Holy Wars... The Punishment Due

Megadeth, 1990, from Rust in Peace. Solo by Marty Friedman, Dave Mustaine.

Opening track of Rust in Peace, with solos from both guitarists split by a shift in tempo.

Holy Wars... The Punishment Due opens Rust in Peace with a rush of complex thrash riffing, then shifts gears partway through, and the solos from Marty Friedman and Dave Mustaine sit on either side of that change. Mustaine's playing is aggressive and raw, full of fast, jagged runs, while Friedman's approach is more melodic and exotic, with unusual scale choices and smooth, fluid phrasing. The tempo shift gives each solo a distinct backdrop, which highlights their contrasting styles. The track stands as one of the defining moments of technical thrash. Listen for the moment the song changes pace, and how the guitar tone and phrasing adjust to match the new feel before the thrashing returns.

Holy Wars... The Punishment Due by Megadeth is ranked #306 in our consensus of 79 guitar-solo lists. The solo is played by Marty Friedman, Dave Mustaine and the song was released in 1990. It appears on 1 lists, placing as high as #40 (guitarguitar).

In our lists

• The 25 Greatest Metal Guitar Solos — #22
• The 25 Greatest Thrash Guitar Solos — #7
• Twin Guitars & Harmonies — #25
• The Best Dave Mustaine Guitar Solos — #2
• The Best Megadeth Guitar Solos — #3
• The Best Marty Friedman Guitar Solos — #3

Sources

• guitarguitar: Top 50 Guitar Solos of All Time — #40