Few thrash metal albums hit with the kind of precision and attitude found on Megadeth 1990 masterpiece “Rust in Peace”.
From the opening seconds of “Holy Wars… The Punishment Due” to the final attack of “Rust in Peace… Polaris” this is an album packed with furious riffs, technical playing and songs that have become essential listening for generations of metal fans.
But which track deserves the crown?
Holy Wars… The Punishment Due
The album doesn’t exactly ease you in.
“Holy Wars… The Punishment Due” opens with a complex acoustic Spanish guitar passage before exploding into blazing riffs and furious tempo changes.
The song was inspired by a real-world incident involving Northern Ireland and the IRA. After discovering that bootleg Megadeth shirts were supposedly raising money for “The Cause”, Dave Mustaine made an onstage dedication that caused a near-riot and eventually led to the band travelling in a bulletproof bus.
Talk about learning a lesson the hard way.
Hangar 18
Then comes “Hangar 18”.
Built around its eerie conspiracy-theory theme, the song became one of the album defining moments and for guitar fans, an absolute feast.
Dave Mustaine and Marty Friedman trade jaw-dropping guitar solos throughout the track, turning “Hangar 18” into one of the most recognizable instrumental showcases on “Rust in Peace”.
Tornado of Souls
If there is one track that guitar players never stop talking about, it’s “Tornado of Souls”.
The song is already packed with classic Megadeth riffing, but Marty Friedman lead solo is what makes it truly unforgettable. It has become one of the most celebrated guitar solos associated with the album.
And yes, you probably know exactly which part is coming and still turn it up anyway.
Rust in Peace… Polaris
The album title-track closer brings everything together.
“Rust in Peace… Polaris” is fierce, fast and technically precise, finishing the record with exactly the kind of aggressive energy that made the album so special.
It doesn’t feel like an afterthought. It feels like the final strike.
More Rust in Peace Trivia
The album title came from a bumper sticker Dave Mustaine saw on a vehicle ahead of him: “May all your nuclear weapons rust in peace”. He immediately loved the phrase.
Marty Friedman almost didn’t become part of the story. Mustaine initially rejected him during his audition because of his brightly colored, multi-toned hair. Management eventually convinced Mustaine to focus on the guitarist playing instead.
And before Friedman joined, another famous guitarist had jammed with Mustaine: Slash. The Guns N’ Roses guitarist was considered as a possible collaborator before ultimately staying with GNR.
The album artwork, painted by Ed Repka, features Vic Rattlehead standing over the alien capsule associated with the Roswell UFO incident inside Hangar 18, while major Cold War-era world leaders watch from behind.
Behind all that madness was the classic Rust in Peace lineup:
Dave Mustaine – Lead vocals, rhythm and lead guitar
Marty Friedman – Lead and rhythm guitar
David Ellefson – Bass, backing vocals
Nick Menza – Drums, backing vocals
Four musicians. One legendary lineup. One album loaded with riffs.
Now it’s your turn.
Which track is the ultimate Rust in Peace masterpiece?
Or does another track steal the crown?
🤘 Vote for your favorite!
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My favorite album by Megadeth