Editing Youthanasia

{{Short description|1994 studio album by Megadeth}}
{{distinguish|Euthanasia}}
{{good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2021}}
{{Infobox album
| name       = Youthanasia
| type       = studio
| artist     = [[Megadeth]]
| cover      = Megadeth-Youthanasia.jpg
| caption    = Cover art by [[Hugh Syme]]
| alt        = More than 33 babies are hanging from a clothesline that spans a vegetative area
| released   = {{Start date|1994|11|1}}
| recorded   = 1994 in [[Phoenix, Arizona]]
| venue      =
| studio     =
| genre      = [[Heavy metal music|Heavy metal]]
| length     = {{Duration|m=49|s=57}}
| label      = [[Capitol Records|Capitol]]
| producer   = {{hlist|[[Max Norman]]|[[Dave Mustaine]]
|}}
| prev_title = [[Countdown to Extinction]]
| prev_year  = 1992
| next_title = [[Hidden Treasures (EP)|Hidden Treasures]]
| next_year  = 1995
| misc       = {{Singles
 | name        =
 | type        = Studio
 | single1     = [[Train of Consequences]]
 | single1date = November 10, 1994
 | single2     = [[A Tout le Monde]]
 | single2date = February 1995
}}
}}
'''''Youthanasia''''' is the sixth studio album by American [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]] band [[Megadeth]], released on November 1, 1994, through [[Capitol Records]].<ref>{{Citation |title=Megadeth - Youthanasia Album Reviews, Songs & More {{!}} AllMusic |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/youthanasia-mw0000119424 |access-date=2023-10-21 |language=en}}</ref> It is stylistically similar to their previous album, ''[[Countdown to Extinction]]'' (1992). The title is a play on words, implying that society is [[Euthanasia|euthanizing]] its youth. The cover art features an elderly woman hanging babies by their feet on a seemingly endless [[clothes line]], a direct reference to a line in the title track.

''Youthanasia'' received positive reviews upon its release. It was commercially successful, peaking at number 4 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] chart, and in 1995 was certified [[RIAA certification|platinum]] for shipping one million copies in the United States. A [[remix]]ed and [[remaster]]ed edition featuring several bonus tracks and detailed liner notes was reissued on July 27, 2004.

==Background and recording==
Megadeth's previous studio release, ''[[Countdown to Extinction]]'', became the band's biggest commercial accomplishment, entering the ''Billboard'' 200 at number two and eventually becoming double platinum. As a result, they continually sold-out arenas across North America, in addition to developing a strong following overseas. With ''Youthanasia'', the band moved to a more mainstream sound.<ref>{{cite web|first=Stephen Thomas|last=Erlewine|title=Megadeth – Biography|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/megadeth-mn0000406294/biography|website=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=18 September 2013}}</ref>

It was a time of problems and conflicts for Megadeth, that in every two weeks or so, according to frontman [[Dave Mustaine]], there were "outrageous emotional interventions" in order to make the group a democracy. Many band meetings during this period concerned Mustaine's creative control over a "successful formula", so that the rest of the band could better exercise their creativity.<ref name=YouthNotes>{{cite book|title=Youthanasia liner notes (2004 remaster)|year=2004|publisher=Capitol Records|pages=2, 24–25}}</ref> Another problem was the indecision on where the recording would take place. Mustaine did not want to record in [[Los Angeles]], so it was eventually decided to record in [[Phoenix, Arizona|Phoenix]], since the majority of the band resided in [[Arizona]].<ref name=RealmsDethInterview/>

