Top 10 Best Megadeth Songs

Since bursting onto the scene in '83, Megadeth has become nothing short of a thrash metal legend, laying down killer riffs and face-melting solos that have set the metal world ablaze. They're not just another band - they're a force of speed, ferocity, and technical mastery that has captured the souls of headbangers across the globe.

These titans of metal have dropped album after album of pure sonic annihilation. We're talking about landmark releases, from the brutal onslaught of "Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good!" to the complex wizardry of "Dystopia." Megadeth has never stopped tearing down the walls of what's possible in metal, and they've ignited the fire in countless musicians who dare to walk the path of heavy metal greatness.
The Top Ten
1 Holy Wars... The Punishment Due - Rust in Peace

1. Holy Wars... The Punishment Due
2. Symphony of Destruction
3. Hangar 18
4. Peace Sells
5. Rust In Peace... Polaris
6. Take No Prisoners
7. Washington Is Next
8. Good Mourning / Black Friday
9. Dawn Patrol
10. United Abomination

The reason for my top ten list is as follows: Holy Wars is really the best thrash metal song in the world. It has the coolest guitar riff and Nick Menza's most famous drumbeat. No other thrash metal song can beat it. Metallica is overall better than Megadeth, in my opinion, but Metallica doesn't have a single song that can match Holy Wars. This song is the one that made Megadeth really famous.

Symphony of Destruction is also great because of Dave Mustaine's amazing vocals and how the riff and drumbeat fit the song. Hangar 18 has a better riff and guitar solo than Holy Wars, perhaps. The polyrhythmic drumbeat is also good. Peace Sells gave me goosebumps. Every time I listen to it, I feel like I just watched a horror movie. The bass solo is also amazing.

Rust in Peace... Polaris has a really cool drum intro. Take No Prisoners features Dave Mustaine's most famous spider riff, and the engineering for this song is awesome too. Washington Is Next is a song I heard a few days ago. Apparently, it's from their recent album. It's good, I guess. Good Mourning / Black Friday matches Fade to Black. They both start off with an acoustic guitar riff and then add overdriven solos. Dawn Patrol is a short song with an awesome bass riff. I wish Nick Menza would return to Megadeth.

2 Tornado of Souls - Rust in Peace

This song is just perfect. It's the quintessential Megadeth song. Holy Wars, Hangar 18, Symphony of Destruction, and Peace Sells are all awesome songs, but none of those, and no other song, beats this in my opinion.

My favorite song has everything a song should have: it's metal at its finest. The lyrics are so deep and well-written. It's emotional and aggressive at the same time. It has a deep meaning behind it. The solo is so awesome that it can't be described by mere words. Dave's vocals rule in this. Prominent bass and superb drumming make it complete.

Tornado of Souls isn't just a song. It's THE song.

3 Hangar 18 - Rust in Peace

Finally, something is nearly in its proper place on this website. Hangar 18 is Megadeth's most uber song, with a slightly slow tempo that builds up into a load of insanity, complete with solos all over the place. Mustaine's last solo in this song remains my favorite Mustaine solo to this day.

Just brilliant. Hands down, this is the greatest heavy metal album of any and every genre ever made. Time has proven that Megadeth is better than Metallica. One quite literally faded to black, while the other gave us Rust in Peace (thank you, Dave, Marty, and co!).

4 Peace Sells - Peace Sells...But Who's Buying?

This is the song that got me into liking Megadeth! I like Holy Wars and Hangar 18 too, and I also really like A Tout le Monde, but I think this has to be one of my favorites. I feel like this should be my vote since it is the song that got me into Megadeth in the first place.

"What do you mean I hate Megadeth, I listen to it every day."

Classic thrash metal album.

Classic song, one of the first thrash metal songs to get play on popular radio. Intelligent song, very political, and shows Megadeth's talent and intelligence. They write about stuff other than demons and devils.

5 Symphony of Destruction - Countdown to Extinction

My Favorites From Worst To Best:

9. A Tout La Monde,
8. Holy Wars... The Punishment Due,
7. In My Darkest Hour,
6. Countdown To Extinction,
5. Peace Sells,
4. Hangar 18,
3. Sweating Bullets,
2. Mechanix,
1. Symphony Of Destruction.

Runner Ups:
Symphony Of Destruction,
Symphony Of Destruction,
Symphony Of Destruction,
Symphony Of Destruction.
Did I mention Symphony Of Destruction?

Holy Wars is overrated and the riffs are too complicated. This song has a better solo. I don't judge solos based on how impressive they are or how hard they are to play. I judge them by how good they sound. Which is why this one is better. Mechanix was very close. VERY close.

6 A Tout Le Monde - Youthanasia

I like to think of my stepfather when I hear this song. He took his own life recently after a long battle with MS, and every time I hear this song, the feelings resurface. Except this time, I'm almost left with a small taste of bliss. Amazing song with heartfelt lyrics that can be relatable to some.

The most earnest, honest Megadeth song to date. No military, no politics, just honest feelings and genuine concern for the world, while still being heavier than any other band, as Megadeth does.

