Megadeth - Countdown to Extinction 12" Vinyl LP  Album

- The Defining Moment When Megadeth Bridged Thrash Aggression with Melodic Precisio

Album cover of Megadeth’s Countdown to Extinction featuring a gaunt figure standing in a grim, industrial cell with a tattered loincloth, screaming in despair. The room has metallic grates on the floor, gray walls, a small barred window showing a blue sky, and a plate holding two skulls on the floor. The Megadeth logo appears at the top of the artwork.

"Countdown to Extinction" is the fifth studio album by the American heavy metal band Megadeth. It was released on July 14, 1992 through Capitol Records. "Countdown to Extinction" is Megadeth's best-selling album, eventually achieving double platinum status. The album also produced the band's most successful hit singles, "Symphony of Destruction", "Sweating Bullets", "Skin O' My Teeth" and "Foreclosure of a Dream", videos were made for all singles and also for "High Speed Dirt". 

Album Description:

Countdown to Extinction is the fifth studio album by American heavy metal band Megadeth. It was released on 14 July 1992 through Capitol Records. The album was produced by Max Norman and was the first Megadeth album to feature drummer Nick Menza and bassist David Ellefson since 1987's So Far, So Good... So What!.

Countdown to Extinction was a critical and commercial success, reaching number two on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States and selling over 10 million copies worldwide. The album was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in 1993.

The album's sound was a departure from Megadeth's previous albums, which were more aggressive and technical. Countdown to Extinction featured a more melodic and accessible sound, which helped the album to reach a wider audience. The album's lyrics were also more political and socially conscious than previous Megadeth albums.

The album spawned four singles: "Symphony of Destruction", "Sweating Bullets", "Foreclosure of a Dream", and "High Speed Dirt". All four singles were successful on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, with "Symphony of Destruction" reaching number one.

Countdown to Extinction was a major success for Megadeth and helped to solidify their status as one of the leading heavy metal bands in the world. The album's success helped to introduce Megadeth to a new generation of fans and helped to pave the way for their future success.

Music Genre:

Thrash Metal

Packaging  This album includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and photos of Megadeth band.

Album Production information:

Produced by Dave Mustaine and Max Norman

Dave Mustaine is the scarred saint of thrash, a man forged in the fire he lit himself. From being ousted by Metallica to leading Megadeth into metal's iron throne room, he snarls, shreds, and spits truth. Read his full bio.

Max "On Yer Bike" Norman - Producer, Sound Engineer

Max Norman is a legendary British record producer and sound engineer, best known for his work with heavy metal icons like Ozzy Osbourne, Megadeth, and Loudness. His signature production style, featuring powerful guitar tones and precise arrangements, helped define the 1980s metal sound. He played a key role in shaping classic albums such as Blizzard of Ozz and Rust in Peace. Read more about Max Norman.

Fred Kelly Jr. - Sound Engineer

Micajah Ryan - Sound Engineer

Hugh Syme - Album artwork

Hugh Syme is a Canadian Juno Award-winning graphic artist and member of the Premier Artists Collection (PAC) who is best known for his artwork and cover concepts for rock and metal bands. He is also a musician and has appeared in some Rush songs as a keyboard player. Syme is notably responsible for all of Rush's album cover art since 1975's Caress of Steel as well as creating Rush's famous Starman logo.

Iron Maiden fans remember him best as the designer of The X Factor cover, which shows the band's mascot Eddie the Head dissected. It is remembered for its gritty realism. Whereas all previous Maiden albums were oil paintings, the X Factor Eddie was a puppet with some digital touch-ups to enhance its look. In some countries the cover was considered so gruesome that a less gory alternative was offered (the alternative cover is actually the back of the original CD booklet)

Collectors may wish to collect his complete oeuvre of album covers.

John Taylor Dismukes - Illustration

Tommy Steele - Design

Cameron Wong - Photography

Chris Cufarro - Photography

Record Label & Catalognr:

  Capitol Records 798531

Media Format:

  12" Vinyl LP  Gramophone Record
Album weight: 210 gram  
Year & Country:  1992 Made in EEC  
Band Members and Musicians on: Megadeth Countdown to Extinction
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Dave Mustaine - lead & rhythm guitar, lead vocals
    Dave Mustaine is the scarred saint of thrash, a man forged in the fire he lit himself. From being ousted by Metallica to leading Megadeth into metal's iron throne room, he snarls, shreds, and spits truth. Read his full bio.
  • Marty Friedman - lead, rhythm & acoustic guitar, backing vocals
    Marty Friedman is a genre-blending guitar virtuoso best known for his time with Megadeth , where his melodic, exotic solos helped define albums like Rust in Peace. Born in 1962, he later moved to Japan, diving into J-pop, TV, and solo projects. With a career spanning thrash to traditional Japanese music, Friedman’s style is as unpredictable as it is brilliant. Learn more
  • Nick Menza - drums, backing vocals

    Nick Menza (1964–2016), best known as Megadeth’s drummer during their “classic era” (1989–1998), brought precision and power to albums like "Rust in Peace" and "Countdown to Extinction"". Starting as a drum tech, he became key to Megadeth’s success before departing due to health issues. Menza pursued solo work and other projects before tragically passing on stage in 2016. He’s hailed as a thrash metal icon.

