So Far, So Good Era
1987-1989
The So Far, So Good Era represented a crucial transition period for Megadeth, marked by dramatic lineup changes and artistic growth that would result in one of their most commercially successful albums. Following the traumatic dismissal of Chris Poland and Gar Samuelson in 1987 due to addiction problems, Dave Mustaine faced the challenge of rebuilding the band while maintaining creative momentum. For lead guitar, Mustaine recruited Jeff Young, a virtuoso guitarist who arrived literally at the precise moment to contribute innovative solos and sophisticated arrangements that would perfectly complement the already established compositions. Young proved to be an exceptionally talented musician, capable of bringing a unique style that, while different from Poland's jazz-fusion approach, significantly enriched the band's sound with more melodic and accessible elements. Chuck Behler, who had been Gar Samuelson's drum technician and had already worked with the band during previous transitions, officially consolidated as permanent drummer, contributing a more direct and powerful style than his predecessor. The stable lineup that recorded 'So Far, So Good... So What!' (1988) consisted of Dave Mustaine (vocals and rhythm guitar), Jeff Young (lead guitar), David Ellefson (bass), and Chuck Behler (drums), creating a musical chemistry that resulted in Megadeth's most commercially successful album to that point. This lineup gained additional notoriety when they appeared in the influential documentary 'The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years' (1988), where they were captured at their moment of greatest media visibility, showcasing both their musical talent and the internal tensions that were already beginning to manifest. However, this success came accompanied by new interpersonal and professional problems. Following the intense 1988 tours, creative differences and performance issues began to fracture the band's stability once again. Internal conflicts reached such intensity that they reflected the leader's frustration and disillusionment with the constant turbulence in the lineups. By early 1989, both Young and Behler were dismissed simultaneously, making this album the only studio record of this particular lineup. This era once again demonstrated the recurring pattern in Megadeth's early history: the achievement of artistic excellence followed by personal instability, establishing a cycle that would define the band's early years and forge Dave Mustaine's resilient but demanding character as the project's absolute leader.
Albums
So Far, So Good... So What!
