Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good! – Megadeth (1985)
Overview
Released on June 12, 1985, Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good! is the debut album by Megadeth, led by Dave Mustaine after his departure from Metallica. The record captures the raw, aggressive edge of early thrash metal, combining high-speed riffing with politically charged and cynical lyricism. Despite its low-budget production, it became a cult classic and a cornerstone of the genre.
Tracklist
- Last Rites / Loved to Deth
- Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!
- The Skull Beneath the Skin
- Rattlehead
- Chosen Ones
- Looking Down the Cross
- Mechanix
- These Boots
Credits (Core Lineup)
- Dave Mustaine – vocals, lead & rhythm guitar
- Chris Poland – lead guitar
- David Ellefson – bass
- Gar Samuelson – drums
Production:
- Produced by Karat Faye & Dave Mustaine
- Label: Combat Records
Fun Facts & Trivia
- The band recorded the album on a very limited budget, much of which was reportedly mismanaged, contributing to its rough, unpolished sound.
- “Mechanix” is Dave Mustaine’s original composition that evolved into Metallica’s “The Four Horsemen.”
- “These Boots” is a heavily altered cover of Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’,” later facing legal issues due to lyrical changes.
- This album introduced Vic Rattlehead, Megadeth’s iconic mascot representing censorship and suppression of expression.
- The 2002 remastered version significantly improved audio clarity and included remixing.
Did You Know? 🤘
- Much of the album was written during a turbulent period in Mustaine’s life following his exit from Metallica.
- “Looking Down the Cross” is considered one of the earliest examples of Megadeth’s progressive songwriting style.
- The album was recorded quickly, under chaotic conditions, which influenced its intensity.
- Early vinyl pressings feature noticeably different mixes compared to later reissues.
Album Sales & Legacy
- Estimated worldwide sales: ~500,000+ copies (not officially certified but widely accepted).
- Initially an underground release, it gained traction through tape trading in the 1980s thrash scene.
- Today, it is regarded as a foundational thrash metal album and a crucial starting point in Megadeth’s discography.
Cultural Impact
While not a commercial blockbuster, Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good! helped define Megadeth’s identity: fast, technical, and confrontational. It played a significant role in shaping the evolution of thrash metal, pushing the genre toward greater complexity and aggression.
Get Megadeth albums from Amazon
Megadeth Full Discography: Complete Guide to Albums & Covers Collection (1985--2016)
More Albums:
Megadeth - Peace Sells... But Who's Buying? (1986)
Megadeth - So Far, So Good... So What! (1988)
Megadeth - Rust in Peace (1990)
Megadeth - Countdown to Extinction (1992)
Megadeth - The System Has Failed (2004)