This is one of the only Megadeth songs that I can actually listen to if I'm not in the mood for their heavy stuff (even though that rocks just as hard). I think Time: The Beginning is a very underrated song.

7 In My Darkest Hour - So Far, So Good... So What?

So Far, So Good... So What? is considered sort of a disappointment. I really don't know why. Mary Jane and the cover of Anarchy in the U.K. aren't very good, but the rest is fantastic. It includes great songs like Set the World Afire, Hook in the Mouth, Into the Lungs of Hell, and, of course, this classic, In My Darkest Hour. Amazing song!

Numb, broken, cold, dark - this is the theme and mood this song brings to its listeners. It's a masterpiece and golden evidence of the finest thrash metal of the '80s. This song has three progressive tempos and melodic yet evil guitar solos. It missed recognition when it first came out but later won and inspired many artistic musicians. It's surely one of Megadeth's best and a fan favorite.

8 Wake Up Dead - Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?

I think people are not really listening. Otherwise, this song would have been higher up on the list. For those who voted for Holy Wars and only listened to Tornado and things like that: give this song a try. Really, give the whole album a try. Let go of the preconceived notions about how you want this band to sound or how you want metal to sound, for that matter. And listen. You will be surprised.

This and Hangar 18 are two of the best Megadeth songs I've ever heard. However, I believe Wake Up Dead is highly underrated. Six different, amazingly crafted riffs, simple lyrics, and the Megadeth feel make this song my favorite.

9 Sweating Bullets - Countdown to Extinction

From the eerie intro all the way to the last notes, this song rocks. It is without a doubt the best song to sing along to. The lyrics are such a blast, and trying to imitate Dave's voice is a fun experience. The entire song is just five minutes of awesome.

Amazing song with dark but meaningful lyrics and, as always, great instrumentals. This is the song that turned me onto Megadeth, and I truly think it should be a little higher up on the list.

Of the 11 tracks on this album, there's not a single riff/instrumental I didn't like. Despite the lyrics and voice, this album had the best riffs of all Megadeth (for an album).

10 Good Mourning / Black Friday - Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?

Peace Sells is the album where Megadeth was at the top of their game. Here's my top ten:

1. Good Mourning / Black Friday
2. My Last Words
3. Devils Island
4. Bad Omen
5. The Conjuring
6. Holy Wars... The Punishment Due
7. Tornado Of Souls
8. Five Magics
9. Take No Prisoners
10. Hangar 18

As you can see, I'm kind of hooked on two of their albums. Although I do like everything they've released apart from Risk, all their best songs just happen to be on those two albums.

One of the most beautifully written songs by the band. In the beginning, it starts out with a bit of a sad tone, but eventually, it conjures up (no pun intended) and becomes one of the most legendary songs in thrash history. Easily Megadeth's greatest song. Also, can a song from The System Has Failed pass this masterpiece?

The Contenders
11 Trust - Cryptic Writings

Mustaine's lyrics are always awesome. The guitar sound is great too. This song has something special that makes it different from the other songs of Cryptic Writings. I like it, and the first time I heard it, I knew it would be one of Megadeth's favorite songs. I also think this album is better compared to the new era. This is far better than Super Collider, Endgame, The System Has Failed, and United Abominations. For me, it has better music technique and sound. I'd say I would place it in the top 5 best Megadeth albums.

12 Rust In Peace... Polaris - Rust In Peace

I'm not a huge Megadeth fan (Mustaine's vocals are a dealbreaker for me), but I do enjoy the Rust in Peace album and its title track. It has some of Dave's least annoying vocals, and it's got great riffs.

Note: Dave Mustaine is not God, nor is he the creator of speed metal. Motörhead has that honor. He is not the creator of thrash either, because so many different bands began writing thrash metal at the same time, like Metallica, Venom, Anvil, Slayer, etc. Besides, Dave is a bigot who blamed the Aurora shootings on Obama and said that America is becoming "Nazi America." He also told African women to "put a plug in it" and stop having children.

13 Angry Again - Rude Awakening

At first, Megadeth was just a classic metal band with only a couple of songs like Symphony of Destruction or Hangar 18. But after listening to this song, it opened my eyes to a whole new classic rock. Megadeth are the kings of classic rock, not Slayer, not Anthrax, not Pantera, and not Metallica.

I wasn't a real big fan of Megadeth until this album. Angry Again is what sold me on them, so this is definitely in the top ten. Great riff, great vocals, great theme.

How is this so low? Jack Slater is going to kick your big ass if he comes back and this isn't in the top 15! "I'll be back!"

14 The Conjuring - Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?

I refer to the first three songs of Peace Sells as "the triumvirate." It is the best opening to a metal album, while the actual best album would be Master of Puppets or The Number of the Beast. Wake Up Dead ->. The Conjuring ->. Peace Sells. And the centerpiece of that triumvirate is, well, in the center: The Conjuring.

This is a hardcore tune in topic and musicianship. Despite Mustaine's feelings about not wanting to play this song live anymore, it's one of the greatest thrash metal songs ever and deserves to be played just for the amazing guitar, bass, and drums.

