=May 24, 2021 |quote=Heavy metal band Megadeth has parted ways with bassist David Ellefson after he was accused of sexual misconduct.}}

Traditional heavy metal bands such as UFO, Black Sabbath, Budgie, Judas Priest,{{cite web|url=http://www.revolvermag.com/uncategorized/exclusive-excerpt-from-dave-mustaines-autobiography-meeting-lars-ulric.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151120220741/http://www.revolvermag.com/uncategorized/exclusive-excerpt-from-dave-mustaines-autobiography-meeting-lars-ulric.html|title=Exclusive Excerpt From Dave Mustaine's Autobiography: Meeting Lars Ulrich|date=August 3, 2010|last=Grow|first=Kory|work=Revolver|publisher=NewBay Media|archive-date=November 20, 2015}} new wave of British heavy metal (NWOBHM) bands such as Raven,{{cite web|url=https://sleazeroxx.com/ravens-debut-album-rock-until-you-drop-getting-released-as-the-4cd-over-the-top-edition/|title=Raven's debut album 'Rock Until You Drop' getting released as 'The 4CD Over The Top Edition'|publisher=sleazeroxx.com|access-date=March 7, 2022|date=March 7, 2022}} Angel Witch, Motörhead, Iron Maiden, Diamond Head, and Venom, and punk rock bands such as the Sex Pistols and Ramones had a significant influence on Megadeth's sound.{{cite news|last=Smyers|first=Darryl|title=Megadeth's Dave Ellefson Talks About Christianity and Lady Gaga|url=http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/dc9/2012/03/megadeths_dave_ellefson_talks.php|access-date=November 23, 2013|newspaper=Dallas Observer|date=March 1, 2012|archive-date=December 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203013034/http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/dc9/2012/03/megadeths_dave_ellefson_talks.php|url-status=dead}} Hard rock bands such as AC/DC,{{cite web|author=Full Metal Jackie|title=Megadeth Frontman Dave Mustaine on Touring With Iron Maiden, Social Media + More|url=http://loudwire.com/megadeth-dave-mustaine-touring-iron-maiden-social-media-more/|access-date=November 23, 2013|work=Loudwire|date=October 7, 2013}} Queen,{{Cite web|url=https://thequietus.com/articles/19891-dave-mustaine-megadeth-favourite-albums-interview?page=12|title = The Quietus | Features | Baker's Dozen | Th1rt3en Best: Dave Mustaine of Megadeth's Favourite Albums| date=March 16, 2016 }} Led Zeppelin,{{sfn|Edmondson|2013|p=147}} and Rush,{{cite news|last=Kot|first=Greg|url=http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/19911101chicagotribune.htm|title=Rush Still Feels No Special Need To Hurry|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|date=November 1, 1991|access-date=May 25, 2024}} as well as German acts like Scorpions{{Cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/bands-who-influenced-megadeth/|title=10 Bands Who Influenced Megadeth|website=Loudwire|date=January 29, 2019 }} and Accept,{{cite web|url=http://www.uncivilrevolt.com/2021/02/b-mac-album-review-accept-too-mean-to-die/|title=B-Mac Album Review: Accept, Too Mean To Die ~ Uncivil Revolt|date=February 2021|publisher=uncivilrevolt.com|access-date=February 8, 2021|archive-date=April 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407034003/http://www.uncivilrevolt.com/2021/02/b-mac-album-review-accept-too-mean-to-die/|url-status=dead}} were also influential on the group's guitar style. Although the music has roots in punk,{{sfn|Dika|2012|p=188}} university professor Jason Bivins wrote that Megadeth followed the basic blueprint of Motörhead and Iron Maiden. He described the style as a mix of "the instrumental virtuosity of the NWOBHM with the speed and aggression of hardcore punk", while also drawing lyrical inspiration from the horror-themed punk band Misfits.{{sfn|Bivins|2008|p=74}} Mustaine has also listed albums by the Beatles and David Bowie as recordings that influenced him.{{cite web|last=Carney|first=Christine|title=Megadeth's Mustaine Talks About Albums That Influenced Him;|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-s-mustaine-talks-about-albums-that-influenced-him-video-available/|work=MP3.com|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|date=September 18, 2007|access-date=November 26, 2013}}

