Megadeth

Megadeth formed in Los Angeles in 1983, built around vocalist and guitarist Dave Mustaine, who has been the one constant in a long run of line-up changes. They sit alongside Metallica, Slayer and Anthrax in thrash's "big four", and their sound leans on fast rhythm sections, dual lead guitars and intricate, technically demanding arrangements. Lyrics take in war, politics, religion, death and personal relationships.

After the independent debut Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good! in 1985, they moved to a major label for Peace Sells… but Who's Buying? in 1986. Rust in Peace, Countdown to Extinction and Youthanasia are the records most often returned to, and the band won its first Grammy in 2017 for "Dystopia". Their self-titled 2026 album became their first US number one, and Mustaine has said the band will disband once its tour ends.