The Classic Metal Album Reviews:
Title: Rust in Peace
Artist: Megadeth
Label: Capitol
Release Date: 9/24/90

Rating: 5 Skulls
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    • Death's Review:
    "Don't ask what you can do for your country. Ask what your country can do for you!" One of the best lines on one of the best songs on one of the greatest metal albums ever written. Rust in Peace was more than just Megadeth's best record, it was a fitting swan song to the golden age of late eighties technical thrash.

    Undeniably one of the top five records of the 1990s, the album works on many levels. At the time it was released, Rust was regarded as a bit of a return to form for Megadeth, after the merely acceptable So Far, So Good . . . So What? hinted strongly towards the commercial leanings Mustaine would eventually succumb to on last year's Risk. And while Peace Sells . . . But Who's Buying? is a masterpiece of pure, shredding, technical-thrash brilliance, Rust in Peace is ultimately the finer work.

    "Take No Prisoners" is a perfect showcase for the bitter and angry side of Mustaine's songwriting style, not to mention Nick Menza's insanely physical drumming. Of course, "Holy Wars . . . The Punishment Due" (I remember thinking back then that it sounded like an attempt at doing "Wake Up Dead Part II") set new standards of excellence by realizing the beautifully aggressive drama the best thrash can achieve through dynamic arrangement. Plus Dave's lyric is pure bile. "Hangar 18" was only the primary guitar centerpiece on an album that not only introduced Marty Friedman to Megadeth but simply screamed "dueling virtuosity" at every turn. And don't forget "Rust in Peace . . . Polaris," one of the finest examples of the now trademarked Mustaine character and snarl ("Sweating Bullets" anyone?). And, oh yeah, "Five Magics" doesn't suck either (check out that ending lead). "Poison Was the Cure" could have been on Killing is My Business . . . What? You say I haven't mentioned the popular "Lucretia" yet? The list goes on and on and on . . .

    In the end, Dave never really fully delivered again. I dig some of the later Megadeth material, but I was, of course, really always hoping it would sound more like Rust in Peace instead. Years ago, I wondered if Metallica had another Master of Puppets in them. Now I know they don't. Could Megadeth ever deliver another album as perfect as Rust in Peace? For now, I'd settle for Dave busting out "Take No Prisoners" live. Though I doubt the new band could even play it.
    5 out of 5
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