This is the German release of "So Far, So Good... So What!" the third studio album by American heavy metal band Megadeth. It was released by Capitol Records in 1988. It is the band's only album recorded with Chuck Behler and Jeff Young, who were fired immediately after the subsequent tour.
"So Far, So Good... So What!" is the third studio album by American thrash metal band Megadeth, originally released in 1988. The German release of the album features the same eight tracks as the original US release, with the addition of Direct Metal Mastering (DMM) technology to enhance the sound quality. The album is widely considered a classic in the thrash metal genre and helped to establish Megadeth as one of the most influential and innovative bands of the era.
Side One:
The album's opening track, "Into the Lungs of Hell," is a blistering instrumental that showcases the band's technical prowess and complex songwriting. "Set the World Afire" and "Anarchy in the U.K." are high-energy thrash metal tracks, with aggressive riffs and fast-paced drumming. "Mary Jane" is a slower, more introspective song that features haunting vocals and a powerful chorus.
Side Two:
"502" kicks off Side Two with its pounding rhythm and intense guitar solos. "In My Darkest Hour" is a standout track, with its melodic guitar riffs and emotional lyrics. "Liar" is a mid-tempo rocker that features a memorable chorus and dynamic guitar work. The album closes with "Hook in Mouth," a politically charged song that showcases the band's ability to create socially conscious music.
"So Far, So Good... So What!" was a critical and commercial success for Megadeth, helping to establish the band as one of the leading acts in the thrash metal scene. The album's combination of technical proficiency, aggressive energy, and socially conscious lyrics has helped to influence the evolution of heavy metal music. The German release of the album with DMM technology helped to enhance the sound quality of the album and introduced Megadeth to new audiences in Europe.
Speed / Thrash Metal
Capitol Records – 7 48148 1
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
1988 Europe
This album includes the custom inner sleeve with on one side a photo of the Megadeth band and on the other side the lyrics of all the songs on this album.
Dave Mustaine - Producer
Paul Lani - Producer
Paul Lani is known as producer of several albums for the Heavy Metal bands: Megadeth and Sanctuary .
Michael Wagener - Producer
Before his rise as a producer, Wagener had a musical career of his own. He was a guitarist and part of a German band called "Band X" in the pre-1970 era. Notably, Udo Dirkschneider, known for his involvement with the bands Accept and U.D.O., also performed alongside Wagener in Band X. This early collaboration between Wagener and Dirkschneider acted as a precursor to the formation of Accept, the influential German heavy metal band.
While Michael Wagener began as a guitarist for Accept, he eventually transitioned into the realm of music production, where he found his true calling. His talent, expertise, and meticulous approach to producing and mixing led him to work with some of the biggest names in hard rock and heavy metal. Wagener became highly sought after for his ability to capture the energy and power of these genres in the studio.
In addition to his work as a music producer, mixer, and engineer, Michael Wagener is also the president of Double Trouble Productions. This production company, headed by Wagener, focuses on providing high-quality production services to various artists and bands in the music industry.
Over the years, Wagener's production credits have included collaborations with iconic bands such as Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne, Skid Row, Dokken, White Lion, and many others. His contributions to the sound and success of these bands have solidified his reputation as a prominent figure in the world of rock and metal production.
Michael Wagener's work is characterized by his meticulous attention to detail, ability to capture powerful performances, and his knack for creating an impactful and polished sound. His contributions to the music industry, particularly in the hard rock and heavy metal genres, have left a lasting imprint and have helped shape the sonic landscape of numerous iconic albums.
Tim Carr - Executive Producer
Matt Freeman - Sound Engineer
Paul Lani - Producer - Sound Engineer
Michael Wagener - Sound Mix Engineer
Stephen Marcussen - Mastering Engineer
Recorded At Music Grinder Studios
Mixed At The Enterprise
Mastered At Precision Lacquer
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.
Charles Conrad "Chuck" Behler an American musician best known for his work as a drummer in the heavy metal band Megadeth. He was born on May 13, 1965, in the United States and started playing drums at a young age. Behler joined Megadeth in 1987 and performed on their third studio album "So Far, So Good... So What!" and the subsequent tour.
B ehler's drumming style is characterized by his speed, precision, and technical prowess. He often used double bass drumming and intricate fills to drive the band's aggressive sound. Behler's contributions to "So Far, So Good... So What!" helped to solidify Megadeth's reputation as one of the most musically talented bands in the metal scene.
After his tenure with Megadeth, Behler continued to work in the music industry. He performed with other bands, such as Doug Marks' Metal Method and Altitudes & Attitude, a side project featuring Megadeth bassist David Ellefson and Anthrax bassist Frank Bello. Behler also worked as a session musician and producer.
Behler's legacy in the heavy metal scene is cemented by his contributions to one of Megadeth's most iconic albums. His technical skill and powerful drumming style continue to influence and inspire drummers around the world. Despite not being as well-known as some of his contemporaries, Behler remains an important figure in the history of heavy metal music.
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.
Jeffrey "Jeff" Young an American Guitar player born in 1962 Ann Arbor, Michigan. He started his musical career as a guitar teacher and replaced his student ( Jay Reynolds / Chris Poland ) in the American Thrash Metal band "Megadeth" , with whom he recorded the album "So Far, So Good... So What!."."
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 )
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.