Megadeth is an American thrash metal band formed in 1983 in Los Angeles by guitarist and vocalist Dave Mustaine after his departure from Metallica. Known for its fast, technical, and aggressive style, Megadeth has established itself as one of the “Big Four” of thrash metal alongside Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax. The band is recognized for its complex compositions, virtuosic solos, and lyrics addressing themes such as politics, war, society, and death. Over the decades, Megadeth has undergone numerous lineup changes, with Mustaine remaining the sole constant member and primary songwriter. Their album Rust in Peace (1990) is often cited among the greatest metal albums, while Countdown to Extinction (1992) marked their commercial peak. With a career spanning several decades and a Grammy Award won in 2017 for Best Metal Performance, Megadeth remains a major influence in the global metal scene.
