🎵 Tracklist:
Track 1: 1. Last Rites / Loved to Deth
Track 2: 2. Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good!
Track 3: 3. The Skull Beneath the Skin
Track 4: 4. Rattlehead
Track 5: 5. Chosen Ones
Track 6: 6. Looking Down the Cross
Track 7: 7. Mechanix
🎸 Album Review:
Megadeth’s debut album, ‘Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good!’ released in 1985, marked the explosive entry of one of the most influential and enduring bands in thrash metal history. Led by the enigmatic and talented Dave Mustaine, the album showcases the raw energy, technical prowess, and unrelenting aggression that would come to define Megadeth’s signature sound.
From the opening track, “Last Rites / Loved to Deth,” listeners are immediately thrust into a whirlwind of blistering riffs, lightning-fast solos, and Mustaine’s unmistakable snarling vocals. The production on this album may not be as polished as some of Megadeth’s later works, but it adds to the overall grit and intensity of the music. The band’s performance is tight and ferocious, with each member showcasing their exceptional skills.
Thematically, ‘Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good!’ delves into dark and provocative subject matter, with songs touching on topics such as violence, revenge, and the darker aspects of human nature. The album’s title track, “Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good!”, encapsulates this theme perfectly, with its menacing lyrics and aggressive instrumentation driving home the band’s uncompromising approach to their music.
Standout tracks on the album include “Rattlehead,” a high-energy thrasher that showcases Megadeth’s technical precision and relentless energy. The intricate guitar work and breakneck speed of the song demonstrate the band’s virtuosity and set them apart from their contemporaries in the thrash metal scene.
Another highlight is “The Skull Beneath the Skin,” a haunting and atmospheric track that veers into more progressive territory. The eerie guitar melodies and Mustaine’s chilling vocals create a sense of unease that lingers long after the song ends, showcasing Megadeth’s versatility and willingness to push boundaries within the thrash metal genre.
In comparison to Megadeth’s later albums, ‘Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good!’ may lack the polish and refinement of classics like ‘Peace Sells… but Who’s Buying?’ or ‘Rust in Peace’, but it makes up for it with its raw energy and sheer aggression. The album serves as a testament to the band’s roots and influences, laying the foundation for the groundbreaking music they would go on to create in the years to come.
Overall, ‘Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good!’ is a landmark album in the history of thrash metal, showcasing Megadeth at their most primal and unbridled. The album’s impact on the metal scene cannot be overstated, as it helped solidify Megadeth’s place as one of the genre’s most important and innovative bands.
In conclusion, ‘Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good!’ is a must-listen for any fan of thrash metal or heavy music in general. Its blistering riffs, relentless energy, and dark themes make it a standout album in Megadeth’s discography and a timeless classic in the annals of metal history.