Even though Peace Sells and Killing is My Business are my new found favourites, I think that Rust in Peace is probably their most accomplished album. Now, other's may argue differently; some might even say that Countdown to Extinction is the best, based on its commercial success. However, the mid-tempo approach to that album isn't as much fun as this one; this one comes closest to perfection.
The musicianship from Mustaine, Ellefson and then new members, Nick Menza and Marty Freidman, is of a very high standard. This album has a lot of good riffs, inventive time-signatures, exciting and much anticipated song finales. There are plenty of excellent guitar solos – especially in the trade-off department. All of this is based on Mustaine's attitude, aggression and his high quality songwriting. His songs cover different themes, with the main one being warfare – then there's the dark arts, drug addiction, failed relationships and government conspiracy. It's a really great combination.
Mustaine's lead work on 'Holy Wars' is fast and aggressive; Friedman delivers the more nuanced touches, with an acoustic bridge which matches the songs motif. In general, Mustaine adds these nuanced melodic and harmonic qualities at just the right moments – and that, combined with his distinctive snarling, creates the perfect blend of speed, melody and aggression. Then there's 'Hanger 18' and 'Tornado of Souls,' which have great riffs and some amazing solo work. They deliver those 'classic' guitar trade-offs and the latter song demonstrates Friedman's solo ability – it's a monster of a solo!
I prefer deep cuts like 'Poison Was the Cure,' 'Take No Prisoners' and 'Rust in Peace... Polaris,' though. There's a good use of bass as a focal point at the right times – most notably on 'Poison Was the Cure,' which builds from the bass, then goes into some really funky Killing Is My Business style riffing. 'Take No Prisoners,' with its lethal riffing, has one of many great lines: 'Goin' to war, give 'em hell – d-day, next stop Normandy!' All of these songs are unique, but there's still a conceptual unity. They're all war/military related, directly or indirectly; even those about drug-abuse or failed relationships are war-like, metaphorically.
This is a unique recording and what is obvious is that it took all four musicians to create it. Menza was the glue, linking all of the transitions; his drum chops and the way he accented was key to the flow of each song. That's become more evident listening to them without him, although I will say, Jimmy DeGrasso did them justice in his short tenure. This is the pinnacle of Mustaine's musical career – this is his Arsenal of Megadeth!
Track List :
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