Megadeth's "Symphony Of Destruction" video perfectly encapsulates the band's biting political commentary with stark, memorable imagery.
The Song
"Symphony Of Destruction" is one of Megadeth's most recognizable and enduring anthems, released as a single from their fifth studio album, Countdown to Extinction, in July 1992. Penned by frontman Dave Mustaine, the lyrics delve into the perilous notion of an ordinary citizen being elevated to power, only to become a puppet for a shadowy "phantom government," leading the populace toward its own demise. The song critically examines how the masses are often manipulated by political leaders, a theme reinforced by a reference to the classic legend of the Pied Piper.
Musically, the track features a driving, mid-tempo groove, distinguishing it from some of Megadeth's more intricate thrash earlier work. It opens with the eerie sound of an orchestra tuning, followed by a brief sample of Mozart's "Requiem" before immediately launching into its iconic heavy guitar riff. This blend of accessibility and potent lyrical content made it a powerful crossover hit, significantly expanding Megadeth's reach beyond the metal underground.
The Artist
Megadeth stands as one of the "Big Four" of thrash metal, a pioneering force alongside Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax, known for their technical prowess, complex song structures, and sharp, often politically charged lyrics. Formed by vocalist and guitarist Dave Mustaine in 1983, the band quickly established a reputation for aggressive sound and intricate musicianship.
By 1992, with the release of Countdown to Extinction, Megadeth demonstrated a shift towards more refined songwriting while retaining their signature intensity. This album, and particularly "Symphony Of Destruction," marked a period where the band achieved significant mainstream recognition without sacrificing their core identity.
Chart Performance
"Symphony Of Destruction" was a commercial breakthrough for Megadeth, receiving substantial radio play and charting in several territories. The song notably peaked at number 15 on the UK singles chart.
In the United States, its accompanying music video garnered heavy rotation on MTV, helping the band transition from the niche programming of "Headbanger's Ball" to broader weekday playlists. The video even made a respectable showing on MTV's "Top 100 Videos of 1992" year-end countdown, landing at No. 68. The album it hailed from, Countdown to Extinction, debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 in the U.S. and No. 5 in the UK, eventually earning the band their first platinum, and only double-platinum, record.
Cultural Impact
The music video for "Symphony Of Destruction," directed by Wayne Isham, was pivotal in catapulting Megadeth into a new level of public awareness and cultural relevance. Its dark, non-linear narrative, predominantly in black and white, vividly portrayed a political candidate's rise and subsequent assassination, leading to widespread anarchy and riots. This unflinching depiction of political corruption and societal breakdown resonated deeply with audiences.
Initially, the video received heavy rotation on MTV, but a controversial assassination scene was later edited out due to being deemed "too harsh." Despite the censorship, Dave Mustaine defended the video's message, stating that conveying its critical point was paramount. The song remains a live staple for Megadeth, frequently performed at nearly all their concerts, and has been featured in various media, including the popular video game Guitar Hero.
Fun Facts
- Dave Mustaine was inspired to write the lyrics for "Symphony Of Destruction" after watching the 1962 American Cold War suspense thriller, The Manchurian Candidate.
- The song was one of several that the band had to quickly write and add to the Countdown to Extinction album after their label requested more material for the CD format.
- The director, Wayne Isham, also helmed other Megadeth videos like "Train of Consequences" and "99 Ways to Die," but has also directed videos for pop acts like *NSYNC and Britney Spears.
- During live performances, particularly in Argentina since 1994, crowds enthusiastically chant "Megadeth, Megadeth, Aguante Megadeth!" (loosely translating to "Megadeth rocks!") during the song's opening riffs, a tradition that has since spread worldwide.
- The original version of the song was significantly longer but was edited down during pre-production for Countdown to Extinction.
- The chorus chord progression was inspired by The Beatles, with Mustaine noting how The Beatles had moving bass chords under their chords.