The iconic debut album from the thrash metal titans Megadeth, Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good, remains a cornerstone of the genre. Released in 1985, it showcased Dave Mustaine's songwriting prowess and aggressive guitar style, setting the stage for Megadeth's legendary career. But beyond the raw energy and blistering riffs, the album's tracklist tells a story, reflecting the band's early influences and thematic concerns. Let's delve into the complete track listing and explore what makes each song so memorable.
The Complete Tracklist
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Last Rites/Loved to Deth: A powerful one-two punch opening the album, seamlessly blending the instrumental fury of "Last Rites" with the vicious vocals and thrash attack of "Loved to Deth." This immediately establishes the album's aggressive tone.
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Killing Is My Business...: The title track is a short, sharp shock of pure thrash, showcasing Mustaine's blistering guitar work and aggressive lyrical content. It's a statement of intent, setting the stage for the album's dark and violent themes.
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The Skull Beneath the Skin: A slightly more melodic track compared to the opening numbers, but still retaining the raw energy that defines the album. It boasts a memorable riff and showcases Mustaine's evolving songwriting style.
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Rattlehead: One of Megadeth's most recognizable and beloved songs. "Rattlehead" is a classic example of their early thrash metal sound. The driving rhythm, memorable chorus, and powerful guitar solos make this a standout track.
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Chosen Ones: This track displays a darker, more sinister feel than some of the others on the album. It deals with themes of manipulation and control, foreshadowing some of Megadeth's later lyrical explorations.
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Wake Up Dead: Another high-energy thrash metal anthem with a catchy chorus and relentless pace. The song's frantic energy keeps the album's momentum going.
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Looking Down the Cross: The only cover song on the album, this track originally by the Misfits provides a surprising yet fitting inclusion. It highlights Megadeth's punk rock influences while retaining their signature aggressive edge.
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Devil's Island: A mid-tempo track that shows a more nuanced side to Megadeth's songwriting. It features more intricate guitar work and a darker, more atmospheric feel than some of the other, faster songs on the record.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is "Killing Is My Business..." Megadeth's first album?
Yes, Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good is Megadeth's debut studio album. It was released in 1985 and helped establish the band's reputation within the thrash metal scene.
What is the meaning behind the album title?
The title is provocative and intended to be shocking. It reflects the album's lyrical themes of violence, death, and societal critique. It’s a statement about the band's aggressive sound and the dark subject matter explored in their songs.
Which song is considered the most popular from this album?
While many fans have favorites, "Rattlehead" is widely considered one of Megadeth's most popular and enduring songs from this album, known for its catchy chorus and intense energy.
Did the album's title and lyrics cause any controversy?
Given its violent themes and explicit title, the album certainly garnered attention and caused some controversy upon its release. This contributed to its underground appeal and cemented its status within the thrash metal scene.
Are there any different versions or re-releases of the album?
Yes, over the years, Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good has been re-released multiple times with slightly different tracklistings, bonus tracks, and remastered audio. Fans can find various editions available.
This album cemented Megadeth’s place in heavy metal history, offering a raw, aggressive, and influential collection of thrash metal anthems. The tracklist is a testament to the band's early creativity and the lasting power of their debut.
