Capitol Records is bringing two of Megadeth‘s most iconic records back to the turntable. On May 29, the heavy metal legends will officially reissue their 1990s masterpieces, Countdown to Extinction and Youthanasia, as expansive double-LP black vinyl sets. Both upcoming releases will boast freshly remastered audio pulled directly from the original mix tapes.
This double-feature drop is a massive win for diehard fans and record collectors alike. For years, these specific titles have been notoriously difficult to track down on wax. With original pressings and subsequent reissues long out of print, physical copies have consistently commanded astronomical prices on the secondary collector’s market.
Originally hitting shelves in 1992, Countdown to Extinction marked a monumental turning point for the thrash metal pioneers. The record saw the band actively streamlining their aggressive roots into a more accessible, tightly focused sound without sacrificing their trademark technical bite. Packed with some of their most famous anthems, the platinum-selling album successfully catapulted Megadeth into mainstream dominance during the early ’90s rock boom.
Arriving two years later in 1994, Youthanasia pushed that creative evolution even further. The band leaned heavily into a darker, groove-oriented direction, showcasing a confident and mature approach to their songwriting. By trading breakneck speed for a crushing atmosphere and deliberate pacing, the record firmly established its own unique identity and remains a deeply beloved staple in the band’s vast catalog.
These fresh 2LP editions are specifically engineered to maintain the raw, authentic character of the initial recordings while providing listeners with a noticeable boost in sonic clarity. Whether fans are looking to replace a worn-out original pressing or experience these landmark albums on wax for the very first time, official pre-orders for both releases are currently available online.
Megadeth‘s latest self-titled album was released in late January through Dave Mustaine‘s Tradecraft imprint under the new BLKIIBLK label. The record was a massive commercial success, debuting at the number one spot on the U.S. album chart with 73,000 equivalent album units, driven largely by 69,000 pure physical and digital sales.
