Editing Countdown to Extinction

{{About|the Megadeth album|the theme park attraction formerly known as Countdown to Extinction|Dinosaur (Disney's Animal Kingdom)}}
{{good article}}
{{Short description|1992 studio album by Megadeth}}
{{Infobox album
| name       = Countdown to Extinction
| type       = studio
| artist     = [[Megadeth]]
| cover      = Countdown album cover.jpg
| caption    = Cover art by [[Hugh Syme]]
| alt        = 1 old skinny man looking up w/ open mouth (center), band name (top), album name (bottom)
| released   = {{Start date|1992|7|14}}<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Grow|first=Kori|title=Megadeth's 'Countdown to Extinction' at 30: How the Thrashers Finally Proved Themselves|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|publisher=rollingstone.com|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/megadeth-countdown-to-extinction-interview-1383170/|date=July 14, 2022|access-date=July 15, 2022}}</ref>
| recorded   = January 6 – April 28, 1992
| venue      =
| studio     = The Enterprise, [[Burbank, California|Burbank]]
| genre      = {{hlist|[[Heavy metal music|Heavy metal]]|[[thrash metal]]}}
| length     = {{Duration|m=47|s=26}}
| label      = [[Capitol Records|Capitol]]
| producer   = {{hlist|[[Max Norman]]|[[Dave Mustaine]]|}}
| prev_title = [[Rust in Peace]]
| prev_year  = 1990
| next_title = [[Youthanasia]]
| next_year  = 1994
| misc       = {{Singles
 | name        = Countdown to Extinction
 | type        = studio
 | single1     = [[Symphony of Destruction]]
 | single1date = July 21, 1992
 | single2     = Foreclosure of a Dream
 | single2date = October 13, 1992
 | single3     = [[Sweating Bullets (song)|Sweating Bullets]]
 | single3date = February 16, 1993
 | single4     = [[Skin o' My Teeth]]
 | single4date = April 12, 1993
}}
}}
'''''Countdown to Extinction''''' is the fifth studio album by American [[thrash metal]] band [[Megadeth]], released on July 14, 1992,<ref name="Release date">{{cite web|title=Countdown To Extinction|url=https://megadeth.com/releases/5056/|access-date=July 14, 2022|archive-date=August 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811231319/https://megadeth.com/releases/5056/|url-status=dead}}</ref> through [[Capitol Records]]. It was the group's second studio release to feature the "classic" lineup of [[Dave Mustaine]], [[Marty Friedman]], [[David Ellefson]] and [[Nick Menza]], with all of them contributing to songwriting on the album. The album features some of the band's best known songs such as "[[Symphony of Destruction]]", "[[Sweating Bullets (song)|Sweating Bullets]]", and "[[Skin o' My Teeth]]", which enjoyed significant chart success and made a great musical impact.

''Countdown to Extinction'' received positive reviews from [[music journalism|music critics]], who noted its politically oriented lyrics and simplified sound in comparison to their previous record. The album entered the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] at number two, the band's highest position ever. It eventually achieved [[RIAA certification|double platinum]] status and became their most commercially successful album. The record was nominated for [[Best Metal Performance]] at the [[1993 Grammy Awards]], while the album's title track won the [[The Humane Society of the United States|Humane Society]]'s [[Genesis Award]] for raising awareness for animal rights issues.

In 2012, in recognition of the album's 20th anniversary, Megadeth kicked off a 20th anniversary tour in South America, playing the album in its entirety. In addition, a 20th anniversary special edition of the album was released in November 2012, and [[Countdown to Extinction: Live|a live album]] featuring a performance of the full album was released in September 2013.

==Production and musical style==
''Countdown to Extinction'' is Megadeth's fifth studio album, and the second to feature the line-up of [[Dave Mustaine]], [[Marty Friedman]], [[David Ellefson]] and [[Nick Menza]].<ref name="About"/> In an interview for ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' at the time, Mustaine admitted that he fired past members [[Chuck Behler]] and [[Jeff Young]] because they resisted his pleas to seek rehabilitative counseling.<ref name=Billboard>{{cite magazine|last=Morris|first=Chris|title=Megadeth Comes Alive Again|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=25 July 1992|page=11|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hxAEAAAAMBAJ&q=megadeth+countdown+to+extinction+metal&pg=PA11|access-date=October 1, 2013}}</ref> He added that it was a "major accomplishment" that all four members of Megadeth contributed material to the album, unlike their earlier releases which were "nearly all Mustaine".<ref>{{cite web|last=Summers|first=Jodi|title=Deth Metal!|work=[[Metal Hammer]]|publisher=Rockmetal.art.pl|url=http://megadeth.rockmetal.art.pl/articles_metalhammer1992.html|date=March 1992|access-date=October 9, 2013|archive-date=February 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225115839/http://megadeth.rockmetal.art.pl/articles_metalhammer1992.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Mustaine also revealed that producer [[Max Norman]] had significant input to the album by making "a lot of suggestions and a lot of great artistic ideas".<ref name="Goldmine">{{cite web|last=Prince|first=Patrick|title=Megadeth fully embraces "Countdown" anniversary|work=[[Goldmine (magazine)|Goldmine]]|url=http://www.goldminemag.com/article/megadeth-fully-embraces-countdown-anniversary|date=November 19, 2012|access-date=November 1, 2013|archive-date=March 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170304040016/http://www.goldminemag.com/article/megadeth-fully-embraces-countdown-anniversary|url-status=live}}</ref> However, Norman later accused Mustaine of attempting to steal some credit from him.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/megadeth_producer_says_full_of_shit_dave_mustaine_backstabbed_him__wanted_to_steal_production_credits_recalls_frontmans_reaction_after_he_confronted_him.html |title=Megadeth Producer Says 'Full of Shit' Dave Mustaine 'Backstabbed' Him & Wanted to Steal Production Credits, Recalls Frontman's Reaction After He Confronted Him {{!}} Music News @ ...<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=2021-06-10 |archive-date=2021-06-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610175150/https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/megadeth_producer_says_full_of_shit_dave_mustaine_backstabbed_him__wanted_to_steal_production_credits_recalls_frontmans_reaction_after_he_confronted_him.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Guitarist Marty Friedman said that unlike ''[[Rust in Peace]]'', the creation of this record was "completely different". He further stated that the band had changed the songs "a million times" before recording them on demo and entering the studio.<ref>{{cite web|last=Rosen|first=Steven|title=Rock Chronicles. 1990s: Marty Friedman|work=[[Ultimate-Guitar]]|url=http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/interviews/rock_chronicles/rock_chronicles_1990s_marty_friedman.html|date=April 14, 2010|access-date=November 2, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103205420/http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/interviews/rock_chronicles/rock_chronicles_1990s_marty_friedman.html|archive-date=November 3, 2013}}</ref>

