Rust in Peace: The Inside Story of the Megadeth Masterpiece

Mustaine (Mustaine: A Heavy Metal Memoir), frontman of the heavy metal band Megadeth, delivers a detailed, off-the-wall oral history of the creation of 1990’s Rust in Peace, the band’s most popular and critically acclaimed album. As recording began on the album, Mustaine and bass player David “Junior” Ellefson were struggling with heroin addiction. Amid clashing personalities, upheaval in the band (the previous guitarist and drummer were replaced with Marty Friedman and Nick Menza, respectively), and their spiraling addictions, Mustaine says, “Something beautiful, something lasting came out of all that madness and catastrophe.” Working with rock critic Selvin, Mustaine, along with Ellefson and the rest of the band, as well as former managers, band members, friends, and enemies, reveal memorable moments, including Mustaine’s awestruck reaction to seeing Friedman play guitar for the first time (“the world stopped”), drug-addled video shoots, and a touching display of vulnerability when Mustaine discusses the current rift between himself and Ellefson (“I know life goes on”). With a foreword by Guns n’ Roses’ guitarist Slash, and a who’s-who of music industry participants, this rollicking history is a no-brainer for metal fans. (Sept.)