  • David Ellefson - bass guitars, backing vocals

    • Dave Ellefson o-founder of Megadeth. Master of the bass. Dave Ellefson's story is the inside look at thrash metal's rise. Discover his journey now.

Complete Track Listing of: Megadeth Countdown to Extinction

The Song/tracks on "Megadeth Countdown to Extinction" are

  • Skin o' My Teeth - 3:14
  • Symphony of Destruction - 4:02
  • Architecture of Aggression - 3:34
  • Foreclosure of a Dream - 4:17
  • Sweating Bullets - 5:03
  • This Was My Life - 3:42
  • Countdown to Extinction - 4:16
  • High Speed Dirt - 4:12
  • Psychotron - 4:42
  • Captive Honour - 4:14
  • Ashes in Your Mouth - 6:10
Album Cover Photo Gallery of: Megadeth Countdown to Extinction
Photo of Megadeth Countdown to Extinction Album's Front Cover 
High Resolution Photo Megadeth Countdown to Extinction Vinyl Record

This is the front cover of Megadeth’s Countdown to Extinction album, released in 1992. The artwork is striking and symbolic, featuring a gaunt, emaciated figure standing in what appears to be a cold, industrial cell-like environment. The figure, wearing nothing but a tattered loincloth, is mid-scream or shout, conveying a sense of despair and urgency. The metallic grates beneath their feet, along with the cold gray walls, emphasize a feeling of confinement and desolation.

The small, barred window on the wall shows a glimpse of a bright blue sky, providing a stark contrast to the grim interior, perhaps symbolizing hope or freedom outside the confines of the oppressive space. On the floor to the right, there is a metallic plate holding two skulls, adding a macabre tone and reinforcing themes of mortality and extinction.

The Megadeth logo sits prominently at the top, with its sharp, metallic lettering reflecting the band’s heavy metal aesthetic. The imagery aligns with the album’s themes of environmentalism, societal decay, and human suffering, making it a powerful visual representation of the music within.

Photo of Megadeth Countdown to Extinction Album's Back Cover  
Back cover of Megadeth Countdown to Extinction LP features Vic Rattlehead shackled in a dark cell, surrounded by skulls on metal rods representing a musical staff, with track titles aligned along the bars.

This is the back cover of Megadeth's Countdown to Extinction 12" vinyl LP. The artwork depicts a grim, industrial scene featuring the band’s skeletal mascot Vic Rattlehead. He is shown shackled in heavy iron restraints, with mechanical clamps fastened over his mouth and ears, reinforcing the classic "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" motif.

Vic appears in a desaturated, stone-walled environment, gazing directly outward. Metal bars resembling a musical staff span horizontally across the entire image. Several skulls are impaled on these bars, some aligned to the right in tight rows, suggesting musical notes in a macabre composition. His skeletal hand is raised, with one finger pointing outward in a menacing or accusatory gesture.

The track listing for both sides of the LP is printed in white text along the left side of the cover, following the lines of the staff. Each track is listed with its title and songwriter credits. A barcode appears in the top right corner, while logos for Capitol Records and other production credits appear at the bottom left. The entire composition is dark, textured, and thematically aligned with the album's dystopian and politically charged tone.

Photos of Dave Mustaine and Marty Friedman on Megadeth Countdown to Extinction Album's Inner Cover  
Megadeth Countdown to Extinction inner cover featuring portraits of band members Dave Mustaine, Marty Friedman, Nick Menza, and David Ellefson, alongside a chilling still life with two skulls on a plate.

This inner sleeve of Megadeth’s Countdown to Extinction album presents a stark and symbolic layout. On the left side of the image, a haunting still life features two realistic skulls resting on a pale ceramic plate, with darkened bones arranged around it. The setting evokes themes of mortality and decay, aligning with the album’s lyrical and visual motifs.

On the right side, vertically stacked black-and-white portrait photographs showcase the four band members. Each image is tightly cropped, focused on intense facial expressions. At the top is Dave Mustaine (lead & rhythm guitar, lead vocals), with long flowing hair and a serious, introspective gaze. Below him is Marty Friedman (lead, rhythm & acoustic guitar, backing vocals), whose curly hair and focused look contribute to the moody aesthetic.

The next portrait shows Nick Menza (drums & backing vocals), looking downward pensively, followed by David Ellefson (bass guitar & backing vocals), captured in a sharp, determined expression. The textured background mimics a worn, aged wall, further enhancing the gritty, grounded tone of the album’s visual narrative.

Close-up Photo of "Megadeth Countdown to Extinction" "Capitol Records" Record Label 
Close-up of Side A record label from Megadeth's Countdown to Extinction, featuring Capitol Records rainbow rim design, tracklist, and production credits.