The music for ''Countdown to Extinction'' was written in two different sessions. The first session was done following the conclusion of [[Clash of the Titans (tour)|Clash of the Titans]] tour, while the second session took place after a one-month break, in the fall of 1991.<ref name="WordPress">{{cite web|url=http://warrmageddoninc.wordpress.com/2013/03/27/archive-interview-with-dave-ellefson-of-megadeth/|title=Archive: Interview with Dave Ellefson of Megadeth|first=Johnny|last=Ringo|date=March 27, 2013|work=Hails & Horns|publisher=[[Word Press]]|access-date=October 19, 2013|archive-date=October 24, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024052548/http://warrmageddoninc.wordpress.com/2013/03/27/archive-interview-with-dave-ellefson-of-megadeth/|url-status=live}}</ref> The album was recorded in the first half of 1992, when the [[Rodney King Riots]] took place. These events negatively affected the recording process, as the band was forced to leave the studio every night at six o'clock because of the enacted curfew. Dave Mustaine shared his experience: "There’s nothing worse than getting a creative moment and you have to leave. It was like a school bell ringing."<ref>{{cite web|first=Chad|last=Bowar|url=http://heavymetal.about.com/od/interviews/a/Megadeth-Interview.htm|title=Megadeth Interview|publisher=[[About.com]]|date=November 18, 2012|access-date=November 1, 2013|archive-date=November 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103075657/http://heavymetal.about.com/od/interviews/a/Megadeth-Interview.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> The record was produced by Mustaine and Max Norman at The Enterprise in [[Burbank, California]], while the [[audio mixing (recorded music)|mixing]] was handed by Norman with the help of Fred Kelly.<ref name="booklet"/> Referring to the recording process, Mustaine said that ''Countdown to Extinction'' "was one of those records where everything was firing on all 12 cylinders and you just know it".<ref>{{cite web|last=Chamberlain|first=Rich|title=Dave Mustaine on Super Collider, Endgame, Risk and more|publisher=[[MusicRadar]]|url=http://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/dave-mustaine-on-super-collider-endgame-risk-and-more-575401/7/|date=June 3, 2013|access-date=October 8, 2013|archive-date=October 24, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024044113/http://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/dave-mustaine-on-super-collider-endgame-risk-and-more-575401/7/|url-status=live}}</ref> He also said that it didn't take the band a long time to record the album because "records were a lot easier to make back then because the pressure wasn't quite as hard".<ref name="Artistdirect">{{cite web|last=Florino|first=Rick|title=Dave Mustaine of Megadeth Reflects on "Countdown to Extinction", Talks "TH1RT3EN", Tour, and More|publisher=[[Artistdirect]]|url=http://www.artistdirect.com/entertainment-news/article/dave-mustaine-of-megadeth-reflects-on-countdown-to-extinction-talks-th1rt3en-tour-and-more/10297400|date=November 7, 2012|access-date=October 8, 2013|archive-date=October 24, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024045935/http://www.artistdirect.com/entertainment-news/article/dave-mustaine-of-megadeth-reflects-on-countdown-to-extinction-talks-th1rt3en-tour-and-more/10297400|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{Quote box
 |quote = We'd take a break and go outside with a basketball and shoot some hoops and walk back in, and Dave would pick his guitar up, and out fell the riff to "Sweating Bullets".
 |source = — David Ellefson, on composing the music<ref name="WordPress"/>
 |salign = center
 |align = right
 |width = 27%
 |border = 1px
 |fontsize = 90%
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Following [[Metallica]]'s mainstream breakthrough in 1991 with the success of their [[Metallica (album)|eponymous album]] which saw them strip down their sound, Mustaine decided to follow suit, though the music remained as technically perfectionist as their previous releases.<ref>{{cite web|last=Erlewine|first=Stephen Thomas|title=Megadeth Biography|website=[[AllMusic]]|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/megadeth-mn0000406294/biography|access-date=October 8, 2013|archive-date=August 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801102607/http://www.allmusic.com/artist/megadeth-mn0000406294/biography|url-status=live}}</ref> Drummer Nick Menza explained: "Metallica has definitely opened the doors for other bands to step through. We're obviously the next band to step through that doorway."<ref name=Spin/> Musically, ''Countdown to Extinction'' saw Megadeth beginning to incorporate more melody and mid-tempos into its traditional sound.<ref name="Patch">{{cite web|last=Aberback|first=Brian|title=Megadeth Brings Countdown to Extinction 20th Anniversary Show to Atlantic City and New York|publisher=[[Patch.com]]|url=http://galloway.patch.com/groups/brian-aberbacks-blog/p/bp--megadeth-brings-countdown-to-extinction-20th-anni4f53ecd724|date=November 12, 2012|access-date=October 9, 2013|archive-date=October 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021034528/http://galloway.patch.com/groups/brian-aberbacks-blog/p/bp--megadeth-brings-countdown-to-extinction-20th-anni4f53ecd724|url-status=live}}</ref> Bassist David Ellefson noted that the band's goal was to "create music that had more of a groove to it," capitalizing on the melodic playing style employed by Friedman, and further assisted by the input of producer Norman.{{sfn|Ellefson|2013|p=103}} Author Thomas Harrison wrote that with this album, Megadeth's music became "more virtuosic than noisy and took the next step toward widespread acceptance".{{sfn|Harrison|2011|p=60}}

==Lyrics==
Like its predecessor, many of the songs on the album have political and military undertones.{{sfn|Harrison|2011|p=60}} However, the opening track "Skin o' My Teeth" was speculated being about suicide,{{sfn|Arnett|1996|p=49}} a theme which differs from the rest of the album.
"[[Symphony of Destruction]]", with lyrics written by [[Dave Mustaine]] inspired in part by the movie [[The Manchurian Candidate (1962 film)|The Manchurian Candidate]],<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/megadeths-dave-mustaine-my-life-in-15-songs-118539/symphony-of-destruction-106619/ | title=Megadeth's Dave Mustaine: My Life in 15 Songs | magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] | date=11 January 2017 }}</ref> details a story about a regular citizen as the head of a puppet regime, as the country is run by a phantom government.<ref name="Loudwire">{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/best-megadeth-songs/|title=10 Best Megadeth Songs|work=[[Loudwire]]|first=Graham|last=Hartmann|date=13 September 2012 |access-date=30 September 2012|archive-date=19 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120919182818/http://loudwire.com/best-megadeth-songs/|url-status=live}}</ref> The song was noted by critics for its great social and philosophical impact.<ref name="Ultimate Rock"/> "Architecture of Aggression" explores the nature of global conflict;{{sfn|Barelian|2005|p=1959}} Mustaine revealed that the song was about former Iraq president [[Saddam Hussein]], who was engaged in the [[Gulf War]] at the time.<ref>{{cite web|last=Rene|first=Sheila|title=Sodom and Gomorra|url=http://megadeth.rockmetal.art.pl/interviews_highway1995.html|work=Highway666.com|publisher=Rockmetal.art.pl|year=1995|access-date=November 5, 2013|archive-date=May 11, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511045321/http://megadeth.rockmetal.art.pl/interviews_highway1995.html|url-status=live}}</ref> "Foreclosure of a Dream" deals with economic concerns and social inequality. According to music critic Eduardo Rivaldivia, "perhaps no other Megadeth song in history deals as directly and soberly" with these issues.<ref name="Ultimate Rock">{{cite web|url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/megadeth-songs/|title=10 Best Megadeth Songs|publisher=[[Ultimate Classic Rock]]|first=Eduardo|last=Rivaldivia|access-date=30 September 2012|archive-date=15 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130915075238/http://ultimateclassicrock.com/megadeth-songs/|url-status=live}}</ref> The song sampled then-U.S. president [[George H. W. Bush]]'s infamous "[[Read my lips: no new taxes|Read my lips]]" speech, making a statement about taxation endangering the "[[American Dream]]".<ref name="Contact Music">{{cite web|url=http://www.contactmusic.com/press/megadeth-countdown-to-extinction-live-to-be-released-worldwide-on-september-24th-2013|title=Megadeth 'Countdown To Extinction: Live' To Be Released Worldwide On September 24th 2013|work=[[Contact Music]]|access-date=30 September 2012|archive-date=29 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029201200/http://www.contactmusic.com/press/megadeth-countdown-to-extinction-live-to-be-released-worldwide-on-september-24th-2013|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Billboard'' praised the track, along with "Symphony of Destruction", for being "socially conscious" and described them as "powerful statements for hard rockers".<ref name="Billboard 2"/>