Mustaine is the band's primary songwriter. He develops songs starting with a particular riff that, with modifications, becomes the central part of the song.{{cite web|last=Sharken|first=Lisa|title=Dave Mustaine of Megadeth|url=http://www.seymourduncan.com/blog/artist-interview/dave-mustaine-of-megadeth/|work=Seymour Duncan|date=January 9, 2007|access-date=December 3, 2013}} He has said that song fragments are composed separately, and then the band makes a compact structure from them.{{cite web|last=Bosso|first=Joe|title=Interview: Megadeth's Dave Mustaine talks Thirteen, Metallica and riffs|url=http://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/interview-megadeths-dave-mustaine-talks-th1rt3en-metallica-and-riffs-519610|publisher=MusicRadar|date=December 14, 2011|access-date=December 3, 2013}} Drummer Shawn Drover stated that Mustaine had saved many riffs over the years and that some recent material is based on those demo recordings.{{cite web|last=Toto|first=Anthony|title=Interview: Megadeth|url=http://pop-break.com/2013/11/29/interview-megadeth/|work=Pop-Break|date=November 29, 2013|access-date=December 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131210235912/http://pop-break.com/2013/11/29/interview-megadeth/|archive-date=December 10, 2013|url-status=dead}} Ellefson stated that the band constantly creates new material, and that making a recording begins with exchanging ideas after which the band enters the studio and discusses the concept, direction, artwork, and song titles.{{cite web|last=Wise|first=Lauren|title=Megadeth's Dave Ellefson: "All The Best Things In My Life Were Not My Idea"|url=http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/uponsun/2013/10/dave-ellefson-interview-megadeth-book.php?page=3|work=Phoenix New Times|date=October 28, 2013|access-date=December 16, 2013|archive-date=December 15, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215121253/http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/uponsun/2013/10/dave-ellefson-interview-megadeth-book.php?page=3|url-status=dead}} The lyrics are usually written after the music is arranged.{{cite web|last=Chamberlain|first=Rich|title=Dave Mustaine on Super Collider, Endgame, Risk and more|url=http://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/dave-mustaine-on-super-collider-endgame-risk-and-more-575401/2|publisher=MusicRadar|date=June 3, 2013|access-date=July 11, 2014|archive-date=December 23, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223162322/http://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/dave-mustaine-on-super-collider-endgame-risk-and-more-575401/2|url-status=dead}} Discussing the band's lyrics, Mustaine said that many of the themes are derived from literature, such as the novels of George Orwell.{{cite web|last=Ruggiero|first=Bob|title=Megadeth's Dave Mustaine Hopes You're Still Buying|url=http://blogs.houstonpress.com/rocks/2013/12/_when_megadeth_foundersingergu.php|work=Houston Press|date=December 11, 2013|access-date=December 15, 2013|archive-date=October 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021135714/http://blogs.houstonpress.com/rocks/2013/12/_when_megadeth_foundersingergu.php|url-status=dead}}

The music of Megadeth and its underground metal contemporaries from the 1980s featured harsh vocals, double bass drum patterns, staccato riffing, power chords, tremolo picking, and screeching lead guitar work; albums from this period were produced on low budgets.{{sfn|Purcell|2003|p=53}} After forming Megadeth, Mustaine followed the thrash metal style of his previous band, Metallica, with more emphasis on speed and intensity.{{cite magazine|title=Megadeth Biography|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/artists/megadeth/biography|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110210231402/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/artists/megadeth/biography|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 10, 2011|magazine=Rolling Stone|publisher=Simon & Schuster|year=2001|access-date=November 22, 2013}} When asked to describe Megadeth's guitar style, Mustaine answered: "When you go to a show and see a guitar player who just stands there, that's a guitar player. A thrash guitar player is a guy who plays like he wants to beat the guitar's guts out." Most of the songs are recorded in standard guitar tuning as Mustaine believes it to provide a superior melody to alternative methods of tuning.{{cite web|last=Bienstock|first=Richard|title=Interview: Megadeth Guitarist Dave Mustaine on 2009's 'Endgame'|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/interview-megadeth-guitarist-dave-mustaine-2009s-endgame|work=Guitar World|date=January 17, 2013|access-date=December 15, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205082523/http://www.guitarworld.com/interview-megadeth-guitarist-dave-mustaine-2009s-endgame|archive-date=December 5, 2013|url-status=dead}}