The sessions for the album initially began in Phase Four Studios (Tempe) in January 1994, after a few weeks the sessions were moved to Vintage Recorders in Phoenix and continued there into May. This studio is often the location for scenes in the ''Evolver'' video.<ref name=YouthNotes/> Producer [[Max Norman]] suggested that they build a new self-dedicated studio, in cooperation with the band, Capitol and Norman's funding a modular studio was built in a warehouse in South Phoenix. Talking about the recording process, Mustaine said that ''Youthanasia'' was written solely in the studio. "We weren't playing any old, cataloged material. None of the past really influenced the new record."<ref name="Rockmetal2">{{cite web|url=http://megadeth.rockmetal.art.pl/interviews_cyberarmy1995.html|title=Megadeth Conquers Globe|work=Megadeth CyberArmy|publisher=Rockmetal.art.pl|year=1995|access-date=16 September 2013|archive-date=September 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921054030/http://megadeth.rockmetal.art.pl/interviews_cyberarmy1995.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> He mentioned that he gave "more freedom" to the other members and called the album "very much a total band effort".<ref name="Rockmetal"/>

Of interest is that this was hoped to be the first album recorded solely on [[Hard disk drive|hard drives]], rather than [[magnetic tape]]. Both Norman and Mustaine were believers in being on the cutting edge of technology, Norman had long been using computers to sample, tune and comp tracks. [[Avid Audio|Digidesign]] was working on expanding [[Pro Tools]] from a single track to multitracking and it was hoped that as many as 48 digital tracks could be synced and used to record. The computers used were mostly [[Macintosh Quadra]] and with a great effort by all, it was soon evident that magnetic tape would have to be used.

==Artwork and title==
[[File:Megadeth live in Bucharest, June 15th, 2005-2.jpg|thumbnail|right|Dave Mustaine later credited the entire line-up for writing ''Youthanasia'' as a tribute to the band's success at the time.]]
The cover art by [[Hugh Syme]] features an elderly woman hanging babies by their feet on a seemingly endless clothesline. According to bassist [[David Ellefson]], the artwork concept was directly inspired from a line of the title track, "We've been hung out to dry". He explained that the title track "was probably the strongest representation of how we feel about the young people who listen to our music and what their future holds for them. It's like you have a choice, you can become proactive or you can choose 'Youthanasia'."<ref name="MTV">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1458466/megadeth-trash-pantera-dave-matthews-band-busts-out-mariah-skates-this-week-in-1994/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715171921/http://www.mtv.com/news/1458466/megadeth-trash-pantera-dave-matthews-band-busts-out-mariah-skates-this-week-in-1994/|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 15, 2014|title=Megadeth Trash Pantera|date=4 November 2002|publisher=[[MTV]]|access-date=4 September 2013}}</ref> The title is a combination of the words "youth" and "euthanasia". Mustaine has stated that the idea for the title stems from hearing about [[Jack Kevorkian]], as well as the declining state of well-being of young people, specifically referring to issues like drugs, crime and violence, and a lack of parenting.<ref name=RealmsDethInterview>{{cite web|last=Rene|first=Sheila|title="Sodom and Gomorra" – 1995 Dave Mustaine interview archived at The Realms of Deth|url=http://megadeth.rockmetal.art.pl/interviews_highway1995.html|work=Rockmetal.pl|access-date=8 March 2013|archive-date=May 11, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511045321/http://megadeth.rockmetal.art.pl/interviews_highway1995.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The live version of the artwork is also seen in "Train of Consequences" music video.<ref>{{Citation |title=Megadeth - Train Of Consequences (Official Music Video) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnVemk-mT6Q |access-date=2024-02-18 |language=en}}</ref>

Like its previous album ''Countdown to Extinction'', ''Youthanasia'' is the second album to not feature the band's mascot [[Vic Rattlehead]] on the front cover but on the back instead.

