Megadeth released the 1990 album Rust in Peace. It was the American thrash metal band’s fourth studio album and one of the defining records of its era.
Released by Capitol Records on September 24, 1990, Rust in Peace introduced the classic Megadeth lineup of Dave Mustaine, Marty Friedman, David Ellefson, and Nick Menza. Friedman and Menza were new to the studio lineup, and their highly technical playing became a major part of the album’s identity. Songs such as “Holy Wars... The Punishment Due” and “Hangar 18” remain staples of thrash metal.
The title reportedly came from a bumper sticker Dave Mustaine saw that read, “May all your nuclear weapons rust in peace.” The cover, created by Ed Repka, features Megadeth’s mascot Vic Rattlehead holding an alien body while world leaders look on, reflecting the album’s themes of war, politics, religion, and conspiracy.
Anthrax, Slayer, and Metallica were also major American thrash bands, which makes them plausible distractors. However, Rust in Peace is specifically a Megadeth album. It was later certified platinum in the United States and received a Grammy nomination.