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Not to be confused withEuthanasia.

Youthanasia
More than 33 babies are hanging from a clothesline that spans a vegetative area
Cover art byHugh Syme
Studio albumby
Megadeth
ReleasedNovember 1, 1994(1994-11-01)
Recorded1994 inPhoenix, Arizona
GenreHeavy metal
Length49:57
LabelCapitol
Producer
Megadethchronology
Countdown to Extinction
(1992) 		Youthanasia
(1994) 		Hidden Treasures
(1995)
SinglesfromYouthanasia
  1. "Train of Consequences"
    Released: November 10, 1994
  2. "A Tout le Monde"
    Released: February 1995

Youthanasiais the sixth studio album by Americanheavy metalbandMegadeth,released on November 1, 1994, throughCapitol Records.[1]It is stylistically similar to their previous album,Countdown to Extinction(1992). The title is a play on words, implying that society iseuthanizingits youth. The cover art features an elderly woman hanging babies by their feet on a seemingly endlessclothes line,a direct reference to a line in the title track.

Youthanasiareceived positive reviews upon its release. It was commercially successful, peaking at number 4 on theBillboard200chart, and in 1995 was certifiedplatinumfor shipping one million copies in the United States. Aremixedandremasterededition featuring several bonus tracks and detailed liner notes was reissued on July 27, 2004.

Background and recording[edit]

Megadeth's previous studio release,Countdown to Extinction,became the band's biggest commercial accomplishment, entering theBillboard200 at number two and eventually becoming double platinum. As a result, they continually sold-out arenas across North America, in addition to developing a strong following overseas. WithYouthanasia,the band moved to a more mainstream sound.[2]

It was a time of problems and conflicts for Megadeth, that in every two weeks or so, according to frontmanDave Mustaine,there were "outrageous emotional interventions" in order to make the group a democracy. Many band meetings during this period concerned Mustaine's creative control over a "successful formula", so that the rest of the band could better exercise their creativity.[3]Another problem was the indecision on where the recording would take place. Mustaine did not want to record inLos Angeles,so it was eventually decided to record inPhoenix,since the majority of the band resided inArizona.[4]

The sessions for the album initially began in Phase Four Studios (Tempe) in January 1994, after a few weeks the sessions were moved to Vintage Recorders in Phoenix and continued there into May. This studio is often the location for scenes in theEvolvervideo.[3]ProducerMax Normansuggested that they build a new self-dedicated studio, in cooperation with the band, Capitol and Norman's funding a modular studio was built in a warehouse in South Phoenix. Talking about the recording process, Mustaine said thatYouthanasiawas written solely in the studio. "We weren't playing any old, cataloged material. None of the past really influenced the new record."[5]He mentioned that he gave "more freedom" to the other members and called the album "very much a total band effort".[6]

Of interest is that this was hoped to be the first album recorded solely onhard drives,rather thanmagnetic tape.Both Norman and Mustaine were believers in being on the cutting edge of technology, Norman had long been using computers to sample, tune and comp tracks.Digidesignwas working on expandingPro Toolsfrom a single track to multitracking and it was hoped that as many as 48 digital tracks could be synced and used to record. The computers used were mostlyMacintosh Quadraand with a great effort by all, it was soon evident that magnetic tape would have to be used.

Artwork and title[edit]

Dave Mustaine later credited the entire line-up for writingYouthanasiaas a tribute to the band's success at the time.

The cover art byHugh Symefeatures an elderly woman hanging babies by their feet on a seemingly endless clothesline. According to bassistDavid Ellefson,the artwork concept was directly inspired from a line of the title track, "We've been hung out to dry". He explained that the title track "was probably the strongest representation of how we feel about the young people who listen to our music and what their future holds for them. It's like you have a choice, you can become proactive or you can choose 'Youthanasia'."[7]The title is a combination of the words "youth" and "euthanasia". Mustaine has stated that the idea for the title stems from hearing aboutJack Kevorkian,as well as the declining state of well-being of young people, specifically referring to issues like drugs, crime and violence, and a lack of parenting.[4]The live version of the artwork is also seen in "Train of Consequences" music video.[8]

Like its previous albumCountdown to Extinction,Youthanasiais the second album to not feature the band's mascotVic Rattleheadon the front cover but on the back instead.

