Megadeth
Peace Sells…But Who’s Buying -- 25th Anniversary Edition
(Capitol Records/EMI Music)

      The Urban Dictionary defines a nutswinger as ‘…someone who hangs from someone’s nuts…someone who follows ever move they make…’.  As generally unspecific as such a description may ultimately be, it does accurately summarize my feelings for Heavy Metal iconoclasts Megadeth.  In fact, for as long as I can remember, I’ve been an intensely dedicated--or, depending on whom you ask, obsessed--fan of all things Dave Mustaine and Dave Mustaine-related (including, for better or for worse, MD.45).  Although I eventually lost touch with my inner Vic Rattlehead during the group’s much-maligned Dann Huff era, I continued to find solace amid my battle-scarred copies of Rust In Peace, Countdown To Extinction and Youthanasia.  Thus, when I was approached regarding coverage of Peace Sells…But Who’s Buying -- 25th Anniversary Edition, the long-overdue deluxe reissue of the group’s landmark sophomore release, I was only more than happy to overindulge. 
      On the brilliant Peace Sells…But Who’s Buying -- 25th Anniversary Edition (2011), an expertly assembled four disc, thirty seven song collection of undeniably prototypical Thrash Metal, each track, beginning with the unnervingly shred-laden “Wake Up Dead” and the maddeningly infectious “Peace Sells”, immediately commands the rapt and undivided attention of even the most jaded and unimaginative of listeners, myself most definitely included.  Obviously intent on capitalizing on the tidal wave of momentum initiated with the release of the Killing Is My Business...And Business Is Good (1985), the group dispatches their few would-be oppressors a staggering array of soaring vocals, razor-sharp solos and imaginatively punishing rhythms.  Firing on all cylinders early and often, the Los Angeles, California-born quartet offers both die-hard completists and clueless newcomers alike an initial musical exercise that is as lastingly memorable as it is thoroughly enjoyable.
      Continuing with the delightfully bombastic “Devil’s Island” and the emotionally-charged “Good Mourning/Black Friday”, the now-legendary combination of vocalist/guitarist Dave Mustaine, lead guitarist Chris Poland (Damn The Machine, Mumbo’s Brain, OHM) bassist David Ellefson (F5, Killing Machine, Temple Of Brutality), and drummer Gar Samuelson steamrolls ahead like the well-oiled machine they so obviously had become.  Wasting little--if any--time reminding us all of their rightful and well-deserved place amid the fabled hierarchies of the Heavy Metal and Thrash Metal genres, the group brazenly engulfs all parties involved via a now-trademark tonality and a venomous lyrical vernacular.  Deftly showcasing their quasi-virtuosic talents without overwhelming the proverbial average listener (i.e. you, the increasingly faithful reader) amid an avalanche of overly-complex inanities, the group wisely ‘delivers the goods’ to their oft-rabid fan base.     
      Co-Produced and Mixed by the acclaimed Randy Burns (Lizzy Borden, Nuclear Assault, Suicidal Tendencies), other standouts, including the scalding cautionary lament “Bad Omen” and the equally impressive closer “My Last Words”, offer a veritable wealth of further sonic evidence in support of the group’s groundbreaking--yet enduringly tumultuous--legacies.  Fortified throughout by refreshingly insightful Lars Ulrich-penned (!) liner notes, a staggering wealth of previously unreleased in-concert material taken from the group’s inaugural world tour (most notably “These Boots Were Made For Walkin’”) , and a curiously-overlooked 2004 remix, even if you somehow find yourself less than enthralled with the improbably long-running group’s frequently metamorphosing tonalities, one must, at the very least, sincerely admire their truly bloodthirsty dedication to perfecting their craft.  Love ‘em or loathe ‘em, this is quite possibly as good as it gets.    
      So what’s really wrong?  Absolutely nothing.  An obvious must-have for both die-hard completists and  curious newcomers alike, the majority--if not all--of the decidedly ‘Old School’ wares contained herein are seemingly guaranteed to appeal to even the most hopelessly pessimistic of Thrash Metal elitists.  Most definitely not for the faint of heart or weak of constitution, the fruits of the group’s more than considerable efforts are quite easily worthy of the highest of critical and commercial accolades, a much-welcomed and increasingly rare characteristic that makes the rumbling, blood-caked behemoth that is the mighty Peace Sells…But Who’s Buying a true Thrash Metal classic.  Not surprisingly, if you’ve once again found yourself in search of an unrelentingly brutal alternative to the bevy of puréed frivolity that is so often forced fed en mass, then this, my friends, might just be the high octane cure for what ails you.  Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

Select Discography
Peace Sells…But Who’s Buying -- 25th Anniversary Edition (2011) *
The Big 4 Live From Sofia, Bulgaria (CD/DVD/Blu-Ray) (2010) ******
Rust In Peace: Live! (CD/DVD/Blu-Ray) (2010) ******
Endgame (2009) ******
Anthology: Set The World Afire (2008) */**/***/****
Warchest (Box Set / CD/DVD) (2007) */**/***/****
That One Night: Live In Buenos Aires (CD/DVD) (2007) *****
United Abominations (2007) *****
Arsenal Of Megadeth (DVD) (2006) */**/***/****
Greatest Hits: Back To The Start (2005) */**/***/****/*****
The System Has Failed (2004) *
Still Alive And Well? (2002) ****
Rude Awakening (2002) ****
The World Needs A Hero (2001) ****
Capitol Punishment: The Megadeth Years (2000) */**/***/****
Risk (1999) ***
Cryptic Writings (1997) ***
Hidden Treasures (EP) (1995) ***
Youthanasia (1994) ***
Countdown To Extinction (1992) ***
Maximum Megadeth (EP) (1991) ***
Rust In Peace (1990) ***
So Far, So Good...So What?! (1988) **
Peace Sells...But Who’s Buying (1986) *
Killing Is My Business...And Business Is Good (1985) *

* features guitarist Chris Poland
** features guitarist Jeff Young
*** features guitarist Marty Friedman
**** features guitarist Al Pitrelli
***** features guitarist Glen Drover
****** features guitarist Chris Broderick

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