Megadeth, one of the four original thrash metal icons, is still going hard and fast well over two decades since its formation. Formed and consistently controlled by Dave Mustaine, the band has featured over 20 official members because of frequent drug abuse, injuries, and internal conflicts. Currently, the four man band is composed of Dave Mustaine as lead vocals and guitar, Dave Ellefson on bass and backing vocals, Shawn Drover for percussion, and Chris Broderick for guitar and backing vocals.

Mustaine and Ellefson have been core members of Megadeth for most of its existence, but with repeated conflicts between the pair, including property and royalty suits against one another. Ellefson only recently rejoined the band after a six year departure following Mustaine’s injury resulting in a hospital visit and then a drug relapse disbanding the group. Upon recovery and physical therapy, Mustaine reformed the band in 2004 and multiple line-up options were attempted until the current group was solidified. Peace Sells… but Who’s Buying? is considered one of the group’s most powerful albums and showcases the often political and sometimes religious lyrics that the band pushes.

The band has twelve completely original albums, and is believed to be writing the next. Of the twelve, Rust in Peace is consistently played at live shows, with songs from The World Needs a Hero and The System Has Failed also being featured along with their new album’s songs.