Peace Sells... but Who's Buying? is the second studio album by the American thrash/heavy metal band, Megadeth. The album lasts a duration of 36:12. It was released on September 19, 1986 under producer Randy Burns and the record label known as Capitol Records.
Lineup:
Dave Mustaine: Lead Vocals, Rhythm and Lead Guitar
Chris Poland: Lead and Rhythm Guitar
David Ellefson: Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals
Gar Samuelson: Drums
The recording process was very difficult for the band members as the rift between Dave Mustaine, Gar Samuelson, and Chris Poland grew. Everyone in the band was addicted to drugs and abused them, but Gar and Chris were beginning to let it affect their playing in the band. Chris pawned different instruments and equipment from every band member to get money for drugs. Chris and Gar were fired shortly after the album's promotional tour.
Despite all of these issues, Megadeth was able to drop an album that would blow their debut album out of the water. It's a shame Chris and Gar had so many drug problems, because they were both top tier musicians.
The album reached number 76 on the Billboard 200. The album has since gone Platinum in both the United States and Canada. Here are my thoughts on each track:
1. "Wake Up Dead" 3:40 (10/10)
"Wake Up Dead" begins with some amazing bass lines. I love this track, there are so many random guitar solos and unique sounding riffs all over the place. Dave Mustaine barely sings in the entire song. The drumming is also great. Some of the riffs remind you of their last album because of their speed, but its clear that Megadeth now has a new sound. "Wake Up Dead" is a guitar lover's dream track because of its insane riffs and solos.
2. "The Conjuring" 5:04 (9.5/10)
"The Conjuring" begins with an eerie sounding guitar riff that is instantly unique and recognizable. The bass is great to begin the song as well. Mustaine's voice is perfectly fitted for the track as his delivery is both unsettling and creepy. The guitar riff that ensues is frantic and one of my all time favorites from the band. The song also has multiple changes in mid and fast tempos that add to its excellence.
3. "Peace Sells" 4:04 (10/10)
"Peace Sells" begins with another epic bass line. The chugging guitar riff utilized is great. Dave Mustaine's vocals are strange, but they sure do their job. Lyrically the song is simple, but really is fantastic. The chorus is awesome and is a crowd favorite at live shows to sing along to. The guitar solos and licks are also incredible. "Peace Sells" is my favorite from the album by the slimmest of margins.
4. "Devils Island" 5:05 (8.5/10)
"Devils Island" begins with a booming guitar that has some awesome soloing played along with it. Dave Ellefson plays another loud bass line just before Mustaine begins singing. The riffs in this song are really catchy as well. The guitar solo that occurs about half way through the track is incredible. The chorus is another that is literally designed for live shows. The second solo that closes the song is as good as the first. Gar's drumming is also amazing.
5. "Good Mourning/Black Friday" 6:41 (10/10)
"Good Mourning/Black Friday" continues the trend of high quality and unique tracks on this album. It begins with a softer sounding guitar riff that is soon met with another guitar being played emotionally over it. After this a guitar solo is played that is one of the absolute best from the album. The opening to this track is incredible.
Dave Mustaine's chilling vocals are delivered perfectly. Then the speed metal begins with fast guitar riffs to go along with an insanely fast guitar solo. The guitar riffs that occur throughout this track's entirety are some of Megadeth's absolute best that they have ever recorded. The solo that occurs around the 5:00 mark is fantastic as well. This is definitely the most impressive song musically as a whole.
6. "Bad Omen" 4:05 (8.5/10)
"Bad Omen" is often considered a filler track on this album, but that is so far from the truth. It begins with a slow guitar riff that is chilling to listen to. Then another guitar lick comes in that sounds even more chilling than the first.
Next, another guitar solo is played before Ellefson plays another one of his signature bass riffs. This intro perfectly sets the mood for the rest of the song. The bass is so audible and sounds excellent. The second guitar solo is insanely fast and played with excellent precision. "Bad Omen" is a great song.
7. "I Ain't Superstitious" (cover) 2:46 (6/10)
Now comes by far the weakest track from the album. It really is not a bad cover at all, I just feel it really does not fit well on this album. The guitar work is outstanding though, but I really never choose to listen to this song unless I am listening to the album in its entirety. It is a fairly well done cover, but really does not demand many listens and feels out of place.
8. "My Last Words" 4:57 (9/10)
"My Last Words" is a fitting title for the final track on the album. It begins with some really excellent soft guitar with a terrific guitar riff and bass line played over it. I love the speedy and energetic riff that really gets this song going. Ellefson's bass work continues to shine as well. Mustaine's vocal delivery is really good too.
Gar's drumming is so fast paced as well. The guitar solo that occurs around the three minute mark is one of the best the band has ever done. The song ends with an anthemic chorus that will make any crowd sing along. "My Last Words" was perfectly placed on the album.
My Verdict:
Peace Sells... but Who's Buying? is one of thrash metal's classic albums thanks to its stellar guitar work, complex song writing, and memorable songs that are full of creative ideas. This album really does not have any glaring weaknesses and has excellent musicianship from every member.
Dave Mustaine's vocal performance is so much better than the vocal performance on the band's previous record. The song writing has also improved drastically as well. With this release, Megadeth became a force to be reckoned with in the world of metal.