In 2017, David Ellefson talked in an interview about how the band recently started to use a lower tuning saying: "it's just natural with age, for singers it can be a struggle, so rather than quit, than not play, how do you work it around? Well, let's drop the guitars, let's find a way to work around it."{{cite web|last=Sciaky|first=Davide|title=Interview: Megadeth (David Ellefson)|url=http://www.truemetal.it/news/intervista-megadeth-david-ellefson-91978-p2|work=TrueMetal.it|date=August 17, 2017|access-date=January 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181012014552/http://www.truemetal.it/news/intervista-megadeth-david-ellefson-91978-p2|archive-date=October 12, 2018|url-status=dead}}

During the band's early days, Mustaine was the rhythm guitarist, while Chris Poland played lead. Poland performed only on Megadeth's first two albums at the time of the book's release; (he would go on to play on the 2004 album The System Has Failed); music journalists Pete Prown and Harvey P. Newquist credit him with making the music more colorful because of his jazz influences.{{sfn|Prown|Newquist|1997|p=227}} According to former Metal Maniacs editor Jeff Wagner, the band's songwriting techniques peaked with the fourth album, Rust in Peace, which he described as a "flurry of precision and fluidity, making good on Megadeth's claim to being the world's state-of-the-art speed metal band".{{sfn|Wagner|2010|p=43}} Musicologist Glenn Pillsbury stated the guitar work on the album was a mixture of Mustaine's "controlled chaos" and the "technical brilliance" of Marty Friedman.{{sfn|Pillsbury|2006|p=82}} Studio efforts released in the mid- and late 1990s featured songs with compact structures and less complicated riffing.{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tQ0EAAAAMBAJ&q=megadeth+cryptic+writings&pg=PA84|access-date=November 22, 2013|last=Michael Moses|first=Dan Kaye|title=What Did You Do In The War, Daddy?|magazine=Billboard|page=12|date=June 5, 1999}}

Megadeth's lyrics often focus on death, war, politics, and religion.{{sfn|Arnett|1996|p=44}} The lyricism centers on nihilistic themes, but occasionally deals with topics such as alienation and social problems.{{sfn|Joyner|2002|p=301}} The earliest releases featured themes such as occultism, graphic violence, and Satanism.{{cite journal|last=Powell|first=Mike|title=Diggin' In the Crates For Untold Treasures|journal=Spin|date=September 2011|volume=27|page=92|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0wtKHa9tu6QC&q=megadeth+poetry+about+satan&pg=PA92|access-date=November 21, 2013}} Nuclear warfare and government conspiracy were preoccupations on albums such as Rust in Peace and Countdown to Extinction.{{sfn|Harrison|2011|p=60}} During Megadeth's commercial peak, Mustaine elaborated on more personal themes such as addiction and intimate relationships. For the lyrics on Cryptic Writings, Mustaine said that he wanted to write songs that had more appeal to a wider audience.{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5AkEAAAAMBAJ&q=megadeth+cryptic+writings&pg=PA74|access-date=November 21, 2013|last=Taylor|first=Chuck|title=Metal Mainstay Megadeth Alters Its Lyrics But Not Its Music For The '90s|magazine=Billboard|page=74|date=November 29, 1997}} The title of United Abominations is a satiric play on the name of the United Nations; Mustaine criticized the organization's ineffectiveness on a number of songs on that album.{{sfn|Phillips|Cogan|2009|p=157}}

