The band name derives from the initials of the band members: M and D for Mustaine, Dave, and V and L for Ving, Lee (assuming that VL is a Roman numeral for 45, which is in fact erroneous because 45 is actually represented as XLV).

According to the liner notes, during the remastering process, it was realized that the vocal track and harmonica track were missing. These have been seen as suspicious omissions since Ving's vocals and harmonica work had been a drastic departure from the sound of Megadeth, and fans initially hadn't accepted the album. Dave Mustaine, in his book, mentions that he decided to replace Ving's vocals to better appease the Megadeth audience and hopefully have better sales. To finalize the remaster Mustaine chose to do the vocals himself and simulate the harmonica parts on the guitar.