Formed, 1983 in Los Angeles, California by guitarist Dave Mustaine(born September 13,1961 in La Mesa, California) and bassist Dave Ellefson(born November 12,1964).
Early on guitarist Kerry King and drummer Lee Rash appeared on tour with the group. Soon, King would return to the band "Slayer" and Rash would be released.
Both Mustaine and Ellefson would then recruit drummer Gars Samuelson and guitarist Chris Poland to form the starting line-up. They would spend the next couple of years developing material before finally signing a deal with Combat Records, a small indie label, in 1985.
Soon to follow, was the release of their debut album entitled "Killing Is My Business...And Business Is Good!".
With the force of this Speed Metal sound(from a performer who just two years earlier, was the guitarist for Metallica and released for his over-indulgence in booze and drugs), the band was able to attract a decent following along with a new record contract from a major label.
Signed to Capitol Records in the later part of 1986, the group immediately released their second album entitled "Peace Sells...But Who's Buying?".
After their second release, Mustaine went about cleaning house. Replacing Chris Poland with guitarist Jeff Young, and Gar Samuelson with drummer Chuck Behler.
Soon after completing this new line-up, the band released the album "So Far...So Good...So What!". This endeavor was said to be a monumental leap for the group in terms of establishing themselves as a major contender in the Thrash Metal arena.
With all this success, Mustaine's involvement with drugs reached a breaking point. He was arrested for driving under the influence and was ordered to enroll into rehabilitation.
After this sobering experience, Mustaine again returned to wielding the ax. This time, cutting Chuck Behler and Jeff Young from the group. The new recruits included guitarist Marty Friedman and drummer Nick Menza.
In October of 1990, Megadeth released "Rust in Peace". This was touted as being one of their finest efforts.
Next, "Countdown to Extinction", released in mid-1992, reached number two in the charts.
Following "Countdown..." was "Youthanasia" in November of 1994, "Hidden Treasures"(a collection of soundtracks and "odds and ends")in July of 1995, and "Cryptic Writings" in July of 1997.
After nearly a ten year break without hiring or firing any member of the group, Nick Menza departs and is replaced with drummer Degrasso.
Holy Wars...The Punishment Due