Having sold more than 50 million units worldwide, Megadeth is one of the few bands from the 1980s American underground metal scene to have achieved mass commercial success. Along with contemporaries Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax, Megadeth is regarded as one of the core founding groups of thrash metal.{{sfn|Thompson|2007|p=135}} These bands are often referred to as the "big four" of thrash metal,{{sfn|Phillips|Cogan|2009|p=210}} responsible for the genre's development and popularization. Loudwire ranked Megadeth the third best thrash metal band of all time, praising the group's "provoking lyrics and mind-warping virtuosity".{{cite web|last=Rivadavia|first=Eduardo|title=10 Best Thrash Metal Bands of All Time|url=http://loudwire.com/best-thrash-metal-bands/|work=Loudwire|date=August 15, 2013|access-date=November 24, 2013}} CMJ New Music Report called the band's debut album a seminal release and a representative of "the golden age of speed metal".{{cite journal|author=CMJ Network, Inc|title=Loud Rock|journal=CMJ New Music Report|date=February 11, 2002|page=45|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Y7cms1PnqKUC&q=killing+is+my+business&pg=PT13|access-date=November 24, 2013}} Billboard called the band's second album Peace Sells... but Who's Buying? a "landmark of the thrash movement" whose lyrics it found still relevant.{{cite magazine|last=Paoletta|first=Michael|title=Vital Reissues|magazine=Billboard|date=August 14, 2004|page=45|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8RIEAAAAMBAJ&q=peace+sells+megadeth&pg=PA45|access-date=November 24, 2013}} MTV also recognized the band as an influential metal act, highlighting the technical aspect of the early albums.{{cite web|last=Wiederhorn |first=Jon |title=Greatest Metal Bands – Honorable Mentions |url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/metal/greatest_metal_bands/071406/index12.jhtml |publisher=MTV |access-date=November 24, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021140613/http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/metal/greatest_metal_bands/071406/index12.jhtml |archive-date=October 21, 2013 }}

Megadeth is considered one of the most musically influential groups that originated in the 1980s. As part of the early American thrash metal movement, the band's music was a direct influence on death metal.{{sfn|Purcell|2003|p=53}} Sociologist Keith Kahn-Harris wrote that the mainstream success of Megadeth was one of the reasons for the expansion of extreme metal to countries where it had previously been unknown.{{sfn|Kahn-Harris|2007|p=132}} The band had influenced many metal bands,{{cite web|last=Ramirez|first=Carlos|title=Top 10 New School Thrash Bands|url=http://noisecreep.com/top-10-new-school-thrash-bands/|website=Noisecreep|date=July 29, 2009|access-date=December 13, 2013}} including Sepultura,{{cite magazine |last=Angle |first=Brad |date=April 3, 2020 |title=Sepultura's 'Beneath the Remains': Max Cavalera on "Make-It-or-Break-It Album" |url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/sepultura-max-cavalera-beneath-remains |access-date=June 23, 2024 |magazine=Revolver}}{{cite web |last=Rivadavia |first=Eduardo |title=Sepultura: Artist Biography |url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/sepultura-mn0000741746/biography |access-date=October 4, 2013 |website=AllMusic}} Pantera,{{cite web |date=June 1, 2023 |title=Pantera's 'Cowboys From Hell' Album Has Been Certified Double Platinum in the U.S. |url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/panteras_cowboys_from_hell_album_has_been_certified_double_platinum_in_the_us.html |access-date=June 21, 2023 |publisher=Ultimate Guitar}} Slipknot,{{cite magazine |last=Grow |first=Kory |date=June 28, 2017 |title=Slipknot and Stone Sour's Corey Taylor: My 10 Favorite Metal Albums |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/slipknot-and-stone-sours-corey-taylor-my-10-favorite-metal-albums-198072/anthrax-worship-music-2011-198288/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929041244/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/slipknot-and-stone-sours-corey-taylor-my-10-favorite-metal-albums-198072/anthrax-worship-music-2011-198288/ |archive-date=September 29, 2018 |access-date=September 28, 2018 |magazine=Rolling Stone}} Bullet for My Valentine, Trivium, Avenged Sevenfold,{{cite magazine |last=Grow |first=Kory |date=July 10, 2017 |title=Avenged Sevenfold's M. Shadows: My 10 Favorite Metal Albums |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/avenged-sevenfolds-m-shadows-my-10-favorite-metal-albums-w491063 |access-date=June 24, 2018 |magazine=Rolling Stone}} Arch Enemy,{{cite web |title=Jeff Loomis on Composition |url=http://musictheoryforguitar.com/compositioninterviewwithjeffloomis.html |access-date=August 18, 2013 |website=MusicTheoryForGuitar.com}} Children of Bodom, Lamb of God,{{cite web |author=Phil Freeman |date=February 24, 2012 |title=Lamb of God's Chris Adler's Five Favorite Drummers |url=http://www.wonderingsound.com/interview/lamb-of-gods-chris-adlers-five-favorite-drummers/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709082529/http://www.wonderingsound.com/interview/lamb-of-gods-chris-adlers-five-favorite-drummers/ |archive-date=July 9, 2015 |access-date=April 21, 2015 |publisher=wonderingsound.com}} As I Lay Dying, All That Remains, Evile and Toxic Holocaust.

