Megadeth Countdown to Extinction 12" Vinyl LP  Album

"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". 

 

Megadeth Countdown to Extinction 12" Vinyl Album Front Cover Photoa

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:

  American Black, Death Metal Thrash 
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  ( full-name: David Scott Mustaine ) born 1961 in La Mesa, California. He is the co-founder, lead vocalist, and lead guitarist of the heavy metal band Megadeth, which was formed in 1983. Mustaine is widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians in the thrash metal genre and is considered a pioneer of the American thrash metal scene.

 Mustaine was originally a member of the band Metallica, but he was eventually fired from the band due to personal and musical differences. He went on to form Megadeth, which became one of the "big four" of the thrash metal genre along with Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax.

 Throughout his career, Mustaine has been recognized for his musical abilities and innovative style, and he has been awarded numerous accolades and awards, including several Grammy nominations. He is known for his fast and complex guitar playing, as well as his powerful vocals and distinctive songwriting.

 In addition to his work with Megadeth, Mustaine has been involved in various other musical projects and has collaborated with a number of other musicians. He is also a published author and has been involved in various business ventures and charitable causes throughout his career.

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

  Max Norman (aka Max "On Yer Bike" Norman) a British record producer and recording engineer active from 1973. He produced many acclaimed heavy metal releases. Some of the bands he worked with include: 220 Volt, Dead On, Armored Saint , Fates Warning , Grim Reaper, Loudness , Lizzy Borden, Malice, Ozzy Osbourne, Savatage and many others.

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 Information:

  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
  • Marty Friedman - lead, rhythm & acoustic guitar, backing vocals

      Marty Friedman ( full-name: Martin Adam Friedman ) an American Guitarist, Musician and Music Producer. During the 1980s he has performed with the bands Hawaii, Shout, Cacophony and in the 1990s he was lead guitarist with Megadeth.

  • Nick Menza - drums, backing vocals
  • David Ellefson - bass guitars, backing vocals
  •   Dave Ellefson ( full-name: David Warren Ellefson ) a highly respected and accomplished musician who has made significant contributions to the world of heavy metal music. As a bassist, songwriter, and founding member of the legendary thrash metal band Megadeth, Ellefson has left an indelible mark on the genre, influencing countless musicians and fans alike.

     Born in Jackson, Minnesota in 1964, Ellefson began playing bass at the age of 11. He was heavily influenced by hard rock and heavy metal bands such as Black Sabbath, Kiss, and Judas Priest, and began playing in local bands during his teenage years. In the early 1980s, Ellefson moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music, and it was there that he met guitarist Dave Mustaine, who was forming a new band after being fired from Metallica.

     Ellefson and Mustaine formed Megadeth in 1983, and the band quickly established itself as a major force in the thrash metal scene. Ellefson's aggressive, intricate bass lines and tight rhythmic sense helped define the band's sound, and his songwriting contributions were crucial to the success of many of the band's most iconic songs, including "Peace Sells," "Holy Wars... The Punishment Due," and "In My Darkest Hour."

     Throughout Megadeth's early years, Ellefson and Mustaine were the band's driving creative force, with Ellefson playing a key role in the songwriting and production of the band's early albums. However, in 2002, Ellefson left the band following a falling out with Mustaine. He went on to form several other musical projects, including the band F5 and the group Temple of Brutality, and also pursued a career as a solo artist and producer.

     In 2010, Ellefson rejoined Megadeth, and has remained a vital part of the band ever since. In addition to his work with Megadeth, Ellefson has continued to pursue a wide range of musical projects, including collaborations with other artists and his own solo work. He is also an accomplished author, having published a memoir entitled "My Life with Deth: Discovering Meaning in a Life of Rock and Roll" in 2013.

     In addition to his contributions to the world of heavy metal music, Ellefson is also known for his philanthropic work, particularly in the areas of education and music therapy. He has established several charitable organizations, including the Ellefson Youth Music Foundation, which provides music education programs for children and young adults.

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 photos of : Megadeth Countdown to Extinction
Photo of Megadeth Countdown to Extinction Album's Front Cover 
High Resolution Photo Megadeth Countdown to Extinction Vinyl Record  
Photo of Megadeth Countdown to Extinction Album's Back Cover  
High Resolution Photo Megadeth Countdown to Extinction Vinyl Record  
Photos of Dave Mustaine and Marty Friedman on Megadeth Countdown to Extinction Album's Inner Cover  
Photos of Dave Mustaine and Marty Friedman on Megadeth Countdown to Extinction Album's Inner Cover    
Close-up Photo of "Megadeth Countdown to Extinction" "Capitol Records" Record Label 
Close-up Photo of "Megadeth Countdown to Extinction" "Capitol Records" Record Label   

 Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).

Index of MEGADETH Vinyl Album Discography and Album Cover Gallery

Band Description:

  Megadeth is a thrash metal band that was formed in 1983 by Dave Mustaine and David Ellefson after Mustaine was fired from Metallica. The band has released over 15 studio albums, selling over 50 million records worldwide. Megadeth is considered to be one of the "Big Four" of thrash metal, along with Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax.

  History

  After being fired from Metallica in 1983, Dave Mustaine returned to Los Angeles and formed Megadeth with David Ellefson, Greg Handevidt, and Dijon Carruthers. The band's first album, "Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!", was released in 1985 and showcased the band's aggressive thrash metal sound. However, the band's early years were marked by numerous lineup changes, with Mustaine being the only constant member.

  Megadeth's breakthrough album, "Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?", was released in 1986 and featured the hit single "Peace Sells". The album's political lyrics and heavy sound appealed to a growing audience of thrash metal fans, and it established Megadeth as a major force in the genre. The band's next two albums, "So Far, So Good... So What!" and "Rust in Peace", continued to cement their reputation as one of the top thrash metal bands.

  In the early 1990s, Megadeth's popularity began to wane, and the band struggled with substance abuse and internal conflicts. However, they rebounded with the release of "Countdown to Extinction" in 1992, which became their most commercially successful album to date. The album's more accessible sound and lyrics appealed to a wider audience, and it earned Megadeth a Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance.

  Over the next two decades, Megadeth continued to release albums and tour extensively, maintaining their status as one of the top thrash metal bands in the world. They have faced numerous lineup changes, with Mustaine remaining the only consistent member throughout the band's history. In 2020, the band released their 16th studio album, "Dystopia", which received critical acclaim and earned the band their first Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance.

  Musical Style

  Megadeth's musical style is characterized by fast, aggressive guitar riffs, complex song structures, and politically charged lyrics. Dave Mustaine's distinctive guitar playing style, which emphasizes intricate solos and rapid-fire picking, has influenced countless heavy metal guitarists. The band's sound is heavily influenced by classical music, with many of their songs featuring complex arrangements and multiple movements.

  Lyrically, Megadeth often tackles political and social issues, including war, government corruption, and environmentalism. Many of their songs also address personal struggles, such as addiction and mental illness. Mustaine's lyrics are often introspective and vulnerable, and they have resonated with a generation of heavy metal fans.

  Impact

  Megadeth's impact on the world of heavy metal cannot be overstated. Along with Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax, they are considered to be one of the "Big Four" of thrash metal, and they have inspired countless heavy metal bands over the past three decades. Their aggressive sound and politically charged lyrics have influenced the development of numerous sub-genres of heavy metal, including death metal, black metal, and progressive metal.