Musical style[edit]

Youthanasiawas not a large stylistic departure from the band's earlier recordings. According toBillboard,from the drumbeat opening of "Addicted to Chaos" to the precise instrumentation of "Train of Consequences", Megadeth delivered "trademark aggressive rage 'n' roll to powerful effect".Billboardnoted that even the slower songs such as "A Tout le Monde" were tending toward "lusty explosion".[9]Authors Pete Prown and HP Newquist opined that lyrically,Youthanasiacontained more thematic variations from Megadeth. They wrote that the record was musically diverse, from the "slow-tempo acoustic lines" of "A Tout le Monde" to the "breakneck riffing" of "Train of Consequences" and "Family Tree".[10]Qfound that Megadeth's "trademark crunchy riffs, thundering drums and bitter vocals" were still present on the album, with the lyrics being more introspective.[11]

Mike Stagno said thatYouthanasiafeatures "a more traditional type of metal". He explained that even though the music on a number of tracks remains quite heavy, it was obvious that thethrash metalis "very scarce" on this record.[12]Stephen Thomas Erlewineagreed that Megadeth have abandoned some of the more experimental, progressive elements in their music.[13]Similarly, Chris Ayers ofExclaim!felt that withYouthanasia,the band "eroded their brilliant thrash to mid-paced chug".[14]According to the band's official website, "Youthanasiamarked the continuing evolution of Megadeth, following the footsteps of their previous album. "[15]Speaking about the stylistic direction of the album, then-guitaristMarty Friedmanstated: "We pretty much stick to our guns. It's not like we're gonna change our next album to try and follow the trend. We don't really change with the times."[16]On the album's genre, Mustaine said: "It's been called a thrash album, it's been called a rock album, and it's even been called an alternative album. To me it can only be called a Megadeth album. That should be enough."[6]

Release and reception[edit]

The album was released on 1 November 1994 throughCapitol Records.[13]Promotion included the first official website for a band, "Megadeth, Arizona", described by its conceiver, Robin Sloan Bechtel, as “a virtual cybertown incyberspace"where fans gathered in anonline communitythat among other things offered news regarding Megadeth's new album.[17]A special promotional copy of the album was issued with an essay by suspense novelistDean Koontzentitled "Godzilla vs. Megadeth".[18]A remixed and remastered edition featuring several bonus tracks and detailed liner notes was reissued on July 27, 2004.[19]

Three singles were released fromYouthanasia:"Reckoning Day", "Train of Consequences"and"A Tout le Monde".[15]The latter would later be re-recorded withLacuna CoilvocalistCristina Scabbiaunder the title "À Tout le Monde (Set Me Free)". This version was also released as a single, and included onUnited Abominations(2007).[20]

Critical reception[edit]

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[13]
Collector's Guide to Heavy Metal8/10[21]
Entertainment WeeklyB−[22]
Los Angeles Times[23]
Metal Forces7.5/10[24]
Q[11]
The Rolling Stone Album Guide[25]
Sputnikmusic[12]

The album received positive reviews upon its release. Stephen Thomas Erlewine, reviewing the album forAllMusic,commented that, compared toCountdown to Extinctionthe album lacks focus. However, Erlewine suggested that the album's production quality made up for that. He also commented favorably on "Train of Consequences", calling out its "jackhammer riffs".[13]Mike Stagno of Sputnikmusic reviewed the album positively. Though noting that the album, like its predecessor, was a distinct move away from the sound heard on 1990sRust in Peace,Stagno suggested that the lack of a fast-tempo is made up for by thecatchinessof the tracks.[12]

In a contemporary review,Qmagazine wrote thatYouthanasiahas "greater depth and breadth than its predecessors".[11]Tom Sinclair ofEntertainment Weeklygave a brief review of the album saying thatYouthanasiawould "impress, but not impact".[22]Neil Arnold ofMetal Forcesnamed the record "the last true Megadeth opus before the mid-to-late 90s slump". He further said that the album "pales" in comparison to the previous records, but still keeps the band in their element.[24]Paul Corio, in a retrospective review forRolling Stone,wrote that the album features "metal-machine music" that is "calibrated to kill". He highlighted "Elysian Fields" and "Victory" as examples of Mustaine in his prime.[26]Despite the outcry of some fans, Pete Prown calledYouthanasia"more than worthy follow-up" toCountdown to Extinction.[10]In 2014,Guitar WorldrankedYouthanasiaat number 29 on their list of "Superunknown: 50 Iconic Albums That Defined 1994".[27]

Sales[edit]