According to Nielsen SoundScan, Megadeth has sold 9.2 million copies of its albums in the United States between 1991 and 2014.{{cite magazine|last=Gensler|first=Andy|title=How Marty Friedman Went From Megadeth to the 'Ryan Seacrest Of Japan'|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6106344/marty-friedman-japan-tv-celebrity-megadeth-guitarist-inferno-album|magazine=Billboard|date=June 3, 2014|access-date=June 5, 2014}}

{{main|List of Megadeth band members}}

Current members

• Dave Mustaine – guitars, lead vocals (1983–2002, 2003–present)
• James LoMenzo – bass, backing vocals (2006–2010, 2021–present)
• Dirk Verbeuren – drums (2016–present)
• Teemu Mäntysaari – guitars, backing vocals (2023–present)

{{Main|Megadeth discography}}

Studio albums

• Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good! (1985)
• Peace Sells... but Who's Buying? (1986)
• So Far, So Good... So What! (1988)
• Rust in Peace (1990)
• Countdown to Extinction (1992)
• Youthanasia (1994)
• Cryptic Writings (1997)
• Risk (1999)
• The World Needs a Hero (2001)
• The System Has Failed (2004)
• United Abominations (2007)
• Endgame (2009)
• Thirteen (2011)
• Super Collider (2013)
• Dystopia (2016)
• The Sick, the Dying... and the Dead! (2022)

{{main list|List of awards and nominations received by Megadeth}}

Classic Rock Roll of Honour Awards:

• 2014: Metal Guru – Dave Mustaine

Clio Awards:

• 2016: Silver Winner – "The Megadeth VR Experience"

Genesis Awards:{{cite web|title=Megadeth 'Countdown to Extinction: Live' To Be Released Worldwide on September 24|url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20130828005231/en/Megadeth-%E2%80%98Countdown-Extinction-Live%E2%80%99-Released-Worldwide-September|publisher=Business Wire|date=August 28, 2013|access-date=December 26, 2013}}

• 1993: Doris Day Music Award – Countdown to Extinction

Grammy Awards:

• 2017: Best Metal Performance – "Dystopia"

Loudwire Music Awards:{{cite web|author=Loudwire staff|title=Megadeth Win Two 2011 Loudwire Music Awards|url=http://loudwire.com/megadeth-win-two-2011-loudwire-music-awards/|work=Loudwire|date=January 2, 2012|access-date=December 29, 2013}}

• 2011: Metal Album of the Year – Thirteen
• 2011: Metal Song of the Year – "Public Enemy No. 1"

Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards:{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/metal-hammer-golden-gods-awards-complete-list-of-winners/|title=Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards: Complete List of Winners|date=June 17, 2008|work=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=March 8, 2009}}

• 2007: Riff Lord – Dave Mustaine
• 2015: Golden God – Dave Mustaine

Revolver Golden Gods Awards:{{cite web|last=Carman|first=Keith|title=Isis, Metallica, Slipknot Winners At the Epiphone Revolver Golden Gods Awards|url=http://exclaim.ca/music/article/isis_metallica_slipknot_winners_at_epiphone_revolver_golden_gods_awards|work=Exclaim!|date=April 8, 2009|access-date=April 10, 2009}}

