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There is no arguing that Megadeth albums occupy an important pedestal in music. The band behind these works is largely credited for being one of the pioneers in the genre of thrash. This is a significant acknowledgement for the group considering the rocky path they have had to go through.

It is appropriate to say that the group’s story officially began with Dave Mustaine. In the nearly three decades that the band has been around, Mustaine has been its constant prime mover and creative force. At one point, the band leader was the lead vocalist, guitarist, lyricist and songwriter all in one.

So what drove Mustaine to stick so adamantly to the group he founded? The initial motivation was really Metallica. Mustaine was able to get a coveted slot in the band that was clearly growing in popularity. Sadly though, Mustaine was so entrenched in drug use that his band mates decided to let him go. This angered Mustaine so much that he swore that he would one day avenge himself.

Mustaine had no doubts that the best way to get back at Metallica was to put up his own band, one that would compile a Megadeth album and generate Megadeth merch that would surpass the quality of Metallica’s own works. The negative force that drove Mustaine onward was so palpable that he chose to use a name and style that would echo mass destruction and death multiplied a thousand times. In the realm of music, this meant making music that sounded so aggressive as to leave people in shock.

Despite the strong drive though, drug use continued to accompany Mustaine in whatever he did. It reportedly even became a standard within the band itself. The band became so plagued with drug use that its members have come and gone in quick succession. The group has had 20 members and most left because of drug use issues. Some may have left for personal reasons but it was clear that the looming destructive power of drugs encompassed most musicians that had a brush with Megadeth.

The preoccupation with drugs has left its mark on the group’s first album Killing is My Business… and Business is Good! which was released in 1985. It was self-produced mainly because they had a small budget which was cut even smaller when they used half of it on drugs. Nonetheless, the work was considered quite good and paved the way for a loyal following.

Despite the enduring influence of drugs, the group went on to compile more albums. Officially, they have 12 albums out. Their first work was followed by a string of successes starting from Peace Sells… but Who’s Buying, So Far, So Good… So What!, Rust in Peace, Countdown to Extinction, Youthanasia, Cryptic Writings, Risk, The World Needs a Hero, The System has Failed, United Abominations and Endgame.

Many songs in various Megadeth albums are almost similar to the predominant style of Metallica, with long instrumental sections and guitar solos. Clearly though, the two bands won’t be fitting into the same black hoodie anytime soon. The themes of many Megadeth songs are more abrasive, disconcerting and even vile and offensive. They are also generally more grounded on social issues than anything that Metallica has ever produced. Songs from the band revolve around such themes as politics, war and social issues like substance abuse and suicide.