==Musical style==
''Youthanasia'' was not a large stylistic departure from the band's earlier recordings. According to ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'', from the drumbeat opening of "Addicted to Chaos" to the precise instrumentation of "Train of Consequences", Megadeth delivered "trademark aggressive rage 'n' roll to powerful effect". ''Billboard'' noted that even the slower songs such as "A Tout le Monde" were tending toward "lusty explosion".<ref name="Billboard">{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aggEAAAAMBAJ&q=metal+youthanasia&pg=PA100|access-date=4 September 2013|author1=Verna, Paul|author2=Cronin, Peter|title=Album Reviews|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|page=100|date=26 November 1994}}</ref> Authors Pete Prown and HP Newquist opined that lyrically, ''Youthanasia'' contained more thematic variations from Megadeth. They wrote that the record was musically diverse, from the "slow-tempo acoustic lines" of "A Tout le Monde" to the "breakneck riffing" of "Train of Consequences" and "Family Tree".<ref name="Pete Prown">{{cite book |last1=Prown |first1=Pete |last2=Newquist |first2=HP |year=1997 |title=Legends of Rock Guitar: The Essential Reference of Rock's Greatest Guitarists |publisher=[[Hal Leonard Corporation]] |isbn=0-7935-4042-9 |page=227 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=60Jde3l7WNwC&q=youthanasia+1994+sales&pg=PA227 |access-date=4 September 2013}}</ref> ''[[Q (magazine)|Q]]'' found that Megadeth's "trademark crunchy riffs, thundering drums and bitter vocals" were still present on the album, with the lyrics being more introspective.<ref name="Q"/>

Mike Stagno said that ''Youthanasia'' features "a more traditional type of metal". He explained that even though the music on a number of tracks remains quite heavy, it was obvious that the [[thrash metal]] is "very scarce" on this record.<ref name="sputnik"/> [[Stephen Thomas Erlewine]] agreed that Megadeth have abandoned some of the more experimental, progressive elements in their music.<ref name="AM"/> Similarly, Chris Ayers of ''[[Exclaim!]]'' felt that with ''Youthanasia'', the band "eroded their brilliant thrash to mid-paced chug".<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=1 October 2013}}</ref> According to the band's official website, "''Youthanasia'' marked the continuing evolution of Megadeth, following the footsteps of their previous album."<ref name="band">{{cite web|url=http://www.megadeth.com/release/youthanasia|title=Youthanasia (1994)|work=Megadeth.com|access-date=4 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130817162625/http://www.megadeth.com/release/youthanasia|archive-date=17 August 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> Speaking about the stylistic direction of the album, then-guitarist [[Marty Friedman]] stated: "We pretty much stick to our guns. It's not like we're gonna change our next album to try and follow the trend. We don't really change with the times."<ref name="Marty">{{cite web|first=Gary|last=James|title=Marty Friedman – Megadeth|url=http://www.famousinterview.ca/interviews/megadeth.htm|work=Famous Interview.com|access-date=4 September 2013}}</ref> On the album's genre, Mustaine said: "It's been called a thrash album, it's been called a rock album, and it's even been called an alternative album. To me it can only be called a Megadeth album. That should be enough."<ref name="Rockmetal">{{cite web |last=Merkle |first=P.J. |date=May 1995 |title=Megadeth: Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered |work=[[Hit Parader]] |publisher=Rockmetal.art.pl |url=http://megadeth.rockmetal.art.pl/interviews_hitparader1995.html |access-date=September 16, 2013}}</ref>

==Release and reception==
The album was released on 1 November 1994 through [[Capitol Records]].<ref name="AM"/> Promotion included the first official website for a band, "Megadeth, Arizona", described by its conceiver, Robin Sloan Bechtel, as “a virtual cybertown in [[cyberspace]]" where fans gathered in an [[online community]] that among other things offered news regarding Megadeth's new album.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://medium.com/cuepoint/what-the-hell-was-megadeth-arizona-3519a751149d#.wwbl9ob6z|author=Bechtel, Robin Sloan|date=1 October 2014|title=What The Hell Was Megadeth, Arizona?|publisher=Medium.com|access-date=8 March 2016}}</ref> A special promotional copy of the album was issued with an essay by suspense novelist [[Dean Koontz]] entitled "Godzilla vs. Megadeth".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/artists/megadeth/biography |title=Megadeth: Biography|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924173214/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/artists/megadeth/biography |archive-date= 24 September 2015 |url-status=dead |magazine=Rolling Stone }}</ref> A remixed and remastered edition featuring several bonus tracks and detailed liner notes was reissued on July 27, 2004.<ref>{{cite news|title=Megadeth: Complete Reissue Details Revealed|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-complete-reissue-details-revealed/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=5 July 2004|access-date=4 September 2013}}</ref>