Youthanasiawas commercially successful, debuting and peaking at number 4 on theBillboard200, with 143,000 units sold in its first week.[28]This marked the band's second top five album, slightly below the number two peak ofCountdown to Extinctionin 1992, and the band would only reach such a landmark again in 2016 withDystopia.[29][30]Several weeks after its release, the record was certifiedplatinumby theRecording Industry Association of America(RIAA) for shipping one million copies in the United States.[31]The album also managed to enter into the top 10 in the United Kingdom[32]and some other European countries as well.[33]It eventually received a platinum certification fromMusic Canadaand a silver award from theBritish Phonographic Industry(BPI) for shipments of 100,000 and 60,000 copies, respectively.[34][35]The singles "Train of Consequences" and "A Tout le Monde" both charted on theMainstream Rock Trackschart.[29]

Touring and aftermath[edit]

Megadeth toured heavily in support ofYouthanasia.They started the tour in November 1994, with live performances in South America.[36]The tour continued in 1995, with a number of opening acts such asKorn,Flotsam and JetsamandFear Factory.[37]During this period Megadeth also visited Europe, where they stayed for eight weeks. Ellefson shared his impressions from performing in front of European fans: "So far, the audiences have been really good and it seems to me that heavy metal and especially Megadeth are very much at the forefront of music in Europe. It seems like the attendance is better than it has ever been".[5]The worldwide tour ended in September 1995, with the band performing atMonsters of Rockin South America withOzzy OsbourneandAlice Cooperas the headliners.[36]

In the middle of 1995, the band underwent changes on the business side. Manager Ron Lafitte was hired byEMI Recordsand essentially disbanded his management company. Megadeth later signed with ESP Management and hired Bud Prager, a previous manager ofForeignerandBad Company,to be the band's new creative manager. As with Max Norman before him, Prager would go on to be highly influential in shaping the direction of the band.[38]In an interview forHard Rock Examiner,Mustaine revealed that there was a possibility of Megadeth performing the album in its entirety in 2014, honoring the 20-year anniversary of the record's release.[39]

Track listing[edit]

All music is composed byDave Mustaine,David Ellefson,Marty FriedmanandNick Menza.[40][†]

Side one
No.TitleLength
1."Reckoning Day"4:34
2."Train of Consequences"3:26
3."Addicted to Chaos"5:26
4."A Tout le Monde"4:28
5."Elysian Fields"4:03
6."The Killing Road"3:57
Side two
No.TitleLength
7."Blood of Heroes"3:57
8."Family Tree"4:07
9."Youthanasia"4:09
10."I Thought I Knew It All"3:44
11."Black Curtains"3:39
12."Victory"4:27
Total length:49:57
Japanese edition bonus tracks
No.TitleLength
13."A Crown of Worms" (demo version with alternate vocal melody)3:18
14."Holy Wars...The Punishment Due"(live)6:57
15."Symphony of Destruction"(live)3:44
16."Sweating Bullets"(live)4:46
Total length:68:42
2004 remastered edition bonus tracks
No.TitleLength
13."Millennium of the Blind"2:15
14."New World Order" (demo)3:45
15."Absolution" (demo)3:27
16."A Tout le Monde" (demo)6:20
Total length:65:44

^† Songwriting credits were amended on the 2004 reissue of the album. Credits differ on earlier releases.[3]

Personnel[edit]

Credits are adapted from the album's liner notes.[3][40]

Megadeth
Additional musicians
  • Jimmie Wood – harmonica on "Train of Consequences" and "Elysian Fields"
Production
2004 remix and remaster
  • Produced by Dave Mustaine
  • Mixed by Ralph Patlan and Dave Mustaine
  • Engineered by Ralph Patlan with Lance Dean
  • Editedby Lance Dean and Scott "Sarge" Harrison with Bo Caldwell
  • Mastered by Tom Baker

Charts[edit]

Singles[edit]

Chart (1994) Single Peak
position
USBillboardMainstream Rock Tracks[29] "Train of Consequences" 29
UK Singles Chart[32] 22
Chart (1995) Single Peak
position
USBillboardMainstream Rock Tracks[29] "A Tout le Monde" 31

Certifications[edit]

Region Certification Certified units/sales
Argentina (CAPIF)[58]
Release of 1994 		Gold 30,000^
Argentina (CAPIF)[58]
Release of 2004 		Gold 20,000^
Canada (Music Canada)[34] Platinum 100,000^
Finland (Musiikkituottajat)[59] Gold 20,216[59]
Japan (RIAJ)[60] Gold 100,000^
United Kingdom (BPI)[35] Gold 100,000‡
United States (RIAA)[31] Platinum 1,000,000^