The fifth track, "Sweating Bullets", shows Mustaine's battle with his inner selves, which is presented throughout a conversational singing style.<ref name="Loudwire"/> "Sweating Bullets" was written during the second recording session and was released as the album's third single.<ref name="WordPress"/> Its lyrical theme deals with paranoia.<ref name="Patch"/> David Ellefson commented that the song's lyrics were "psychotically perfect" and sounded like "the inside of a crazed lunatic's mind".<ref name="WordPress"/> The title track was inspired by environmental concerns about the future of the planet, as well as criticisms of trophy hunting and the negative impact that it has. The name was suggested by Nick Menza, who had read a story in ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine entitled "The Countdown to Extinction".<ref name="Goldmine"/> "High Speed Dirt" focuses on skydiving.<ref>{{cite web|title=Story Behind The Song - Megadeth's Countdown To Extinction|url=http://www.martyfriedman.com/info_archive_detail.php?id=13&det=84|publisher=Marty Friedman|date=September 18, 2002|access-date=November 1, 2013|archive-date=July 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150714165534/http://www.martyfriedman.com/info_archive_detail.php?id=13&det=84|url-status=live}}</ref> "Captive Honour" is a song about prison and abuse that happens there, such as rape on new inmates,<ref name=Yahoo>{{cite web|url=http://voices.yahoo.com/best-90s-album-countdown-extinction-megadeth-3067691.html?cat=33|title=Best '90s Album: Countdown to Extinction by Megadeth|publisher=[[Yahoo! Music]]|first=Melissa|last=Lawson|date=April 10, 2009|access-date=30 September 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029211405/http://voices.yahoo.com/best-90s-album-countdown-extinction-megadeth-3067691.html?cat=33|archive-date=29 October 2013}}</ref> while "Psychotron" was written about the [[Marvel Comics]] character [[Deathlok]].<ref name="booklet 2">{{cite book|title=Countdown to Extinction liner notes|year=2004|pages=4–5|publisher=[[Capitol Records]]|edition=remastered}}</ref> The album's closing track, "Ashes in Your Mouth", concentrates on the negative aftermath of war.<ref name=Yahoo/> The longest song on the record, it is performed at intense tempo and features [[shred guitar|shredding]] guitar leads.<ref name="Loudwire"/>

