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
    Megadeth Band-Members/Musicians
  • 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.

    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.

  • Chris Poland
  • Chris Poland – Guitarist

    He snuck jazz-fusion phrasing into thrash, then escaped back into heavy fusion with a grin.

    Chris Poland is the guitarist who smuggled jazz-fusion grease into early thrash and made it sound like trouble with manners. Before Megadeth, he bounced through Welkin and The New Yorkers (late 1970s–early 1980s), sharpening that slippery legato. I first clocked him in Megadeth (1984–1987), cutting through "Killing Is My Business..." (1985) and "Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?" (1986) with off-angle phrasing and nasty little harmonies. After the split he went progressive with Damn the Machine (1991–1994), then detoured into Mumbo's Brain (1995–1996). He popped back in 2004 as a session ace on Megadeth's "The System Has Failed". Since 2002 he’s kept the fuse lit in OHM and OHMphrey, stretching riffs like elastic and letting the notes argue.

  • David Ellefson
  • Dave Ellefson – Bass guitarist

    He’s the low-end rivet gun behind Megadeth’s sharpest turns.

    Dave Ellefson is the bass guitarist who gave Megadeth its steel spine while I watched thrash grow fangs. From 1983–2002, then again 2010–2021, he locked in with Mustaine like a rivet gun—tight, fast, no wobble—and he’s the only other guy who rode every album and tour from 1985 until the band imploded. I hear his pocket in the "Peace Sells" years and the clipped precision of the "Rust in Peace" lineup. Early on he played fingerstyle, later leaning on a pick for that crisp attack. After 2002 he formed F5 (2003–2013), did outside sessions, and in the 2020s jumped into The Lucid (2020–present) and launched Dieth (2022). It’s musical architecture with a street-fight grin.

  • Gar Samuelson
  • Gar Samuelson – Drummer

    He played thrash like a jazz guy who’d just discovered speed and bad decisions.

    Gar Samuelson (full-name: Gary Charles Samuelson) is the drummer who injected swing, ghost notes, and real feel into early Megadeth when most thrash kits sounded like someone falling down stairs on purpose. I first clocked him coming out of The New Yorkers with Chris Poland (late 1970s–early 1980s), then landing in Megadeth (1984–1987) and turning "Killing Is My Business..." (1985) into something sharper than speed: it breathed. On "Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?" (1986) he played fast without going stiff, accenting like a jazz cat in a leather jacket. After he left, he worked with The New Yorkers again and did sessions through the late 1980s. His legacy isn’t just the beats—it’s the idea that thrash could groove and still hit like a hammer.

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

    Side One:
  1. Last Rites / Loved to Death
  2. Killing is my Business... and business is good!
  3. Skull Benath the skin
  4. These Boots
    Side Two:
  1. Rattlehead
  2. Chosen Ones
  3. Looking down for the cross
  4. Mechanix
Front Cover Photo of "Killing is my Business ... ... and Business is Good" Album
Front Cover Photo of "Killing is my Business ... ... and Business is Good" Album
The album's artwork, featuring a plastic skull with tinfoil, was not intended to be the original artwork. Mustaine wanted a picture of Megadeth mascot Vic Rattlehead on the cover, however the studio lost the artwork, so they improvised the low-budget replacement.
Back 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
High Inner Cover   of "Killing is my Business ... ... and Business is Good" Album Resolution Photo Megadeth - Killing is my Business ... ... and Business is Good Vinyl Record  
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" 12" Banzai Record with the Two Samuarai's  
Close-up Photo of "Killing is my Business ... ... and Business is Good" Record Label 
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 MEGADETH - Countdown to Extinction album front cover vinyl LP album https://vinyl-records.nl

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
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 album front cover vinyl record
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 - 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) album front cover vinyl record
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)