Megadeth is an American heavy metal band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1983 by guitarist and vocalist Dave Mustaine and bassist David Ellefson. After being dismissed from Metallica, Mustaine set out to create a band that would be faster and heavier, helping to shape the emerging thrash metal scene of the 1980s. The band released its debut album, "Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!" in 1985, earning attention for its aggressive style and technical proficiency. They solidified their position in the metal genre with subsequent albums such as "Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?" (1986), which became a landmark in thrash metal, and "Rust in Peace" (1990), which is widely regarded as one of their best works. Throughout the years, Megadeth has undergone multiple lineup changes, with Dave Mustaine remaining the consistent creative force. The band is known for its intricate guitar work, politically charged lyrics, and rapid-fire rhythms. In 1992, their album "Countdown to Extinction" became their most commercially successful release, debuting at number two on the Billboard 200 chart. Despite periods of internal conflict, hiatus, and Mustaine's temporary health setbacks, Megadeth has remained active, releasing numerous albums and touring worldwide. Standout albums in their catalog include "Youthanasia" (1994), "Cryptic Writings" (1997), and "Dystopia" (2016), the latter winning the band its first Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance. Megadeth is widely considered one of the "Big Four" of thrash metal, alongside Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax. With their fast, complex musicianship and critical lyrics, they have left a lasting mark on the metal genre and continue to influence generations of musicians.