Three singles were released from ''Youthanasia'': "Reckoning Day", "[[Train of Consequences]]" and "[[A Tout le Monde]]".<ref name="band"/> The latter would later be re-recorded with [[Lacuna Coil]] vocalist [[Cristina Scabbia]] under the title "À Tout le Monde (Set Me Free)". This version was also released as a single, and included on ''[[United Abominations]]'' (2007).<ref name="A Tout le Monde">{{cite web|title=Megadeth: "A Tout Le Monde (Set Me Free)" Video Posted Online|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-a-tout-le-monde-set-me-free-video-posted-online/|date=19 April 2007|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|publisher=[[Roadrunner Records]]|access-date=24 February 2012}}</ref>

===Critical reception===
{{Music ratings
|rev1 = [[AllMusic]]
|rev1score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name="AM">{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r206629|pure_url=yes}}|title=Youthanasia – Megadeth|website=[[AllMusic]]|first=Stephen Thomas|last=Erlewine|access-date=3 March 2012}}</ref>
| rev2 = ''[[Martin Popoff|Collector's Guide to Heavy Metal]]''
| rev2score = 8/10<ref>{{cite book |last1=Popoff |first1=Martin |author-link1=Martin Popoff |title=The Collector's Guide to Heavy Metal: Volume 3: The Nineties |publisher=[[Collector's Guide Publishing]] |year=2007 |location=[[Burlington, Ontario]], [[Canada]] |isbn=978-1-894959-62-9 |pages=268–269}}</ref>
|rev3 = ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]''
|rev3score = B−<ref name="EW">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,304307,00.html|title=Music Review: "Youthanasia Review"|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|first=Tom|last=Sinclair|date=4 November 1994|access-date=11 November 2012|archive-date=April 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407064434/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,304307,00.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|rev4 = ''[[Los Angeles Times]]''
|rev4Score = {{Rating|3|4}}<ref name="LA review">{{cite news|last=Masuo|first=Sandy|date=30 October 1994|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-10-30-ca-56356-story.html|title=In Brief: *** Megadeth, "Youthanasia," Capitol.|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|access-date=12 November 2013}}</ref>
|rev5 = ''[[Metal Forces]]''
|rev5score = 7.5/10<ref name="Metal Forces">{{cite web|last=Arnold|first=Neil|title=Megadeth: Youthanasia|url=http://www.metalforcesmagazine.com/site/album-review-megadeth-youthanasia/|work=[[Metal Forces]]|access-date=8 August 2013}}</ref>
|rev6 = ''[[Q (magazine)|Q]]''
|rev6score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="Q">{{cite web|url=http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=6756059&style=music&fulldesc=T|title=Megadeth – Youthanasia CD Album|work=[[Q (magazine)|Q]]|publisher=[[CD Universe]]|access-date=11 November 2012}}</ref>
|rev7 = ''[[The Rolling Stone Album Guide]]''
|rev7score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref>{{Cite book|last=Brackett|first=Nathan|author2=Christian Hoard |title=The Rolling Stone Album Guide|publisher=[[Simon & Schuster]]|year=2004|location=New York City, New York|page=534|isbn=0-7432-0169-8|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=t9eocwUfoSoC&q=rolling+stone+megadeth+album+guide&pg=PA534}}</ref>
|rev8 = ''Sputnikmusic''
|rev8score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="sputnik">{{cite web|url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/9957/Megadeth-Youthanasia/|title=Megadeth – Youthanasia (staff reviews)|website=Sputnikmusic|first=Mike|last=Stagno|date=15 November 2006|access-date=3 March 2012}}</ref>
}}

The album received positive reviews upon its release. Stephen Thomas Erlewine, reviewing the album for [[AllMusic]], commented that, compared to ''Countdown to Extinction'' the album lacks focus. However, Erlewine suggested that the album's production quality made up for that. He also commented favorably on "Train of Consequences", calling out its "jackhammer riffs".<ref name="AM"/> Mike Stagno of Sputnikmusic reviewed the album positively. Though noting that the album, like its predecessor, was a distinct move away from the sound heard on 1990s ''[[Rust in Peace]]'', Stagno suggested that the lack of a fast-tempo is made up for by the [[catchiness]] of the tracks.<ref name="sputnik"/>