^Shipments figures based on certification alone.
‡Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References[edit]

  1. ^Megadeth - Youthanasia Album Reviews, Songs & More | AllMusic,retrievedOctober 21,2023
  2. ^Erlewine, Stephen Thomas."Megadeth – Biography".AllMusic.RetrievedSeptember 18,2013.
  3. ^abcdYouthanasia liner notes (2004 remaster).Capitol Records. 2004. pp. 2, 24–25.
  4. ^abRene, Sheila.""Sodom and Gomorra" – 1995 Dave Mustaine interview archived at The Realms of Deth ".Rockmetal.pl.Archived fromthe originalon May 11, 2013.RetrievedMarch 8,2013.
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  6. ^abMerkle, P.J. (May 1995)."Megadeth: Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered".Hit Parader.Rockmetal.art.pl.RetrievedSeptember 16,2013.
  7. ^"Megadeth Trash Pantera".MTV.November 4, 2002. Archived fromthe originalon July 15, 2014.RetrievedSeptember 4,2013.
  8. ^Megadeth - Train Of Consequences (Official Music Video),retrievedFebruary 18,2024
  9. ^Verna, Paul; Cronin, Peter (November 26, 1994)."Album Reviews".Billboard.p. 100.RetrievedSeptember 4,2013.
  10. ^abPrown, Pete; Newquist, HP (1997).Legends of Rock Guitar: The Essential Reference of Rock's Greatest Guitarists.Hal Leonard Corporation.p. 227.ISBN0-7935-4042-9.RetrievedSeptember 4,2013.
  11. ^abc"Megadeth – Youthanasia CD Album".Q.CD Universe.RetrievedNovember 11,2012.
  12. ^abcStagno, Mike (November 15, 2006)."Megadeth – Youthanasia (staff reviews)".Sputnikmusic.RetrievedMarch 3,2012.
  13. ^abcdErlewine, Stephen Thomas."Youthanasia – Megadeth".AllMusic.RetrievedMarch 3,2012.
  14. ^Ayers, Chris (March 2005)."Megadeth: Remixed and Remastered Series".Exclaim!.RetrievedOctober 1,2013.
  15. ^ab"Youthanasia (1994)".Megadeth.com.Archived fromthe originalon August 17, 2013.RetrievedSeptember 4,2013.
  16. ^James, Gary."Marty Friedman – Megadeth".Famous Interview.com.RetrievedSeptember 4,2013.
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  24. ^abArnold, Neil."Megadeth: Youthanasia".Metal Forces.RetrievedAugust 8,2013.
  25. ^Brackett, Nathan; Christian Hoard (2004).The Rolling Stone Album Guide.New York City, New York:Simon & Schuster.p. 534.ISBN0-7432-0169-8.
  26. ^Corio, Paul (December 29, 1994)."Megadeth – Youthanasia: Album Review".Rolling Stone.p. 173. Archived fromthe originalon October 1, 2007.RetrievedNovember 11,2012.
  27. ^Maxwell, Jackson (July 16, 2014)."Superunknown: 50 Iconic Albums That Defined 1994".Guitar World.Archived fromthe originalon July 15, 2014.RetrievedJuly 30,2014.
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  40. ^abYouthanasia liner notes (1994 release).Capitol Records. 1994. pp. 2, 5, 7–8, 11–12, 14, 16, 18–20.
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  51. ^"Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100".Official Charts Company.Retrieved November 8, 2023.
  52. ^"Swedishcharts.com – Megadeth – Youthanasia".Hung Medien. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
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  55. ^"Official Rock & Metal Albums Chart Top 40".Official Charts Company.Retrieved November 8, 2023.
  56. ^"Megadeth Chart History (Billboard200) ".Billboard.Retrieved November 8, 2023.
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  58. ^ab"Discos de Oro y Platino - Megadeth".Archived fromthe originalon September 28, 2011.RetrievedAugust 26,2021.
  59. ^ab"Megadeth"(in Finnish).Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland.
  60. ^"Japanese album certifications – Megadeth – Youthanasia"(in Japanese).Recording Industry Association of Japan.RetrievedDecember 27,2020.Select1994 niên 12 nguyệton the drop-down menu

External links[edit]

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