==Critical reception==
{{Music ratings
|rev1 = [[About.com]]
|rev1score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="About">{{cite web|first=Chad|last=Bowar|title=Megadeth - Countdown To Extinction 20th Anniversary Edition Review|url=http://heavymetal.about.com/od/megadeth/fr/Megadeth-Countdown-To-Extinction-20th-Anniversary-Edition-Review.htm|publisher=[[About.com]]|access-date=December 30, 2012|archive-date=December 18, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121218074311/http://heavymetal.about.com/od/megadeth/fr/Megadeth-Countdown-To-Extinction-20th-Anniversary-Edition-Review.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
|rev2 = [[AllMusic]]
|rev2score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name=Allmusic>{{cite web|last=Huey|first=Steve|title=Countdown to Extinction - Megadeth|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/countdown-to-extinction-mw0000082896|website=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=August 4, 2012|archive-date=August 20, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120820050202/http://www.allmusic.com/album/countdown-to-extinction-mw0000082896|url-status=live}}</ref>
|rev3 = ''[[Chicago Tribune]]''
|rev3Score = {{Rating|4|4}}<ref name="Chicago">{{cite news|last=Herrmann|first=Brenda|date=July 30, 1992|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1992/07/30/megadethcountdown-to-extinction-capitol-starstarstarstarlike-metallica-megadeth/|title=Megadeth: Countdown to Extinction (Capitol)|newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]]|access-date=February 16, 2014|archive-date=August 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180808104406/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1992-07-30/features/9203080461_1_star-countdown-extinction|url-status=live}}</ref>
|rev4 = ''[[Consequence of Sound]]''
|rev4score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name="CoS">{{cite magazine|first=Jon|last=Hadusek|title=Album Review: Megadeth – Countdown to Extinction Reissue|url=http://consequenceofsound.net/2012/11/album-review-megadeth-countdown-to-extinction-reissue/|magazine=[[Consequence of Sound]]|date=November 8, 2012|access-date=December 30, 2012|archive-date=January 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116020605/http://consequenceofsound.net/2012/11/album-review-megadeth-countdown-to-extinction-reissue/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|rev5 = ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]''
|rev5score = A−<ref name=EW>{{cite magazine|last=Sandow|first=Greg|title=Countdown to Extinction Review|url=https://ew.com/article/1992/07/24/countdown-extinction/|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|date=July 24, 1992|access-date=August 4, 2012|archive-date=October 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014060942/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,311184,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
|rev6 = ''[[PopMatters]]''
|rev6score = 8/10<ref name=Popmatters>{{cite magazine|last=Hayes|first=Craig|title=Megadeth: Countdown to Extinction: 20th Anniversary Edition|url=http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/165473-megadeth-countdown-to-extinction-20th-anniversary-edition/|magazine=[[Popmatters]]|date=November 30, 2012|access-date=August 21, 2012|archive-date=December 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121203031612/http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/165473-megadeth-countdown-to-extinction-20th-anniversary-edition/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|rev7 = ''[[Q (magazine)|Q]]''
|rev7score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="CD Universe">{{cite web|title=Megadeth - Countdown to Extinction CD|url=http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=8816027&style=music&fulldesc=T|work=[[Q (magazine)|Q]]|publisher=[[CD Universe]]|access-date=August 28, 2013}}</ref>
|rev8 = ''[[Record Collector]]''
|rev8score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="Record Collector">{{cite web|first=Joel|last=McIver|url=http://recordcollectormag.com/reviews/countdown-to-extinction-deluxe-edition|title=Megadeth - Countdown To Extinction: Deluxe Edition|work=[[Record Collector]]|year=2012|access-date=October 23, 2013|archive-date=December 31, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231055515/http://recordcollectormag.com/reviews/countdown-to-extinction-deluxe-edition|url-status=live}}</ref>
|rev9 = ''[[Rolling Stone]]''
|rev9score = {{Rating|2.5|5}}<ref name=RSReview>{{cite magazine|last=Csengeri|first=Karen|title=Megadeth: Countdown To Extinction: Music Reviews|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/megadeth/albums/album/93440/review/5941182/countdown_to_extinction|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=January 27, 1997|access-date=November 11, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001223457/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/megadeth/albums/album/93440/review/5941182/countdown_to_extinction |archive-date=1 October 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|rev10 = ''Rock Hard''
|rev10score = 9/10<ref name="Rock Hard">{{cite web|last=Stratmann|first=Holger|title=Megadeth: Countdown to Extinction (1992)|url=http://www.rockhard.de/megazine/reviewarchiv/review-anzeigen.html?tx_rxsearch_pi1%5Breview%5D=11536|work=Rock Hard|access-date=May 22, 2013|archive-date=September 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924125741/http://www.rockhard.de/megazine/reviewarchiv/review-anzeigen.html?tx_rxsearch_pi1%5Breview%5D=11536|url-status=live}}</ref>
|rev11 = ''Sputnikmusic''
|rev11score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name=SputnikReview>{{cite web|last=Stagno|first=Mike|title=Megadeth - Countdown to Extinction|url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/8586/Megadeth-Countdown-to-Extinction/|website=Sputnikmusic|date=August 6, 2006|access-date=August 4, 2012}}</ref>
}}
''Countdown to Extinction'' received generally positive reaction from critics. ''[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]'' wrote that the album "may just be the finest [[thrash metal]] album ever made, although purists may find it a bit too polished and easy to swallow".<ref name=Spin>{{cite journal|first=Anna Lisa|last=Pessin|title=Dressed for Success|journal=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]|date=October 1992|volume=8|page=52|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wJumg6TLv8EC&q=countdown+to+extinction+thrash+metal&pg=PT53|access-date=September 20, 2013|archive-date=September 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917214438/https://books.google.com/books?id=wJumg6TLv8EC&q=countdown+to+extinction+thrash+metal&pg=PT53|url-status=live}}</ref> [[AllMusic]] reviewer Steve Huey said that "Megadeth guns for arena thrash success and gets it on ''Countdown to Extinction''". However, Huey noted the simplification of Megadeth's sound on the album in response to [[Metallica]]'s commercially successful [[Metallica (album)|self-titled album]] released the previous year.<ref name=Allmusic/> Sputnikmusic reviewer Mike Stagno praised Mustaine's vocals as well as a number of the album's tracks. Despite calling this effort "Megadeth's first step into the world of mainstream music", he also noted that "the band still maintains its identity".<ref name=SputnikReview/> [[Reflex (magazine)|Reflex]] described the sound as "impressively clean, streamlined, and sharp, brimming with killing riffs". They highlighted the vocal delivery on the record, saying "Mustaine's never sounded more confident, verbally and vocally".<ref name="CD Universe"/>

[[Popmatters]] writer Craig Hayes opined that ''Countdown to Extinction'' was "either an exemplary illustration of nimble-fingered thrash metal that introduced Megadeth to a legion of new fans" or "an unimaginative, artistically cynical stab at arena-baiting commercial success".<ref name=Popmatters/> According to Greg Sandow from ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'', Megadeth's "music has lost its former hurricane verve but keeps its crunch, and feels more rooted, even more melodic".<ref name=EW/> Chad Bowar from [[About.com]] raved the album's 20th anniversary edition, describing the songs as "more straightforward" and the lyrics predominantly being "politically charged".<ref name="About"/> Jon Hadusek, writing in [[Consequence of Sound]], labeled ''Countdown to Extinction'' as Mustaine's "political record" and said that the record "saw Megadeth moving away from thrash metal and closer to generic hard rock, a sonic shift they would embrace on subsequent albums".<ref name="CoS"/> In an unfavorable review, Karen Csengeri of ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' wrote that "while ''Countdown'' echoes the band's earlier work thematically, it's stylistically disappointing".<ref name=RSReview/> However, the magazine would later rank the album 33rd on their 2017 "100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time" list.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Begrand|first1=Adrien|title=100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/the-100-greatest-metal-albums-of-all-time-w486923/pantera-far-beyond-driven-1994-w487081|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|publisher=Wenner Media LLC|access-date=21 June 2017|date=21 June 2017|archive-date=10 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810090739/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/the-100-greatest-metal-albums-of-all-time-w486923/pantera-far-beyond-driven-1994-w487081|url-status=live}}</ref> By contrast, Holger Stratmann of ''Rock Hard'' concluded that the disc is "a compact album with a few strokes of genius".<ref name="Rock Hard"/> Reviewing the album's deluxe edition for ''[[Record Collector]]'', journalist [[Joel McIver]] eulogized it as a "masterpiece of technical, melodic thrash" and a showcase of Megadeth "at their best and most coherent".<ref name="Record Collector"/>

==Sales and impact==
''Countdown to Extinction'' was released on July 14, 1992, through [[Capitol Records]] and debuted at number two on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] with first week sales of 128,000 copies.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iQ4EAAAAMBAJ&q=Countdown+to+Extinction+first+week+sales&pg=PA96|access-date=October 10, 2013|last=Mayfield|first=Geoff|title=Between the Bullets|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|page=96|date=July 5, 1997}}</ref> It was prevented from entering the chart at number one because of [[Billy Ray Cyrus]]' long chart-topping reign with ''[[Some Gave All]]''.<ref name="PR Newswire">{{cite web|title=Megadeth's Double Platinum 'Countdown to Extinction' Album Remastered And Expanded For 20th Anniversary Edition, To Be Released November 6th By Capitol/EMI|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/megadeths-double-platinum-countdown-to-extinction-album-remastered-and-expanded-for-20th-anniversary-edition-to-be-released-november-6th-by-capitolemi-169179266.html|publisher=[[PR Newswire]]|date=September 10, 2012|access-date=October 10, 2013|archive-date=October 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012044643/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/megadeths-double-platinum-countdown-to-extinction-album-remastered-and-expanded-for-20th-anniversary-edition-to-be-released-november-6th-by-capitolemi-169179266.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The album was acknowledged as the band's commercial breakthrough, and according to authors Pete Prown and Harvey P. Newquist, Megadeth "reached the heights of popularity and critical acclaim" with this particular record.{{sfn|Prown & Newquist|1997|p=227}} Two years after its original release, ''Countdown to Extinction'' was certified [[RIAA certification|double platinum]] and became the band's most commercially successful album, confirming that they had retained their audience in the wake of [[grunge]].{{sfn|Gulla|2006|p=214}} The record was nominated for [[Best Metal Performance]] at the [[1993 Grammy Awards]], while the album's title track won the [[Humane Society]]'s [[Genesis Award]] for raising awareness for animal rights issues.<ref name="PR Newswire"/>