In a contemporary review, ''[[Q (magazine)|Q]]'' magazine wrote that ''Youthanasia'' has "greater depth and breadth than its predecessors".<ref name="Q"/> Tom Sinclair of ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' gave a brief review of the album saying that ''Youthanasia'' would "impress, but not impact".<ref name="EW"/> Neil Arnold of ''[[Metal Forces]]'' named the record "the last true Megadeth opus before the mid-to-late 90s slump". He further said that the album "pales" in comparison to the previous records, but still keeps the band in their element.<ref name="Metal Forces"/> Paul Corio, in a retrospective review for ''[[Rolling Stone]]'', wrote that the album features "metal-machine music" that is "calibrated to kill". He highlighted "Elysian Fields" and "Victory" as examples of Mustaine in his prime.<ref name="RS">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/megadeth/albums/album/105479/review/5946140/youthanasia|title=Megadeth – Youthanasia: Album Review|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|first=Paul|last=Corio|date=29 December 1994|page=173|access-date=11 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001021048/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/megadeth/albums/album/105479/review/5946140/youthanasia |archive-date=1 October 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> Despite the outcry of some fans, Pete Prown called ''Youthanasia'' "more than worthy follow-up" to ''Countdown to Extinction''.<ref name="Pete Prown"/> In 2014, ''[[Guitar World]]'' ranked ''Youthanasia'' at number 29 on their list of "Superunknown: 50 Iconic Albums That Defined 1994".<ref>{{cite web|first=Jackson|last=Maxwell|url=http://www.guitarworld.com/superunknown-50-iconic-albums-defined-1994|title=Superunknown: 50 Iconic Albums That Defined 1994|work=[[Guitar World]]|date=16 July 2014|access-date=30 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715053900/http://www.guitarworld.com/superunknown-50-iconic-albums-defined-1994|archive-date=15 July 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Sales===
''Youthanasia'' was commercially successful, debuting and peaking at number 4 on the ''Billboard'' 200, with 143,000 units sold in its first week.<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Keith|last=Caulfield |title=Queens Of The Stone Age Get First No. 1 Album On Billboard 200|url=http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/chart-alert/1566510/queens-of-the-stone-age-get-first-no-1-album-on-billboard-200|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=12 June 2013|access-date=28 September 2013}}</ref> This marked the band's second top five album, slightly below the number two peak of ''Countdown to Extinction'' in 1992, and the band would only reach such a landmark again in 2016 with ''[[Dystopia (Megadeth album)|Dystopia]]''.<ref name=AMCharts>{{cite web|title=Megadeth – Awards|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/megadeth-mn0000406294/awards|website=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=24 February 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=DiVita|first1=Joe|title=Megadeth's 'Dystopia' Debuts at No. 3 on Billboard 200 Chart|url=http://loudwire.com/megadeth-dystopia-no-3-billboard-chart/|website=Loudwire.com|access-date=1 February 2016|date=1 February 2016}}</ref> Several weeks after its release, the record was certified [[RIAA certification|platinum]] by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] (RIAA) for shipping one million copies in the United States.<ref name="RIAA"/> The album also managed to enter into the top 10 in the 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=24 February 2013}}</ref> and some other European countries as well.<ref name="Hung Medien">{{cite web |url=http://swedishcharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Megadeth&titel=Youthanasia&cat=a |title=Megadeth – Youthanasia |access-date=28 August 2013 |publisher=swedishcharts.com}}</ref> It eventually received a platinum certification from [[Music Canada]] and a silver award from the [[British Phonographic Industry]] (BPI) for shipments of 100,000 and 60,000 copies, respectively.<ref name="Canada"/><ref name="BPI"/> The singles "Train of Consequences" and "A Tout le Monde" both charted on the [[Mainstream Rock Tracks]] chart.<ref name=AMCharts/>

