MEGADETH - KILLING IS MY BUSINESS ... ... AND BUSINESS IS GOOD 12" Vinyl Album
- Combat Records

Megadeth's debut album, "Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!", explodes with raw thrash metal energy. This original Combat 12" vinyl features the uncensored "These Boots", showcasing the band's rebellious spirit. It's a landmark release in thrash metal history, capturing Megadeth's early, unpolished aggression and uncompromising attitude. A must-have for fans, this vinyl record transports you back to the birth of a legendary band.

High Resolution Photo Megadeth - Killing is my Business ... ... and Business is Good Vinyl Record

"Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!" Album Description

Megadeth's 1985 debut album, "Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!", explodes onto the scene with a force that established them as one of thrash metal's pivotal bands. Released on Combat Records, this original 12" vinyl edition stands as a testament to the raw, unbridled energy that fueled the early days of this legendary group.

Thrash Metal at its Most Primitive

This album isn't just a collection of songs; it's a manifesto of thrash metal in its purest form. Dave Mustaine's snarling vocals and lightning-fast riffs, combined with the relentless drumming of Gar Samuelson and David Ellefson's thundering basslines, create a cacophony of controlled chaos. Tracks like "Last Rites/Loved to Deth," "Skull Beneath the Skin," and the title track define the breakneck speed and technical precision that would become Megadeth's trademark.

The Uncensored "These Boots"

A key highlight of this original vinyl release is its inclusion of the uncensored version of "These Boots." A cover of the Nancy Sinatra classic, Megadeth injects their own brand of aggressive humor and social commentary into the song. The uncensored version offers listeners the full impact of the band's rebellious spirit.

A Legacy of Thrash Metal

"Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!" laid the foundation for Megadeth's rise to thrash metal royalty. While later albums would showcase a more polished and intricate sound, this debut remains a vital piece of heavy metal history. It's an essential artifact for any fan of the genre, capturing the unadulterated aggression and uncompromising attitude that defined Megadeth's early work.

Owning a Piece of History

If you're lucky enough to own this original vinyl version of "Killing Is My Business... and Business is Good!", you possess a piece of thrash metal legacy. Its raw energy and uncensored tracks make it a true collector's item, transporting you bac

Featured Song: "These Boots": From Sassy to Uncensored Explained

Nancy Sinatra's 1966 hit "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'" is a timeless classic; a feisty anthem of female independence. Yet, thrash metal pioneers Megadeth took this empowering song and gave it a rebellious makeover on their 1985 debut album, "Killing Is My Business…and Business Is Good!"

Megadeth's Metal Makeover

Megadeth's cover retains the core attitude of Sinatra's version. Both portray a character refusing to be messed with. However, where Sinatra exudes playful defiance, Megadeth ups the ante. Their rendition likely injects the song with the band's trademark intensity: razor-sharp riffs, Dave Mustaine's snarling vocals, and a blistering tempo.

The Uncensored Factor

The key difference lies in the lyrics. Megadeth's version proudly bears the "uncensored" label. This strongly suggests the inclusion of profanity absent from Sinatra's radio-friendly original. It's likely Megadeth peppered the lyrics with swear words and harsh word choices, adding a layer of aggression to the song. They may have even made lyrical tweaks for a darkly humorous or cynical spin.

Clash of Styles, Shared Spirit

The juxtaposition between Sinatra's pop sensibilities and Megadeth's raw metal assault is striking. Yet, both versions share a spirit of unwavering determination. Sinatra exudes confident sass, while Megadeth channels a defiant, take-no-prisoners attitude.

The Enduring Legacy of "These Boots"

Megadeth's uncensored "These Boots" offers a fascinating example of how a song can be radically reimagined. It showcases the band's ability to take even the most innocent-sounding pop tune and infuse it with their signature brand of thrash metal energy. Sinatra's original remains iconic, but for Megadeth fans, the uncensored version holds a special kind of rebellious charm.

Listen to the uncensored song:

Collectors information / Album Description:

Original version with uncensored version of "These Boots".

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.