15 Countdown To Extinction - Countdown To Extinction

How can this song be so low on the list?
I know it has a bit of a radio-friendly sound to it, but it still kicks ass!
It is the perfect shot at man's urge to feel 'powerful' by killing innocent animals ruthlessly (Point blank, you're so courageous!). Dave has shown why he is "The" Dave Mustaine.
He said this in an interview in The Warchest:
"Countdown to Extinction is more or less about how we kill off all our animals. The hunters are only going to be able to kill off one last animal, that's man!"
This song definitely deserves to be in the top 10.

16 Five Magics - Rust in Peace

Great song. It never leaves my top 10 Megadeth song list. Hearing them play it a few years back on tour when they played Rust in its entirety was a heavy metal high point for me. This, along with Ashes in Your Mouth, are the two most underrated Megadeth songs!

Probably one of the best songs to ever be heard by mankind. I thoroughly believe that the song originated from Mt. Olympus until one day when Dave Mustaine stepped down from the heavens, took on a human form, and presented Five Magics as a gift to the human race.

17 Head Crusher - Endgame

Fast, brutal lyrics, great combination of notes. What's more, "Head Crusher" is a violent song, which reminds us of the name of the band, "Megadeth."

It's only at 18th? Okay, it may not be the best, but it deserves far more recognition than this. It's such an underrated song.

Easily in the top 15. That beginning riff was killer. Quick, merciless, and beautiful.

18 Take No Prisoners - Rust in Peace

This song is amazing and comes from one of their best albums. It has a badass bass fill and awesome solos. It might not be as good as Holt Wars, but this song deserves a higher ranking.

Have you all even heard this song? This is heavy-duty thrash metal at its peak. From the start to the end, the song is exhilarating and is a perfect soundtrack for headbanging.

Take No Prisoners is my favorite Megadeth song. I went to see them in concert, and when they didn't perform that song, I was disappointed. I like the head-banger stuff.

19 Ashes in Your Mouth - Countdown to Extinction

This is honestly one of the most original songs I've ever heard. SoD cannot compare to this song. This song has every reason that makes Megadeth amazing.

One of the all-time greatest riffs in heavy metal. Awesome song, great lyrics. Definitely one of Megadeth's top 10 songs ever. Just brutal!

Just a great song and one of Megadeth's top 5 riffs ever! Mustaine shows his incredible talents in this song.

20 Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good! - Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!

How about a little respect for the title track to the album that started it all for THE greatest band in the history of speed metal? Awesome riff and solos, fun vocals. It's my theme song!

How is this song not even in the top 100? Easily the best track on the first album. Raw, fast-paced, and one of the best Megadeth riffs. Maybe not number 1, but definitely in my top 10.

Their best song. It is brutally fast and is one of the hardest (heaviest) riffing songs ever made. The song is just pure badass.

21 Washington is Next! - United Abominations

24? What! This is among the very best of Megadeth! Guys, get this to the top 10 where it belongs! This is among the best, along with Tornado of Souls, Angry Again, Holy Wars, and many others. Megadeth for the win!

Are you kidding me? 31? For me, it's their best piece of work. The drums, the guitars, the vocals, the bass - everything is so tight and compact.

This is an exciting song. It's hard to just select one as the best song. Washington is Next should definitely be in the top ten!

22 Last Rites/Loved to Deth - Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!

Pure old-school metal at its finest. A magical piano touch in the intro to Killing is My Business level metal. In my top 10 for sure.

Damn it, 98th place? It's got an awesome intro, with greater vocals and riffs.

Best song from their debut album.

23 Mechanix - Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!

One of the best head-banging songs, it deserves to be in the top 5. Anyone who wants a reason for leave should certainly listen to this song. You will surely get your neck sprained listening to this. I got mine. Speed metal at its best.

This is how The Four Horsemen should've been. Mechanix is much better because it's faster and has a little riff at the beginning that wasn't in The Four Horsemen.

This should be in the top tens, in my opinion. It's way better than Metallica's version by far.

24 Dystopia - Dystopia

This song deserves to be within the top 10. Deep lyrics, cool riff, three awesome solos - even the drumming is top-notch. AND it won the band a Grammy.

This song has the most epic outro I've ever heard!

This entire album is just amazing. I don't like much Megadeth, but this album is in my top 10 metal albums of all time. And this song defines the album. Kiko destroyed those solos.

25 Skin O'My Teeth - Countdown to Extinction

Sick opener to a classic heavy metal album. This song sets the tone for the whole album, and the riffs are amazing! It's the first Megadeth song I learned on guitar. It's an absolute classic and is quite underrated. Should be in the top ten!

Not in the top ten? Come on! Mind you, my Megadeth top ten has about 40 songs in it. Awesome band. Actually, I could have voted for any of about five songs on this album, including this and Peace Sells... But Who's Counting? Oh, you are.

Skillful playing, great drums, amazing bassline, solo, and message. Easily the best of their songs.

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