Megadeth: The Early Years

In the summer of 1983, just months after frontman Dave Mustaine was fired from Metallica due to alcohol problems, drug abuse, and personality conflicts, Mustaine, bassist David Ellefson, guitarist Greg Handevidt, and drummer Dijon Carruthers formed Megadeth. Mustaine later said, "After getting fired from Metallica, all I remember is that I wanted blood. Theirs. I wanted to be faster, and heavier than them". Mustaine changed the style of Megadeths music by speeding up such existing songs such as "Mechanix", which was previously recorded by Metallica, which they named "The Four Horseman", and which they played at a slower pace. After failing to find a lead singer after about six months, Mustaine decided to handle the vocal duties by himself. Now Mustaine was serving as the lead singer, main songer, and rhythm guitarist. Soon after this, Carruthers was replaced by drummer Lee Rausch, and guitarist Greg Handevidt left the band in late 1983. On the strength of their three song demo that included early versions of "Last Rites/Loved To Deth", "Skull Beneath My Skin", and "Mechanix", Megadeth signed with New York based independant label Combat Records, and in December added second guitarist Chris Poland.

Source of picture: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megadeth#Early_years
Source of information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megadeth#Early_years