==Touring and aftermath==
Megadeth toured heavily in support of ''Youthanasia''. They started the tour in November 1994, with live performances in South America.<ref name="tour">{{cite web|title=History|url=http://www.megadeth.com/history|publisher=Megadeth.com|access-date=19 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017093309/http://www.megadeth.com/history|archive-date=17 October 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> The tour continued in 1995, with a number of opening acts such as [[Korn]], [[Flotsam and Jetsam (band)|Flotsam and Jetsam]] and [[Fear Factory]].<ref>{{cite web|title=The Killing Road – A History Of Megadeth's Opening Acts|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/news/exclusive-the-killing-road-a-history-of-megadeth-s-opening-acts|publisher=[[Roadrunner Records]]|date=8 February 2012|access-date=19 September 2013}}</ref> During this period Megadeth also visited Europe, where they stayed for eight weeks. Ellefson shared his impressions from performing in front of European fans: "So far, the audiences have been really good and it seems to me that heavy metal and especially Megadeth are very much at the forefront of music in Europe. It seems like the attendance is better than it has ever been".<ref name="Rockmetal2"/> The worldwide tour ended in September 1995, with the band performing at [[Monsters of Rock]] in South America with [[Ozzy Osbourne]] and [[Alice Cooper]] as the headliners.<ref name="tour"/>

In the middle of 1995, the band underwent changes on the business side. Manager Ron Lafitte was hired by [[EMI Records]] and essentially disbanded his management company. Megadeth later signed with ESP Management and hired Bud Prager, a previous manager of [[Foreigner (band)|Foreigner]] and [[Bad Company]], to be the band's new creative manager. As with Max Norman before him, Prager would go on to be highly influential in shaping the direction of the band.<ref>{{cite news|title=Megadeth Mainman Comments On Former Co-Manager's Passing|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-mainman-comments-on-former-co-manager-s-passing/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=26 December 2008|access-date=20 May 2014}}</ref> In an interview for [[Examiner.com|Hard Rock Examiner]], Mustaine revealed that there was a possibility of Megadeth performing the album in its entirety in 2014, honoring the 20-year anniversary of the record's release.<ref>{{cite web|first=Elliot|last=Levin|title=Mustaine Says There Is A "Very Big Chance" Megadeth Will Perform Entire ''Youthanasia'' Album|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/mustaine-says-there-is-a-very-big-chance-megadeth-will-perform-entire-youthanasia-album/|work=[[Examiner.com]]|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=3 October 2013|access-date=4 October 2013}}</ref>

==Track listing==
{{Track listing
| all_writing = [[Dave Mustaine]], [[David Ellefson]], [[Marty Friedman]] and [[Nick Menza]]
| headline = Side one
| title1 = Reckoning Day
| length1 = 4:34
| title2 = [[Train of Consequences]]
| length2 = 3:26
| title3 = Addicted to Chaos
| length3 = 5:26
| title4 = [[A Tout le Monde]]
| length4 = 4:28
| title5 = Elysian Fields
| length5 = 4:03
| title6 = The Killing Road
| length6 = 3:57
}}
{{track listing
| headline = Side two
| title7 = Blood of Heroes
| length7 = 3:57
| title8 = Family Tree
| length8 = 4:07
| title9 = Youthanasia
| length9 = 4:09
| title10 = I Thought I Knew It All
| length10 = 3:44
| title11 = Black Curtains
| length11 = 3:39
| title12 = Victory
| length12 = 4:27
| total_length = 49:57<!--All track times sourced from CD release "7243 8 29004 2 9".-->
}}
{{Track listing
| headline = Japanese edition bonus tracks
| title13 = A Crown of Worms
| note13 = demo version with alternate vocal melody
| length13 = 3:18
| title14 = [[Holy Wars...The Punishment Due]]
| note14 = live
| length14 = 6:57
| title15 = [[Symphony of Destruction]]
| note15 = live
| length15 = 3:44
| title16 = [[Sweating Bullets (song)|Sweating Bullets]]
| note16 = live
| length16 = 4:46
| total_length = 68:42
}}
{{Track listing
| headline = 2004 remastered edition bonus tracks
| title13 = Millennium of the Blind
| lyrics13 = Mustaine
| music13 = {{hlist|Mustaine|Friedman}}
| length13 = 2:15
| title14 = New World Order
| note14 = demo
| length14 = 3:45
| title15 = Absolution 
| note15 = instrumental
| length15 = 3:27
| music15 = {{hlist|Mustaine|Friedman}}
| title16 = A Tout le Monde
| note16 = demo
| length16 = 6:20
| total_length = 65:44
}}

