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Risk

by Megadeth

Released: August 31, 1999

Hard rock, alternative metal

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Chart Success.

The Album

"Risk" is the eighth studio album by American heavy metal band Megadeth, released on August 31, 1999, by Capitol Records. Risk marks the studio debut of drummer Jimmy DeGrasso and the final appearance of guitarist Marty Friedman, who left the band a year later. The album aimed to break through on alternative rock radio but received a mixed response due to its significant deviation from the band's traditional sound.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

This backlash led the band to return to…

This backlash led the band to return to a heavier sound with their next album.

In 2004, Risk was remixed and remastered, with…

In 2004, Risk was remixed and remastered, with bonus tracks and a different cover.

It was the band's last album released by…

It was the band's last album released by the label.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

Megadeth - Risk

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Then

Reception

The album debuted at number 16 on the Billboard 200 chart. Dave Mustaine, Megadeth's frontman, attributed the album's lack of success to it being released under the "Megadeth" name, suggesting it would have sold better under a different name.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Risk" is the eighth studio album by American heavy metal band Megadeth, released on August 31, 1999, by Capitol Records. It was the band's last album released by the label. Risk marks the studio debut of drummer Jimmy DeGrasso and the final appearance of guitarist Marty Friedman, who left the band a year later. The album aimed to break through on alternative rock radio but received a mixed response due to its significant deviation from the band's traditional sound. This backlash led the band to return to a heavier sound with their next album.

Dave Mustaine, Megadeth's frontman, attributed the album's lack of success to it being released under the "Megadeth" name, suggesting it would have sold better under a different name. The album debuted at number 16 on the Billboard 200 chart. In 2004, Risk was remixed and remastered, with bonus tracks and a different cover.