581. Megadeth / Rust in Peace Live. 2010. 4.5/5

For the past decade it has become a popular pastime for bands to either a) cover an entire album live of one of their influences (see Dream Theater's efforts) or b) play one of your own albums in its entirety live. The decision to record and release these performances is a no brainer, especially when it is arguably your finest album.

Here then is Megadeth, having recently re-recruited founding member Dave Ellefson back into the fold, letting loose with Rust in Peace Live. Though some of the songs have remained in the band's setlist since 1990 ("Holy Wars... The Punishment Due", "Hangar 18" and "Tornado of Souls") some have not been played since the tour of that album, and other never at all. That is why that, as a fan, this album/DVD did not kick in seriously until it reached the third song. "Take No Prisoners" has always been a favourite, and the band really brings it home here, driving with the speed and intensity of the original. Having warmed up by now, they fly on through the remainder of the Rust in Peace album. The musicianship is faultless, and only Dave's vocals in places seem a little forced. Given that it is generally on the songs that the band rarely performs, this is not surprising, and really not an issue. Singing live is not like singing in layers in the studio.
The set is padded out at the end with crowd and band favourites, with "In My Darkest Hour", "She Wolf" and especially the awesome crowd-inducing "Peace Sells" rounding out a fabulous live set.

This is an excellent live release from a band that has rarely compromised and is still able to deliver the best that heavy metal could hope for. More than worth the effort to add to your collection.