==Personnel==
Credits are adapted from the album's liner notes.<ref name=YouthNotes/><ref name=YouthNotes94>{{cite book|title=Youthanasia liner notes (1994 release)|year=1994|publisher=Capitol Records|pages=2, 5, 7–8, 11–12, 14, 16, 18–20}}</ref>
{|
|valign=top|
;Megadeth
*[[Dave Mustaine]]&nbsp;– vocals, guitars
*[[David Ellefson]]&nbsp;– bass
*[[Marty Friedman]]&nbsp;– guitars
*[[Nick Menza]]&nbsp;– drums

;Additional musician
*Jimmie Wood&nbsp;– harmonica on "Train of Consequences" and "Elysian Fields"

;Production
*[[Record producer|Produced]] and [[Audio mixing (recorded music)|mixed]] by [[Max Norman]] and Dave Mustaine
*[[Audio engineering|Assistant engineer]]&nbsp;– Mike Tacci
*2nd assistant engineer and drum technician&nbsp;– Bruce Jacoby
*Guitar/Bass/Amplifier Technician and effects programming, demo recording engineer&nbsp;– Michael Kaye
*[[audio mastering|Mastered]] by [[Bob Ludwig]]

;2004 remix and remaster
*Produced by Dave Mustaine
*Mixed by Ralph Patlan and Dave Mustaine
*Engineered by Ralph Patlan with Lance Dean
*[[Digital audio editor|Edited]] by Lance Dean and Scott "Sarge" Harrison with Bo Caldwell
*Mastered by Tom Baker
|}

==Charts==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}

===Weekly charts===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|-
! scope="col"| Chart (1994–1995)
! scope="col"| Peak<br />position
|-
{{album chart|Australia|9|artist=Megadeth|album=Youthanasia|rowheader=true|access-date=November 8, 2023}}
|-
{{album chart|Austria|26|artist=Megadeth|album=Youthanasia|rowheader=true|access-date=November 8, 2023}}
|-
{{album chart|Wallonia|30|artist=Megadeth|album=Youthanasia|rowheader=true|access-date=November 8, 2023}}
|-
{{album chart|Canada|11|chartid=2654|artist=Megadeth|album=Youthanasia|rowheader=true|access-date=November 8, 2023}}
|-
!scope="row"|Danish Albums ([[IFPI Denmark|IFPI]])<ref>{{cite magazine|title= Top 10 Sales in Europe |magazine= [[Music & Media]] |date= November 19, 1994 |volume= 10 |issue= 29 |page= 24 |access-date= December 22, 2018 |url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1994/MM-1994-11-19.pdf}}</ref>
| 9
|-
{{album chart|Netherlands|20|artist=Megadeth|album=Youthanasia|rowheader=true|access-date=November 8, 2023}}
|-
!scope="row"|European Albums ([[European Top 100 Albums]])<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1994/MM-1994-11-19.pdf|title=Eurochart Top 100 Albums - November 19, 1994|magazine=[[Music & Media]]|volume=16|issue=49|page=14|date=November 19, 1994|access-date=December 8, 2021}}</ref>
| align="center"| 9
|-
! 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"| 2
|-
{{album chart|Germany4|13|id=1961|artist=Megadeth|album=Youthanasia|rowheader=true|access-date=November 8, 2023}}
|-
{{album chart|Hungary|37|year=1994|week=45|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"| 11
|-
{{album chart|New Zealand|10|artist=Megadeth|album=Youthanasia|rowheader=true|access-date=November 8, 2023}}
|-
!scope="row"|Portuguese Albums ([[Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa|AFP]])<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1994/MM-1994-11-19.pdf|title= Top National Sellers Portugal|magazine=[[Music & Media]]|volume=16|issue=49|page=14|date=November 19, 1994|access-date=December 8, 2021}}</ref>
|align="center"| 3
|-
{{album chart|Scotland|13|date=19941030|rowheader=true|access-date=November 8, 2023}}
|-
{{album chart|Sweden|4|artist=Megadeth|album=Youthanasia|rowheader=true|access-date=November 8, 2023}}
|-
{{album chart|Switzerland|32|artist=Megadeth|album=Youthanasia|rowheader=true|access-date=November 8, 2023}}
|-
{{album chart|UK2|6|date=19941030|rowheader=true|access-date=November 8, 2023}}
|-
{{album chart|UKRock|1|date=19941030|rowheader=true|access-date=November 8, 2023}}
|-
{{album chart|Billboard200|4|artist=Megadeth|rowheader=true|access-date=November 8, 2023}}
|}
{{col-2}}

