"Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?" is the second studio album by American thrash metal band Megadeth, released on September 25, 1986, through Capitol Records. Originally produced by Randy Burns under Combat Records, the album underwent a remix by Paul Lani after Capitol acquired the rights. The recording process was tumultuous due to the band's struggles with drug abuse, which ultimately led to the firing of drummer Gar Samuelson and guitarist Chris Poland shortly after the promotional tour.
The album's title track, notable for its politically charged lyrics, was released as the second single and marked the band's first music video. The striking cover art, depicting the band's mascot Vic Rattlehead in front of a desolate United Nations Headquarters, was created by Ed Repka.
Peace Sells... but Who's Buying? is celebrated as a thrash metal classic and a pivotal release in the evolution of extreme metal. It has been featured in numerous "best album" lists, including 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die and Martin Popoff's Top 500 Heavy Metal Albums of All Time. The album has seen multiple reissues, including a 2004 remix and remaster by frontman Dave Mustaine, and a 2011 25th anniversary edition that showcased different versions and new remastering, except for the 2004 mix.
In a December 1985 interview with Metal Forces, Dave Mustaine discussed the early writing process for Megadeth's second album, revealing that they had completed two songs, "Black Friday" and "Bad Omen." He described these tracks as faster and more aggressive than anything on their debut album, Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!
Mustaine and bassist David Ellefson aimed to shift public perceptions of heavy metal by incorporating socially aware lyrics into their music. They were conscious of the political climate of the time, and Mustaine's political beliefs were often reflected in the songs. Critic Steve Huey noted the album's blend of "punkish political awareness" and a dark, heavy metal perspective.
In early 1986, Megadeth embarked on a brief East Coast tour, performing several new tracks live. After the tour, they planned to record at Music Grinder studio in Hollywood. The album's title was inspired by a Reader's Digest article titled "Peace Would Sell But No One Would Buy It."
With a modest budget of $25,000 from Combat Records, the band enlisted producer Randy Burns. However, the recording process was challenging; Mustaine and Ellefson were experiencing homelessness, and issues with drug addiction affected the attendance of guitarist Chris Poland and drummer Gar Samuelson. After completing the recordings, Capitol Records signed the band and brought in producer Paul Lani to remix the album, replacing Burns's original mixes.
Interestingly, Poland was the only band member with multiple instruments, while Mustaine and Ellefson had just one guitar and bass each. Both Mustaine and Poland contributed lead and rhythm guitar tracks, showcasing a collaborative approach in the recording process.
