"So Far, So Good... So What!" is the third studio album by American heavy metal band Megadeth, released on January 19, 1988. This album was the band's only album recorded with drummer Chuck Behler and guitarist Jeff Young, who were fired from the band in early 1989, several months after the conclusion of the album's world tour.
Despite being a platinum-selling album that confirmed the band's popularity in the heavy metal scene, "So Far, So Good... So What!" has proven to be a challenging record due to several issues during its production. Lead singer and guitarist Dave Mustaine has been openly critical of its mix and the performance of its members.
The album features a distinctive approach with themes including politics ("Set The World Afire"), war ("Set The World Afire", and "In My Darkest Hour"), isolation ("Hook In Mouth", and "In My Darkest Hour"), drug use ("502") and occultism ("The Conjuring"). The album also includes a cover of the Sex Pistols' "Anarchy in the UK," with altered lyrics.
Although the album received mixed reviews from critics, "In My Darkest Hour" has consistently been praised and was inspired by the death of Dave Mustaine's personal friend Cliff Burton, then-bass guitarist for the heavy metal band Metallica. Today, "So Far, So Good... So What!" remains a significant record for Megadeth and is considered a classic in heavy metal circles.
