MEGADETH — Last Rites (review)

MEGADETH — Last Rites album cover Demo · 1984 · Thrash Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
3/5 ·
UMUR
"Last Rites" is the first demo recording by US, California based thrash metal act Megadeth. The demo was independently released in March 1984. After lead vocalist/guitarist Dave Mustaine´s departure from Metallica in April 1983 while in New York to record (he was unceremoniously fired because of his alcohol/drug abuse and irratic behaviour), Mustaine went back to California and formed the short-lived Fallen Angels. When he met bassist David Ellefson and realised that they couldn´t find a lead vocalist, Mustaine took up the vocal duties himself and about the same time the band name was changed to Megadeth. On this demo Megadeth is a trio completed by drummer Lee Rausch. Rausch left soon after and was replaced by Gar Samuelson and with the addition of guitarist Chris Poland the first stable lineup of Megadeth was born.

...but that´s getting ahead of the story. Stylistically the three tracks on the 11:26 minutes long demo are harsh, raw, and aggressive thrash/speed metal compositions, which all ended up in re-recorded versions of Megadeth´s June 1985 debut full-length studio album "Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good!". "Rattlehead" was also recorded during the same demo recording sessions at Hitman Studios in Hollywood, California, but was never officially released. That song was also re-recorded and included on "Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good!". So there´s nothing on "Last Rites" you haven´t heard before if you already own "Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good!", other than raw demo versions of tracks which appear on the debut album.

There´s certainly promise here and while Mustaine is a pretty unconventional thrash metal singer, his snarling approach provides Megadeth´s music with something unique. "Last Rites" features a decent although rough around the edges sound production, which suits the material well. For a 1984 thrash metal demo this is pretty well produced. A 3 star (60%) rating is warranted.
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