[[File:Megadeth @ Arena Joondalup (12 12 2010) (5273247878).jpg|thumbnail|right|''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' complimented Mustaine's vocals and his interplay with guitarist Marty Friedman on the record.<ref name="Billboard 2">{{cite magazine|author1=Melinda Newman|author2=Chris Morris|author3=Edward Morris|title=Album Reviews: Megadeth — ''Countdown to Extinction''|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=25 July 1992|page=45|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hxAEAAAAMBAJ&q=megadeth+countdown+to+extinction+billboard+review&pg=PA45|access-date=October 19, 2013|archive-date=30 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030000802/https://books.google.com/books?id=hxAEAAAAMBAJ&q=megadeth+countdown+to+extinction+billboard+review&pg=PA45|url-status=live}}</ref>]]

The record enjoyed similar chart success outside of the United States. It managed to peak within the top 5 on the charts in the [[UK Albums Chart|United Kingdom]]<ref name=UKChart>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artists/|title=The Official Charts Company - Megadeth|work=[[Official Charts Company]]|access-date=February 24, 2013|archive-date=May 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508182655/https://www.officialcharts.com/artists/|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Official New Zealand Music Chart|New Zealand]], and charted for eight weeks on both of them.<ref name="Hung Medien">{{cite web|url=https://charts.nz/showitem.asp?interpret=Megadeth&titel=Countdown+To+Extinction&cat=a|title=Megadeth - Countdown to Extinction|access-date=November 5, 2013|publisher=charts.nz|archive-date=October 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181024152547/https://charts.nz/showitem.asp?interpret=Megadeth&titel=Countdown+To+Extinction&cat=a|url-status=live}}</ref> It also entered the top 10 on the [[Oricon|Japanese]] and [[VG-lista|Norwegian]] albums chart, while it charted slightly lower in several other countries as well.<ref name="Hung Medien"/> It was eventually certified three times platinum from the [[Music Canada|Canadian Music Association]] for shipping 300,000 copies<ref name="Canada">{{cite web|url=http://www.musiccanada.com/GPSearchResult.aspx?st=Countdown+to+Extinction&sa=Megadeth&smt=0|title=Canadian album certifications – Megadeth – Countdown to Extinction|publisher=[[Music Canada]]|access-date=November 5, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105000807/http://www.musiccanada.com/GPSearchResult.aspx?st=Countdown+to+Extinction&sa=Megadeth&smt=0|archive-date=November 5, 2013}}</ref> and received a silver award from the [[British Phonographic Industry]] for having a shipment of 300,000 copies.<ref name="BPI">{{cite web|url=http://www.bpi.co.uk/certified-awards.aspx |title=BPI Certifications and Awards |publisher=[[British Phonographic Industry]] |access-date=November 5, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160716112934/http://www.bpi.co.uk/certified-awards.aspx |archive-date=July 16, 2016 }}</ref> The album was also eventually certified Gold in Japan and sold 100,000 copies.<ref name="RIAJ"/><ref name="Japan">{{cite web|url=https://www.collectors.com/entertainment-item/megadeth-countdown-to-extinction-japan-award-certified-emis/1096734690311523233|access-date=20 December 2020|title=MEGADETH Countdown to Extinction JAPAN AWARD Certified EMI.SALES AWARD|archive-date=2 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220202062024/https://www.collectors.com/entertainment-item/megadeth-countdown-to-extinction-japan-award-certified-emis/1096734690311523233|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Asked how does he think that the album has aged, Dave Mustaine responded: "I think it's timely and timeless at the same time, and I think that's one of the most difficult things for a musician to do. Very few records in our genre are like that. Musically it's heavy and the lyrics are very symbolic."<ref name="Patch"/> In the liner notes of the album's 20th anniversary edition, music journalist Kory Grow wrote that "thanks to a perfect balance of hard-rock song structures, epic choruses, and fleet-fingered guitar work, ''Countdown to Extinction'' became an instant classic, benefiting from copious [[MTV]] and radio play."<ref name="Contact Music"/> [[Artistdirect]] editor in chief Rick Florino called the album a "seminal" release and commented that it "changed the game by preserving the band's thrash intensity and impressive technical prowess, while dropping some of the biggest hooks the genre had ever seen".<ref name="Artistdirect"/> In a retrospective review of the album, Craig Hayes from [[Popmatters]] wrote that ''Countdown to Extinction'''s "status as a gateway metal album is indisputable" and its "popularity speaks volumes about its significance in the metal canon".<ref name=Popmatters/>

==Touring==
The group started the ''Countdown to Extinction'' tour in 1992 with [[Pantera]], [[Suicidal Tendencies]] and [[White Zombie (band)|White Zombie]] as the opening acts.<ref name="Mega Tour">{{cite web|title=History|url=http://www.megadeth.com/history|publisher=Megadeth.com|access-date=October 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017093309/http://www.megadeth.com/history|archive-date=October 17, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> They headlined the [[Roskilde Festival]] in Denmark on June 27 the same year, and continued with dates in Europe during the summer.<ref name=Billboard/> The tour carried on throughout 1993, with the band making appearances on a number of large festivals. In January they performed in the United States with [[Stone Temple Pilots]] as the supporting act. Although these two bands had scheduled tour dates in Japan during the month of May, the dates were subsequently canceled. In June 1993, Megadeth played at the Milton Keynes [[National Bowl]] with [[Diamond Head (English band)|Diamond Head]] and later opened for [[Iron Maiden]] and [[Metallica]] on their European tour.<ref name="Mega Tour"/> After finishing their major European tour, the band began a US tour which eventually ended on December 8, 1993.{{sfn|Rees & Crampton|1999|p=658}}

