Review by Luka on April 24, 2002.

By 1986 Metallica had three (!) phenomenal metal classics under their belt and a rabid cult following around the world. When the “Master of Puppets” masterpiece reached the gold mark in sales (500,000) Slayer, Anthrax, and Megadeth were flung into stardom as well, and, hungry for green, Capitol was one of the big labels quick to grab up Dave Mustaine’s monster-machine and forge another Metallica.

“Peace Sells... But Who’s Buying?” certainly not the mainstream world. The album was essentially a commercial failure, but to true metal fans this was the birth of one of the greatest and most influential bands in heavy metal history. Standing proud beside the same year’s Metallica - “Master of Puppets” and Slayer - “Reign in Blood”, this one was fast, modern, and original: coining the short-lived term “techno-thrash”, characterized by numerous tempo changes and complex riffs which backed Mustaine’s sharp snarl.

Signing on to Capitol was a blessing. The album was done on a generous budget and the studio production has sharpened the guitars and polished Dave’s voice into a sound much more preferable over the previous year’s catastrophe of a debut. Each song has a different style and plenty of surprises: an innovative songwriting basis which influenced countless bands today. Lead guitar mastery care of Mustaine and Chris Poland shines throughout. A fast, uncompromising song like 'Black Friday' reminds me why I love this music. This album kicks ass! Enough said.

Bottom Line: It’s a classic, no question about it. Excellent album, excellent introduction to Megadeth or early thrash metal.

Originality: 9
Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 8
Production: 8.5
Overall: 10

Rating: 8.9 out of 10