A thrash metal band credited with helping to develop and popularise the genre have announced they are retiring.

Formed in Los Angeles in 1983 by vocalist and guitarist Dave Mustaine, Megadeth are known as one of the ‘big four’ of American thrash metal alongside Slayer, Anthrax and Metallica.

Their debut album had moderate success, but it was after signing with Capitol Records that the band took off. Some of their platinum-selling albums included So Far, So Good…So What, Rust in Peace and Countdown to Extinction.

The line-up has changed several times over the years, with Mustaine the sole member of the band to remain throughout.

The current members are also, bassist James LoMenzo, guitarist Teemu Mäntysaari and drummer Dirk Verbeuren.

However, this week Megadeth announced that their up

See Full Page