Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good!

Released in May 1985, 'Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good!' is the debut studio album by Megadeth, formed by Dave Mustaine following his high-profile dismissal from Metallica. Recorded on a notoriously small budget (much of which was reportedly spent on substances), the album's raw, thin production became a defining characteristic of its charm. Sonically, it pushed the boundaries of speed metal, incorporating jazz-fusion elements through the rhythm section of Gar Samuelson and Chris Poland. The album includes the controversial Lee Hazlewood cover 'These Boots' and 'Mechanix,' Mustaine’s original version of the song Metallica reworked as 'The Four Horsemen.' Critics often cite it as one of the most technical debuts in thrash history, noting that while the production is primitive, the songwriting and performance established Megadeth as the more 'intellectual' and complex alternative to the burgeoning thrash scene. It remains a foundational text for technical death metal and progressive thrash.