Album Description:
Megadeth's "Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?" stands as a pivotal album in the realm of heavy metal, leaving an indelible mark on the music landscape during its release period in the United States. The 12" Vinyl LP edition, adorned with striking artwork by Edward Repka, not only showcased the band's musical prowess but also contributed significantly to the evolution of the genre.
Released in 1986, during the height of the thrash metal movement, "Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?" is a testament to Megadeth's unique sound and lyrical depth. Spearheaded by the band's frontman and founder, Dave Mustaine, who also played a key role in its production alongside Randy Burns, the album emanates a raw and powerful energy.
Commercially, the album garnered substantial success, attaining critical acclaim and resonating with a broad audience. The inclusion of lyrics in the sleeve added an extra layer of engagement for fans, allowing them to delve into the thought-provoking and often politically charged themes explored in the songs.
One of the standout features of the album is its ability to blend intricate musicality with socially conscious lyrics. Tracks like the title song, "Peace Sells," became anthems for a generation disillusioned with political and social issues. Mustaine's distinct vocal delivery and the band's tight instrumentation set them apart in an era dominated by heavy guitar riffs and aggressive drumming.
Edward Repka's artwork on the album cover further contributed to its iconic status. The striking image, featuring the band's mascot Vic Rattlehead with a "For Sale" sign around his neck, became synonymous with Megadeth's brand and conveyed a rebellious spirit that resonated with fans.
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Music Genre:
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Death/Thrash Metal
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Album Production Information:
Produced by Dave Mustaine, Randy Burns
Randy Burns is a renowned record producer and sound engineer who played a pivotal role in shaping heavy metal’s evolution. His work with bands like Megadeth, Death, and Kreator helped define the raw, aggressive sound of thrash and death metal. With a legacy spanning decades, his productions remain legendary. Learn more about his career here.
Sound Engineer Casey McMackin and Randy Burns Casey McMackin is an acclaimed sound engineer, producer, and musician whose innovative work in the 1980s helped define the sound of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. Known for shaping legendary albums by Megadeth, Slayer, Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, and Van Halen, his legacy continues to inspire music lovers worldwide. Read Casey's Biography
Sound mixer: Paul Lani, Stan Katayama.
Artwork Edward Repka
Ed Repka is a renowned American illustrator, best known for his striking album cover art that defined the visual identity of 1980s thrash metal. His work with Megadeth introduced the world to Vic Rattlehead, while his detailed, horror-inspired illustrations graced covers for Death, Nuclear Assault, and many others. His vivid, dystopian imagery remains iconic in heavy metal culture. Read more about Ed Repka.
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Record Label & Catalog-nr: |
Black Label Capitol Records FA 3242
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Media Format:
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12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 210 gram
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Year & Country:
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1986 Made in USA |
Band Members and Musicians on: MEGADETH - Peace Sells But Who Is Buying
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Band-members, Musicians and Performers
- Dave Mustaine - Vocals, Guitars
- 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.
- David Ellefson - Bass
- 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.
- Chris Poland - Guitars
Megadeth's original lead guitarist. Chris Poland defined 80s thrash metal with his unconventional style.
Get the full story.
- 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.
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