Megadeth honored the 20-year jubilee of the album's release with a headlining tour on which they played the record in its entirety. The tour began in September 2012 with live performances in South America,<ref>{{cite news|title=Megadeth Kicks Off 'Countdown To Extinction' 20th-Anniversary Tour In Colombia|date=September 2, 2012|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=178914|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=September 12, 2012|archive-date=September 11, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120911124823/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=178914|url-status=live}}</ref> and continued the following two months with shows in North America.<ref>{{cite web|title=Megadeth announce "Countdown to Extinction" reissue, tour|url=http://www.punknews.org/article/48846/megadeth-announce-countdown-to-extinction-reissue-tour|website=Punknews.org|date=September 10, 2012|access-date=October 19, 2013|archive-date=October 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021033304/http://www.punknews.org/article/48846/megadeth-announce-countdown-to-extinction-reissue-tour|url-status=live}}</ref> During this tour, three songs from the record ("Architecture of Aggression", "Psychotron" and "Captive Honour") had their live premiere,<ref name="Patch"/> and a couple of others ("This Was My Life" and "High Speed Dirt") have been performed for the first time in many years.<ref>{{cite web|author=Chris A.|title=David Ellefson of Megadeth|url=http://hardrockhaven.net/online/2012/11/david-ellefson-of-megadeth-interview/|publisher=Hard Rock Heaven|year=2013|access-date=October 29, 2013|archive-date=November 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102185452/http://hardrockhaven.net/online/2012/11/david-ellefson-of-megadeth-interview/|url-status=live}}</ref> David Ellefson shared his impressions from playing the set live with newer members [[Shawn Drover]] and [[Chris Broderick]] by saying that they "executed [the songs] to 100% perfection".<ref name="WordPress"/> A [[Countdown to Extinction: Live|live album]] which features a performance of the full album was released on September 24, 2013.<ref>{{cite news|title=Megadeth: 'Countdown To Extinction: Live' Due In September|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-countdown-to-extinction-live-due-in-september/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=August 20, 2013|access-date=August 24, 2013|archive-date=August 23, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130823065740/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-countdown-to-extinction-live-due-in-september|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Reissues==
In July 2004, [[Capitol Records]] released a remixed and remastered version of the album with four bonus tracks. The remixed edition was a part of the band's reissued catalog during their tenure at Capitol. Dave Mustaine himself was in charge during the remixing process.<ref>{{cite web|first=Chris|last=Ayers|title=Megadeth: Remixed and Remastered Series|url=http://exclaim.ca/Reviews/Metal/megadeth-remixed_remastered_series|work=[[Exclaim!]]|date=March 2005|access-date=September 30, 2013|archive-date=September 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200904105101/http://exclaim.ca/music/article/megadeth-remixed_remastered_series|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2006, two [[audiophile]] remasters of the album were released; an [[Ultradisc]] II Gold CD version by the [[Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab]], and a 180 gram vinyl 2LP version, both mixed by Mustaine.<ref>{{cite news|title=Megadeth: 'Countdown To Extinction' Reissue To Include Bonus Tracks|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-countdown-to-extinction-reissue-to-include-bonus-tracks/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=May 1, 2006|access-date=October 1, 2013|archive-date=October 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004221130/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-countdown-to-extinction-reissue-to-include-bonus-tracks/|url-status=live}}</ref> A 20th anniversary edition was released on November 6, 2012. This release features the original album on disc one, omitting the bonus tracks from the 2004 re-release. Disc two features a recording of the band's performance at San Francisco's [[Cow Palace]] in 1992, a show never before released in its entirety. Additionally, a 24" x 36" poster and four collectible postcards are included in the package.<ref name=CTE20th>{{cite web|first=Carlos|last=Ramirez|title=Megadeth Plan 'Countdown to Extinction' 20th Anniversary With Tour, Expanded Reissue|url=http://noisecreep.com/megadeth-plan-countdown-to-extinction-20th-anniversary-with-to/|website=[[Noisecreep]]|date=September 13, 2012|access-date=October 8, 2012|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304072503/http://noisecreep.com/megadeth-plan-countdown-to-extinction-20th-anniversary-with-to/|url-status=live}}</ref> The liner notes have also been written by music journalist Kory Grow, and the reissue includes a poster and four postcards featuring head shots of each member from the album's lineup.<ref>{{cite web|first=Gregory|last=Adams|title=Megadeth Celebrate 20th Anniversary of 'Countdown to Extinction' with Reissue and Tour|url=http://exclaim.ca/News/megadeth_celebrate_20th_anniversary_of_countdown_to_extinction_with_reissue_tour|work=[[Exclaim!]]|date=September 10, 2012|access-date=September 30, 2013|archive-date=September 13, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913070844/http://exclaim.ca/News/megadeth_celebrate_20th_anniversary_of_countdown_to_extinction_with_reissue_tour|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Track listing==
{{Track listing
| all_writing = [[Dave Mustaine]], except where noted
| headline = Side one
| title1 = [[Skin o' My Teeth]]
| length1 = 3:14
| title2 = [[Symphony of Destruction]]
| length2 = 4:02
| title3 = Architecture of Aggression
| music3 = [[David Ellefson]], Mustaine
| length3 = 3:34
| title4 = Foreclosure of a Dream
| lyrics4 = Ellefson, Mustaine
| length4 = 4:17
| title5 = [[Sweating Bullets (song)|Sweating Bullets]]
| note5 = 5:27 on the 2004 reissue
| length5 = 5:03
| title6 = This Was My Life
| length6 = 3:42
}}
{{Track listing
| headline = Side two
| title7 = Countdown to Extinction
| lyrics7 = Ellefson, [[Nick Menza]], Mustaine
| music7 = [[Marty Friedman (guitarist)|Marty Friedman]], Mustaine
| length7 = 4:16
| title8 = High Speed Dirt
| note8 = 4:21 on the 2004 reissue
| lyrics8 = Ellefson, Mustaine
| length8 = 4:12
| title9 = Psychotron
| length9 = 4:42
| title10 = Captive Honour
| lyrics10 = Ellefson, Mustaine
| music10 = Friedman, Menza, Mustaine
| length10 = 4:14
| title11 = Ashes in Your Mouth
| music11 = Ellefson, Friedman, Menza, Mustaine
| length11 = 6:10
| total_length = 47:26<!--All track times sourced from CD release "0777 798531 2 0".-->
}}

{{Track listing
| headline = Japanese edition bonus tracks (TOCP-7164)<ref name="booklet">{{cite book|title=Countdown to Extinction liner notes|year=1992|publisher=[[Capitol Records]]|pages=3–5, 7–8, 10|edition=Japanese}}</ref> 
| title12 = Breakpoint
| lyrics12 = Ellefson, Menza, Mustaine
| music12 = Ellefson, Menza, Mustaine
| length12 = 3:28
| title13 = Go to Hell
| note13 = originally from the [[Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey: Music from the Motion Picture|soundtrack]] to ''[[Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey]]''
| lyrics13 = Ellefson, Friedman, Menza, Mustaine
| music13 = Ellefson, Friedman, Menza, Mustaine
| length13 = 4:37
| total_length = 55:31
}}

