It’s hard to believe that 21 years ago today, Megadeth released a little album by the name of “Rust In Peace.” Just like any Megadeth fan at the time, all I knew was that they had a new line up and coming off of the heals of “So Far, So Good, So What” I had no real expectations other than I was sure it would be another good metal album. Good doesn’t even describe my face or my thoughts upon putting the needle to the record and hearing “Holy Wars… The Punishment Due.” Right away I was floored and I knew even back then that I was hearing something really special.
21 years later, “Rust In Peace” is considered by many to be one of the greatest heavy metal albums of all time. When I listen to it today, I can still hear that hunger, the determination and that passion. Nothing about this album was done 1/2 assed. Dave Mustaine’s lyrics were inspired by his on going frustration with the world and our own American government and you can hear his bitterness with every gnashing, gnarly lyric. The music serves as the perfect foundation for these lyrics and the album as a whole is a timeless classic.
In 2010 Megadeth toured for the 20th anniversary of “Rust In Peace” performing the album in its entirety. Seeing this album done in a live setting gave me even more of a chance to see the complexity and beauty behind this complex piece of art. It also proved that “Rust In Peace” is without a doubt a timeless classic that still reaches out to generations of metal music loves and reminding them just how it can and should be done.
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