MEGADETH Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying? is the 2nd album from this legendary band. After their blistering debut, ears were now alert for what Megadeth would do next. The first album had caught the ears of Capitol Records and the bands ascendency to the big boys league was now imminent when the label bought the masters off their Combat Records. The lads signing to Capitol Records meant a much better budget to record with (and hopefully not waste on “substances”) and it shows on this one as the guitars are much clearer this time round and the general production is a huge step up from their debut.
Again like the first album Much like their debut this album was difficult to produce as both the Daves were basically homeless and drug issues within the band were really starting to take their toll, especially on Gar and Chris. True to form from the first album, whatever personal issues were going on within the band it didn’t show on the record as this is basically flawless.
Musically this is pretty similar to “Killing is my business… And Business is Good!” as I believe most of the songs were composed by Dave Mustaine around the same time as the material for the first album was composed. From the outset though this album is a lot easier on the ears and sounds far more professional. The opening track “Wake up Dead” is a huge statement of intent with some ripping solos and Dave’s trademark snarled vocals and break-neck riffing style present and upfront. This was Megadeth achieving their full potential. The gloriousness of proceedings continues on into the next track, “The Conjuring”. This is just pure ear candy for metalheds everywhere. There is no denying Daves talent on this record. The lads, Dave Ellefson on bass, Gar Samuelson on drums and Chris Poland are amongst the finest musicians in the scene and it shows. Everyone simply shines on this record.
Next up is Megadeth’s break through moment the actual song “Peace Sells” which has a great hook, and vocals that really cut to to the core of the teenage mind. The band managed to record a clip for this one which received air play on MTV’s headbangers ball, and propelled their band into the mainstream of metal. “Devils Island” finishes off what can only be described as a legendary first side of any album. Perfect stuff guys.
The second side of this record allows for a little more experimentation with the introspective “Good Morning / Black Friday” slowing things down a bit, but not loosing any momentum into the thrashier part of the song. Again Dave’s mind bending solo’s feature front and centre. As a guitar player myself this stuff just blows my mind. “Bad Omen” follows and then the curiously chosen “I aint superstitious”. Curious choice but with the reworking the band gives it, it works. Lastly “My Last Words” closes off what is essentially a perfect metal album. There is nothing I can fault in this recording.
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