{{Track listing
| headline = 2004 remastered/remixed edition bonus tracks<ref name="booklet 2"/>
| title12 = Crown of Worms
| lyrics12 = [[Diamond Head (English band)|Sean Harris]], Mustaine
| music12 = Mustaine
| length12 = 3:18
| title13 = Countdown to Extinction
| note13 = demo
| lyrics13 = Ellefson, Menza, Mustaine
| music13 = Friedman, Mustaine
| length13 = 3:55
| title14 = Symphony of Destruction
| note14 = demo
| music14 = Mustaine
| length14 = 5:30
| lyrics14 = Mustaine
| title15 = Psychotron
| note15 = demo
| music15 = Mustaine
| length15 = 5:28
| lyrics15 = Mustaine
| total_length = 65:37
}}

{{Track listing
| headline = 2012 20th anniversary bonus disc ''Live at Cow Palace''<ref name=CTE20th/>
| title1 = Intro
| length1 = 1:26
| title2 = [[Holy Wars... The Punishment Due]]
| length2 = 6:29
| title3 = Skin o' My Teeth
| length3 = 3:08
| title4 = [[Wake Up Dead]]
| length4 = 3:38
| title5 = [[Hangar 18 (song)|Hangar 18]]
| length5 = 4:58
| title6 = Countdown to Extinction
| length6 = 4:34
| title7 = Foreclosure of a Dream
| length7 = 4:07
| title8 = This Was My Life
| length8 = 3:32
| title9 = Lucretia
| length9 = 3:39
| title10 = Sweating Bullets
| length10 = 4:44
| title11 = [[In My Darkest Hour]]
| length11 = 6:10
| title12 = [[The Conjuring (song)|The Conjuring]]
| length12 = 5:03
| title13 = [[Tornado of Souls]]
| length13 = 5:47
| title14 = Ashes in Your Mouth
| length14 = 6:12
| title15 = Symphony of Destruction
| length15 = 3:46
| title16 = [[Peace Sells]]
| length16 = 4:14
| title17 = [[Anarchy in the U.K.#Megadeth|Anarchy in the U.K.]]
| length17 = 3:13
| total_length = 74:40
}}

{{Track listing
| headline = ''Live at the Cow Palace'' EP (1992)<ref name=CowPalaceEP>{{cite book|title=Live at the Cow Palace CD label|year=1992|publisher=Capitol Records}}</ref> 
| title1 = Holy Wars&nbsp;... The Punishment Due
| music1 = Mustaine
| length1 = 6:56
| lyrics1 = Mustaine
| title2 = Sweating Bullets
| music2 = Mustaine
| length2 = 4:46
| lyrics2 = Mustaine
| title3 = In My Darkest Hour
| lyrics3 = Ellefson, Mustaine
| music3 = Mustaine
| length3 = 6:06
| title4 = Symphony of Destruction
| music4 = Mustaine
| length4 = 3:52
| lyrics4 = Mustaine
| title5 = Peace Sells
| music5 = Mustaine
| length5 = 4:13
| lyrics5 = Mustaine
| title6 = Anarchy in the U.K.
| lyrics6 = [[John Lydon|Johnny Rotten]] 
| music6 = [[Paul Cook]], [[Steve Jones (musician)|Steve Jones]], [[Glen Matlock]], Rotten
| length6 = 3:48
| total_length = 29:41
}}

==Personnel==
Credits are adapted from the album's liner notes.<ref name="booklet"/><ref name="booklet 2"/>
{{col-start}}
{{col-2}}
'''Megadeth'''
*[[Dave Mustaine]] – lead vocals, guitars
*[[David Ellefson]] – bass, backing vocals
*[[Marty Friedman]] – guitars, acoustic guitar, backing vocals
*[[Nick Menza]] – drums, backing vocals

'''Artwork'''
*[[Hugh Syme]] – [[art direction]], design
*Tommy Steele – creative direction
*Cameron Wong – photography of cover elements
*Chris Cufarro – band photography
*John Taylor Dismukes – logo rendering

'''Production'''
*Dave Mustaine – [[Record producer|production]]
*[[Max Norman]] – production, [[Audio mixing (recorded music)|mixing]], [[Audio engineering|engineering]]
*Fred Kelly, Jr. – engineering, mixing
*Micajah Ryan – additional engineering

{{col-2}}
'''Management'''
*Laffitte Entertainment Division – management
*Andy Somers – US booking agent
*ICM – UK booking agency
*Ziffren, Brittenham & Branca – Legal
*Siegel & Feldstein – business management

'''2004 remix and remaster'''
*Dave Mustaine – producer, mixing
*Ralph Patlan – mixing, engineer
*Lance Dean – engineer, [[Digital audio editor|editing]]
*Scott "Sarge" Harrison – editing
*Bo Caldwell – editing
*Tom Baker – mastering
{{col-end}}

==Charts==
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
! scope="col" |Chart (1992)
! scope="col" |Peak
position
|-
{{album chart|Australia|14|artist=Megadeth|album=Countdown to Extinction|rowheader=true|access-date=November 8, 2023}}
|-
{{album chart|Austria|12|artist=Megadeth|album=Countdown to Extinction|rowheader=true|access-date=November 8, 2023}}
|-
{{album chart|Canada|25|chartid=1934|artist=Megadeth|album=Countdown to Extinction|rowheader=true|access-date=November 8, 2023}}
|-
{{album chart|Netherlands|45|artist=Megadeth|album=Countdown to Extinction|rowheader=true|access-date=November 8, 2023}}
|-
!scope="row"|European Albums ([[European Top 100 Albums]])<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1992/MM-1992-07-25.pdf|title=Eurochart Top 100 Albums - July 25, 1992|magazine=[[Music & Media]]|volume=16|issue=49|page=14|date=July 25, 1992|access-date=December 8, 2021}}</ref>
| align="center"| 19
|-
! scope="row"| Finnish Albums ([[The Official Finnish Charts]])<ref name=FINI>{{cite book|last=Pennanen|first=Timo|title=Sisältää hitin – levyt ja esittäjät Suomen musiikkilistoilla vuodesta 1972|edition=1st|publisher=Kustannusosakeyhtiö Otava|location=Helsinki|year=2006|isbn=978-951-1-21053-5 | language= fi}}</ref>
| align="center"| 5
|-
{{album chart|Germany4|15|id=1458|artist=Megadeth|album=Countdown to Extinction|rowheader=true|access-date=November 8, 2023}}
|-
{{album chart|Hungary|37|artist=Megadeth|album=Countdown to Extinction|year=1992|week=38|rowheader=true|access-date=November 8, 2023}}
|-
!scope="row"|Japanese Albums ([[Oricon]])<ref name="JPN">{{cite book|title=Oricon Album Chart Book: Complete Edition 1970–2005|publisher=[[Oricon|Oricon Entertainment]]|location=Roppongi, Tokyo|year=2006|isbn=4-87131-077-9|language=ja}}</ref>
| align="center"| 6
|-
{{album chart|New Zealand|5|artist=Megadeth|album=Countdown to Extinction|rowheader=true|access-date=November 8, 2023}}
|-
!scope="row"|Norwegian Albums ([[VG-Lista]])<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1992/MM-1992-07-25.pdf|title=Top National Sellers - July 25, 1992|magazine=[[Music & Media]]|volume=16|issue=49|page=14|date=July 25, 1992|access-date=December 8, 2021}}</ref>
| align="center"| 8
|-
!scope="row"|Swedish Albums ([[Sverigetopplistan]])<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1992/MM-1992-08-29.pdf|title=Top National Sellers - August 29, 1992|magazine=[[Music & Media]]|volume=16|issue=49|page=14|date=August 29, 1992|access-date=December 8, 2021}}</ref>
| align="center"| 9
|-
{{album chart|Switzerland|16|artist=Megadeth|album=Countdown to Extinction|rowheader=true|access-date=November 8, 2023}}
|-
{{album chart|UK2|5|date=19920712|rowheader=true|access-date=November 8, 2023}}
|-
{{album chart|Billboard200|2|artist=Megadeth|rowheader=true|access-date=November 8, 2023}}
|-
!scope="row"|US [[Cashbox (magazine)|''Cashbox'' Album Charts]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=CASH BOX MAGAZINE: Music and coin machine magazine 1942 to 1996|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box-Magazine.htm|access-date=2020-11-06|website=worldradiohistory.com|archive-date=2020-11-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115212158/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box-Magazine.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
|align="center"|1
|-
!scope="row"|US [[Billboard Year-End|''Billboard'' Year-End Chart]]<ref name="Year-End">{{cite magazine|title=Megadeth - Chart History|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/310366/megadeth/chart?f=412|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=November 5, 2013|archive-date=February 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212160936/https://www.billboard.com/artist/310366/megadeth/chart?f=412|url-status=live}}</ref>
|align="center"|64
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
! scope="col" |Chart (2012)
! scope="col" |Peak
position
|-
{{album chart|UKRock|35|date=20121111|rowheader=true|access-date=November 8, 2023}}
|}