• 2009: Golden God – Dave Mustaine

{{Reflist|group=nb}}

{{Reflist}}

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• {{cite book|editor1-first=Jackie|editor1-last=Kajzer|editor2-first=Roger|editor2-last=Lotring|title=Full Metal Jackie Certified: The 50 Most Influential Metal Songs of the '80s|year=2010|publisher=Cengage Learning|isbn=978-1-4354-5569-6}}
• {{cite book|last=Konow|first=David|title=Bang Your Head: The Rise and Fall of Heavy Metal|year=2009|publisher=Crown Publishing Group|isbn=978-0-307-56560-0}}
• {{cite book|last=Larkin|first=Colin|author-link=Colin Larkin (writer)|year=1995|title=The Guinness Encyclopedia of Popular Music: Lincoln, Abe-Primettes|publisher=Guinness Publishing|isbn=1-56159-176-9}}
• {{cite book|last=McIver|first=Joel|author-link=Joel McIver|title=The Bloody Reign of Slayer|year=2008|publisher=Omnibus Press|isbn=978-0-85712-038-0}}
• {{cite book|last=Moore|first=Ryan|title=Sells like Teen Spirit: Music, Youth Culture, and Social Crisis|year=2009|publisher=NYU Press|isbn=978-0-8147-9603-0}}
• {{cite book|last=Mustaine|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Mustaine|title=Mustaine: A Life in Metal|year=2010|publisher=HarperCollins|location=New York, New York, USA|isbn=978-0-00-732410-1}}
• {{cite book|last=Mustaine|first=Dave|title=Mustaine: A Heavy Metal Memoir|year=2011|publisher=HarperCollins|location=New York, New York, USA|isbn=978-0-06-171437-5|url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9780061714375}}
• {{cite book|editor1-first=William|editor1-last=Phillips|editor2-first=Brian|editor2-last=Cogan|title=Encyclopedia of heavy metal music|year=2009|publisher=Greenwood Press|isbn=978-0-313-34800-6}}
• {{cite book|last=Pillsbury|first=Glenn|title=Damage Incorporated: Metallica and the Production of Musical Identity|year=2006|publisher=Routledge|isbn=0-415-97373-2}}
• {{cite book|last=Popoff|first=Martin|author-link=Martin Popoff|year=2002|title=The Top 500 Heavy Metal Songs of All Time|publisher=ECW Press|isbn=978-1-55022-530-3}}
• {{cite book|editor1-first=Pete|editor1-last=Prown|editor2-first=Harvey P.|editor2-last=Newquist|year=1997|title=Legends of Rock Guitar: The Essential Reference of Rock's Greatest Guitarists|publisher=Hal Leonard Corporation|isbn=0-7935-4042-9}}
• {{cite book|last=Purcell|first=Natalie J.|title=Death Metal Music: The Passion and Politics of a Subculture|year=2003|publisher=McFarland|isbn=0-7864-8406-3}}
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• {{cite book|last=Rubiner|first=Julia|year=1993|title=Contemporary Musicians: Profiles of the People in Music|publisher=Gale Group|isbn=0-8103-2217-X|url=https://archive.org/details/contemporarymusi00juli_0}}
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• {{cite book|last=Tarquin|first=Brian|author-link=Brian Tarquin|title=Recording Techniques of the Guitar Masters|year=2012|publisher=Cengage Learning|isbn=978-1-4354-6017-1}}
• {{cite book|last=Thompson|first=Graham|title=American culture in the 1980s|year=2007|publisher=Edinburgh University Press|isbn=978-0-7486-1910-8}}
• {{cite book|editor1-first=Richie|editor1-last=Unterberger|editor2-first=Samb|editor2-last=Hicks|year=1999|title=Music USA: The Rough Guide|publisher=Rough Guides|isbn=1-85828-421-X|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/musicusaroughgui0000unte}}
• {{cite book|last=Wagner|first=Jeff|title=Mean Deviation: Four Decades of Progressive Heavy Metal|year=2010|publisher=Bazillion Points Books|isbn=978-0-9796163-3-4}}

{{Refend}}

{{Commons category}}

{{Wikiquote}}

• {{Official website}}
• [https://www.megadetharizona.com Megadeth, Arizona] – Reconstructed site from circa 2000
• {{AllMusic|class=artist|id=mn0000406294|label=Megadeth}}
• {{Discogs artist}}
• {{IMDb name|nm1655103}}

{{Megadeth}}

{{Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:1983 establishments in California

Category:American speed metal musical groups

Category:Capitol Records artists

Category:Grammy Award winners

Category:Heavy metal musical groups from California

Category:Musical groups established in 1983

Category:Musical groups disestablished in 2002

Category:Musical groups reestablished in 2004

Category:Musical groups from Los Angeles

Category:Musical quartets from California

Category:Political music groups

Category:Roadrunner Records artists

Category:Thrash metal musical groups from California

Category:Universal Records artists