Music Genre:

Heavy Thrash Metal

Album Production Information:

The album: "Killing is my Business ... ... and Business is Good" was produced by: Dave Mustaine and Karat Faye
This album was recorded at: Indigo Ranch Studios, Malibu and Crystal Sound Labs, Hollywood.

Record Label & Catalog-nr:

Combat Records BRC 1940

Album Packaging:

This album includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and artwork.

Media Format:

12" Vinyl Stereo Full-Length Long-Play Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram

Year & Country:

1985 Made in Canada

Band Members and Musicians on: Megadeth - Killing is my Business ... ... and Business is Good

Dave Mustaine
Dave Mustaine – Vocals, Guitars
Thrash metal’s original grudge match: one guy, one guitar, and enough spite to power Los Angeles for decades. Read more...

Dave Mustaine is the razor-edged singer-guitarist who turned getting fired into a lifelong fuel source. To my ears, the story starts in Panic (late 1970s–1981), where those early riffs already sounded like trouble with a pick. From 1981–1983 he was Metallica’s original lead guitarist and co-writer, shaping key early songs before his April 11, 1983 dismissal. Back in Los Angeles he formed Megadeth in 1983 and has fronted it ever since, steering speed, spite, and precision through decades. Side quests like MD.45 (1996) just prove the volume never really drops.

Dave Mustaine Wiki
Chris Poland
Megadeth's original lead guitarist. Chris Poland defined 80s thrash metal with his unconventional style. Get the full story.
David Ellefson
Dave Ellefson – Bass guitarist, songwriter Dave Ellefson anchored Megadeth with a bass sound that was both muscular and precise, locking in tight with the riffs while still pushing the songs forward. From the band’s early thrash years in the mid ’80s through his classic run from 1983 to 2002, and again after his return in 2010, his playing gave structure to the chaos. Outside Megadeth, I hear the same discipline in his work with F5 and his various side projects.
Dave Ellefson Wiki
Gar Samuelson
Gar Samuelson ( full-name: Gary Charles Samuelson ) was born in 1958 at Dunkirk, New York and was an American drummer. Samuelson started his musica career as Jazz Fusion drummer in a band called "The New Yorkers", he is best known as drummer with the American Thrash Metal band "Megadeth" from 1984 until 1987.

Complete Track Listing of: "Killing is my Business ... ... and Business is Good"

The Songs/tracks on "Killing is my Business ... ... and Business is Good" are

Last Rites / Loved to Death
Killing is my Business... and business is good!
Skull Benath the skin
These Boots

Rattlehead
Chosen Ones
Looking down for the cross
Mechanix

Album Cover Photo Gallery of: Megadeth - Killing is my Business ... ... and Business is Good

Front Cover Photo of "Killing is my Business ... ... and Business is Good" Album

Back Cover Photo of "Killing is my Business ... ... and Business is Good" Album

Inner Cover of "Killing is my Business ... ... and Business is Good" Album

Close-up Photo of "Killing is my Business ... ... and Business is Good" 12" Banzai Record with the Two Samuarai's

Close-up Photo of "Killing is my Business ... ... and Business is Good" 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

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

Updated

Capitol Records 798531 , 1992 , EEC

MEGADETH - Countdown to Extinction

Released in 1992, “Countdown to Extinction” marks the moment Megadeth streamlined thrash metal without defanging it. Produced by Dave Mustaine and Max Norman, the album trades excess speed for precision, hooks, and political bite. Dark, disciplined, and sharply focused, it became the band’s breakthrough while still sounding unapologetically hostile.

MEGADETH - Death in the Fire

"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

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)

"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

This isn’t just a thrash metal maxi-single, it’s a coffin lid slammed shut at 45 r.p.m. Mary Jane crawls from the grooves with banshee wails and bone-splintering riffs, a teenage séance pressed in black vinyl. Flip it, and the B-side detonates with Megadeth’s trademark venom, each track a Molotov cocktail hurled at silence itself.

MEGADETH - Mary Jane b/w Hook in Mouth

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)

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'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)

MEGADETH - KILLING IS MY BUSINESS ... ... AND BUSINESS IS GOOD 12" Vinyl Album - Combat Records