Megadeth-Youthanasia (1994)

By the mid-nineties, Megadeth were already immersed in the shift that marked their renewal of thrash metal towards a more accessible sound, without completely abandoning that style, but now firmly established within a more conventional heavy metal framework. If the band had already showcased their heavier side on the previous and surprising "Countdown to Extinction", on the following album, "Youthanasia", they went a step further, creating a much more accessible work, slowing down their breakneck speed and featuring more polished and melodic vocals. At that time, the band, led by guitarist Dave Mustaine, consisted of the same lineup as their three previous albums: Marty Friedman (guitar), Nick Menza (drums), and David Ellefson (bass). Before recording this album, the band was under immense pressure, due in part to the success of "Countdown to Extinction" and the almost Solomon-like decisions of their frontman, Mustaine, who maintained near-total control over the songwriting process. Ultimately, all members participated in every song on this new record. "Youthanasia" is a pivotal album in the band's evolution, featuring some great tracks, most notably the thrilling "I Thought I Know It All", the exhilarating "Reckoning Day", the dark "Addicted to Chaos", the commercially appealing "Elysian Fields", the splendid mid-tempo "A Tout Le Monde", and the heavy and powerful "Family Tree".