This is a close-up of the Side A label on the original Capitol Records pressing of Megadeth’s 1992 album Countdown to Extinction. The label features the classic Capitol logo at the top in white against a black background. Encircling the label is the iconic rainbow band—a vibrant gradient that ranges from red, orange, yellow, and green to blue and purple—used on Capitol pressings during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

The label displays the album title prominently, followed by the six tracks on Side A, each credited to band members, mostly Dave Mustaine, with some collaborations with David Ellefson. Track durations are listed next to each title. Below the tracklist, production credits cite Mustaine and producer Max Norman.

The label also includes pressing and publishing identifiers such as “ST 33” (indicating stereo 33 rpm), LC 0148 (label code), and the catalog number 7985311. BIEM and GEMA logos denote European publishing rights. The edge print in German and English warns against unauthorized use. This design reflects the European (EEC) release of the album, distinct from U.S. pressings that feature different label designs and layout.

Index of MEGADETH Vinyl Album Discography and Album Cover Gallery

MEGADETH - Anarchy in the UK Laser Etched Vinyl
MEGADETH - Anarchy in the UK album front cover vinyl record

"Anarchy in the U.K." is originally a song by the English punk rock band "The Sex Pistols" . It was released as the band's debut single on 26 November 1976 and was featured on their only album, Never Mind the Bollocks, This is Megadeth's cover of it, originally released on the album: "So far, so good, so what?"

Anarchy in the UK 12" Laser Etched Vinyl LP
MEGADETH - Countdown to Extinction
MEGADETH - Countdown to Extinction album front cover vinyl record

Countdown to Extinction was a critical and commercial success, reaching number two on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States and selling over 10 million copies worldwide. The album was certified double platinum

Countdown to Extinction 12" Vinyl LP
MEGADETH - Death in the Fire
MEGADETH - Death in the Fire album front cover vinyl record

"Death in the Fire" 180g White Label Transparent Vinyl 12" Vinyl LP Album offers a thrilling glimpse into the raw intensity of Megadeth's live performances during their early years. While an unofficial release, this limited edition LP

Death in the Fire 12" Transparent Vinyl LP <
MEGADETH - Killing is My Business and Business is Good
MEGADETH - Killing is my Business and Business is Good album front cover vinyl record

This is the Picture Disc version "Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!" the debut album by American thrash metal band Megadeth. It was originally released in 1985 on Combat Records.

Killing is my Business and Business is Good 12" Vinyl Picture Disc
MEGADETH - Killing is My Business and Business is Good (Canada & Holland)
MEGADETH - Killing is my Business and Business is Good (Canada & Holland) album front cover vinyl record

"Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!" is the debut album by American thrash metal band Megadeth. It was originally released in 1985 on Combat Records. Mustaine wanted a picture of Megadeth mascot Vic Rattlehead

- Killing is my Business and Business is Good (1985, Canada) - Killing is my Business and Business is Good (1985, Holland)
MEGADETH - Mary Jane
MEGADETH - Mary Jane
MEGADETH - Mary Jane album front cover vinyl record

"Mary Jane" USA Release is an iconic musical piece that showcases the talent and creativity of the American thrash metal band, Megadeth. Released in 1988, this maxi-single offers a unique perspective on the concept of "Mary Jane"

Mary Jane 12" Vinyl Maxi Single
MEGADETH - Mary Jane b/w Hook in Mouth
MEGADETH - Mary Jane b/w Hook in Mouth album front cover vinyl record

Megadeth's "Mary Jane" / "Hook in Mouth" picture disc is a fascinating slice of thrash metal history. While often sought for its collectible artwork, the songs themselves pack a powerful thematic punch.

Mary Jane b/w Hook in Mouth 7" Picture Disc
MEGADETH - No More Mr. Nice Guy (European and USA Releases) 12" Vinyl LP
MEGADETH - No More Mr Nice Guy (European and USA Releases) album front cover vinyl record

"No More Mr. Nice Guy" was originally a song by Alice Cooper, released in 1973. It became a popular hit and was covered by various artists over the years. In 1989, Megadeth decided to cover the song and release it as a single.

- No More Mr Nice Guy (1989, EEC Europe) - No More Mr Nice Guy (1989, USA)
MEGADETH - Peace Sells But Who's Buying (International Releases)
MEGADETH - Peace Sells But Who's Buying (International Releases) album front cover vinyl record

Formed in 1983 by former Metallica guitarist Dave Mustaine, Megadeth quickly gained recognition for aggressive sound, complex guitar work, and conscious lyrics. "Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?" became their second studio album

- Peace Sells But Who's Buying (1986, Canada) - Peace Sells But Who's Buying (1986, Germany) - Peace Sells But Who's Buying (1986, USA)
MEGADETH - So Far So Good So What (International Releases)
MEGADETH - So Far So Good So What (International Releases) album front cover vinyl record

Megadeth's "So Far, So Good, So What" 12" vinyl LP album was released on 19 January 1988, on Combat Records. The Canadian release of the album features a slightly different track listing than the US version

- So Far So Good So What (1988, Canada) - So Far So Good So What (1988, Germany) - So Far So Good So What (1988, USA)