Megadeth was formed in 1983 as Fallen Angel. Dave Mustaine formed it with intentions to destroy Metallica in a thrash metal war that is still going on today. Mustaine got a band together and put out a full-length in 1985 called "Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!" For 1985, this album is definitely ahead of its time.
Around this time, thrash was being pioneered by Slayer, Anthrax, and especially Metallica, as they had two albums out at this point and were the first thrash metal band. Looking at Anthrax and Slayer, it is very punk-influenced, and Metallica was very NWOBHM-influenced. Looking at Megadeth, the influence here could be traced back to Venom or Motörhead because there is a lot of speed metal on here. But Megadeth has a very technical edge to their music, something never seen before in thrash metal, speed metal, or any other genre at this point.
This band was truly formed to destroy Metallica. I love Metallica's "Kill 'Em All," and "Ride the Lightning" is good, but, from what I am able to hear, they can't compare to "Killing Is My Business." The leads on this album are out of control, Mustaine's vocals are relentless, and the speed of every song leaves your head spinning. Even the last track, "The Mechanix," is a masterpiece. Not only did Metallica release the song first, but Mustaine is beating them at their own game - two years after it was released.
Let's take a look at the music. The album starts with a classy intro that isn't all that great, nor is it a very good intro. They would've been better off just leaving it off the album. But once "Loved to Deth" starts, there is no going back as relentless speed metal riffs and technical leads start to pummel one's eardrums. All the way until Mustaine's raunchy rendition of Nancy Sinatra's "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'" this album keeps on giving.
I don't have any problems with this album. In fact, I think it's a perfect portrayal of Megadeth. It has the humor of Megadeth shown in the Nancy Sinatra cover, and a lot of history throughout the album as well. One can see the origin of Megadeth's mascot Vic Rattlehead on the song "Rattlehead" (no shit). More history can be found with "The Mechanix," an obvious middle finger to Metallica.
For those who know about the shitfest between Metallica and Dave Mustaine, move on to the next paragraph. When Metallica formed, Dave Mustaine was the original guitarist. He was kicked out of the band (with no second chance, as the popular meme likes to remind us) for repetitive drug use and alcohol consumption. During his years in Metallica, he wrote the guitar parts for seven of the ten songs on "Kill 'Em All." However, he was kicked out before they released the album. Metallica hired Kirk Hammet from Exodus (you can see the Exodus influence in Metallica's "Metal Militia"), which also delayed Exodus' first album, "Bonded by Blood." "The Four Horsemen," a song from Metallica's debut album, was one song that was written by Mustaine and was originally called "The Mechanix" on the "No Life 'Till Leather" demo. This is why having Mustaine's version of "The Mechanix" on his new band's debut album is a clear "fuck you" to Metallica. And, to be honest, I do like Mustaine's version better.
This is a strong debut from the thrash metal pioneer Dave Mustaine. It is fast, technical, and a hell of a lot of fun. Also, this album has a kick ass title. This album embodies thrash metal with its fun and creative name. Just think about this: "Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!" I think it's a great thrash metal album title. Good job, Dave, I think you've built a foundation for a discography that will indeed destroy Metallica.
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