===Year-end charts===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|-
! scope="col"| Chart (1995)
! scope="col"| Position
|-
! scope="row"| US ''Billboard'' 200<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/1995/top-billboard-200-albums|title=Top Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 1995|magazine=Billboard|access-date=14 June 2021}}</ref>
| 150
|}
{{col-end}}

===Singles===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|-
!scope="col"|Chart (1994)
!scope="col"|Single
!scope="col"|Peak<br>position
|-
!scope="row"|US ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' [[Mainstream Rock Tracks]]<ref name=AMCharts/>
|rowspan="2"|"[[Train of Consequences]]"
|align="center"|29
|-
!scope="row"|[[UK Singles Chart]]<ref name=UKChart/>
|align="center"|22
|-
!scope="col"|Chart (1995)
!scope="col"|Single
!scope="col"|Peak<br>position
|-
!scope="row"|US ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' [[Mainstream Rock Tracks]]<ref name=AMCharts/>
|align="center"|"[[A Tout le Monde]]"
|align="center"|31
|}

==Certifications==
{{Certification Table Top}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Argentina|artist=Megadeth|title=Youthanasia|award=Gold|relyear=1994|type=album|note=Release of 1994|certref=<ref name="Discos de Oro y Platino - Megadeth">{{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=Youthanasia|award=Gold|relyear=2004|type=album|note=Release of 2004|certref=<ref name="Discos de Oro y Platino - Megadeth">{{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|title=Youthanasia|artist=Megadeth|relyear=1994|certyear=1994|type=album|region=Canada|award=Platinum|refname="Canada"|access-date=August 25, 2022}}
{{Certification Table Entry|title=Youthanasia|artist=Megadeth|relyear=1994|type=album|region=Finland|award=Gold|salesamount=20,216}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Japan|type=album|artist=Megadeth|title=Youthanasia|award=Gold|relyear=1994|certyear=1994|certmonth=12|access-date=December 27, 2020}}
{{Certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Malaysia|award=Platinum|relyear=1994|certyear=1995|certref=<ref name="MEGAMALAY">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Music/Billboard-Index/IDX/1996/1996-03-02-Billboard-Page-0041.pdf|access-date=August 20, 2024|title=Restructuring Leads to Platinum Successes Worldwide|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=March 2, 1996|page=43}}</ref>|salesamount=25,000|salesref=<ref name="MEGAMALAY"/>}}
{{Certification Table Entry|title=Youthanasia|artist=Megadeth|relyear=1994|certyear=2023|type=album|region=United Kingdom|award=Gold|id=9235-1101-2|refname="BPI"|access-date=January 6, 2024}}
{{Certification Table Entry|title=Youthanasia|artist=Megadeth|relyear=1994|type=album|region=United States|award=Platinum|refname=RIAA}}
{{Certification Table Bottom | nosales=true|streaming=true}}

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

==External links==
*{{Discogs master|type=album|32940|name=Youthanasia}}

{{Megadeth}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Megadeth albums]]
[[Category:1994 albums]]
[[Category:Capitol Records albums]]
[[Category:Albums produced by Max Norman]]