==Certifications==
{{Certification Table Top}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Argentina|artist=Megadeth|title=Countdown to Extinction|award=Gold|relyear=1992|type=album|note=Release of 1992|certref=<ref name="Oro y Platino">{{cite web|url=http://www.capif.org.ar/Default.asp?PerDesde_MM=0&PerDesde_AA=0&PerHasta_MM=0&PerHasta_AA=0&interprete=megadeth&album=&LanDesde_MM=0&LanDesde_AA=0&LanHasta_MM=0&LanHasta_AA=0&Galardon=O&Tipo=0&ACCION2=+Buscar+&ACCION=Buscar&CO=5&CODOP=ESOP|title=Discos de Oro y Platino - Megadeth|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928154908/http://www.capif.org.ar/Default.asp?PerDesde_MM=0&PerDesde_AA=0&PerHasta_MM=0&PerHasta_AA=0&interprete=megadeth&album=&LanDesde_MM=0&LanDesde_AA=0&LanHasta_MM=0&LanHasta_AA=0&Galardon=O&Tipo=0&ACCION2=+Buscar+&ACCION=Buscar&CO=5&CODOP=ESOP|archive-date=September 28, 2011|url-status=dead|access-date=August 26, 2021}}</ref>}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Argentina|artist=Megadeth|title=Countdown to Extinction|award=Gold|relyear=2004|type=album|note=Release of 2004|certref=<ref name="Oro y Platino" />}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|type=album|artist=Megadeth|title=Countdown to extinction|award=Gold|relyear=1992|certyear=2005|access-date=August 18, 2021}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|type=album|award=Platinum|number=3|title=Countdown to Extinction|artist=Megadeth|relyear=1992|certyear=2001}}
{{Certification Table Entry|artist=Megadeth|type=album|region=Japan|title=Countdown to Extinction|award=Gold|relyear=1992|certyear=2024|certmonth=1|refname="RIAJ"|salesamount=100,000|salesref=<ref name="Japan" />}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=album|award=Gold|title=Countdown to Extinction|artist=Megadeth|relyear=1992|certyear=2020|id=1524-1101-2}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|type=album|award=Platinum|number=2|title=Countdown to Extinction|artist=Megadeth|relyear=1992|certyear=1994}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|streaming=true}}

==Appearances==
*The song "Symphony of Destruction" was featured in the video games ''[[True Crime: Streets of LA]]'' in 2003 and ''[[FlatOut 2]]'' in 2006. Remixed versions were featured in ''[[WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006]]'' in 2005 as well as ''[[Full Auto 2: Battlelines]]'' and ''[[NFL Street 3]]'' in 2006.
*The song "High Speed Dirt" was featured in the video game ''[[Brütal Legend]]'' in 2009.

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==Bibliography==
*{{cite book|last=Arnett|first=Jeffrey Jensen|year=1996|title=Metalheads: Heavy Metal Music And Adolescent Alienation|publisher=[[Westview Press]]|isbn=0-8133-2813-6}}
*{{cite book|ref={{SfnRef|Prown & Newquist|1997}}|editor1-first=Pete|editor1-last=Prown|editor2-first=Harvey P.|editor2-last=Newquist|year=1997|title=Legends of Rock Guitar: The Essential Reference of Rock's Greatest Guitarists|publisher=[[Hal Leonard Corporation]]|isbn=0-7935-4042-9}}
*{{cite book|ref={{SfnRef|Rees & Crampton|1999}}|editor1-first=Dafydd|editor1-last=Rees|editor2-first=Luke|editor2-last=Crampton|year=1999|title=Rock stars encyclopedia|publisher=[[DK Publishing]]|isbn=0-7894-4613-8|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/rockstarsencyclo00rees}}
*{{cite book|last=Barelian|first=Essi|year=2005|title=Rough Guide to Heavy Metal|publisher=[[Rough Guides]]|isbn=1-84353-415-0}}
*{{cite book|ref={{SfnRef|Gulla|2006}}|last=Bob|first=Gulla|year=2006|title=The Greenwood Encyclopedia of Rock History: The grunge and post-grunge years, 1991–2005|publisher=[[Greenwood Press]]|isbn=0-313-32981-8}}
*{{cite book|last=Harrison|first=Thomas|year=2011|title=Music of the 1980s|publisher=[[ABC-CLIO]]|isbn=978-0-313-36599-7}}
*{{cite book|first=David|last=Ellefson|title=My Life with Deth: Discovering Meaning in a Life of Rock & Roll|year=2013|publisher=[[Simon & Schuster]]|isbn=978-1-4516-9988-3}}

==External links==
*{{Discogs master|type=album|32933|name=Countdown to Extinction}}

{{Megadeth}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1992 albums]]
[[Category:Megadeth albums]]
[[Category:Combat Records albums]]
[[Category:Albums produced by Max Norman]]
[[Category:Capitol Records albums]]