Pop Album Chart : Megadeth: ‘Countdown’ to No. 1?

The heavy-metal band Megadeth stormed onto the Billboard magazine chart, with “Countdown to Extinction” landing at No. 2. Could this be the album that unseats Billy Ray Cyrus’ “Some Gave All,” which has been on top for eight straight weeks? Don’t count on it. Cyrus’ album seems to be immune to challengers.

* Currently creating a stir on the Lollapalooza tour is the rock band Ministry, which has never made a big splash on the pop album chart--but is making one now. Its “Psalm 69” premiered at No. 27.

Rank Rank 2 Weeks Last Weeks on the Week Ago Chart 1.”Some Gave All,” Billy Ray Cyrus 1 1 9 2.”Countdown to Extinction,” ... ... 1 Megadeth 3.”Totally Krossed Out,” 2 2 16 Kris Kross 4.”MTV Unplugged EP,” 3 3 7 Mariah Carey 5.”Boomerang,” soundtrack 4 8 3 6.”Shorty the Pimp,” Too Short ... ... 1 7.”Ten,” Pearl Jam 5 4 31 8.”Ropin’ the Wind,” 7 6 45 Garth Brooks 9.”Blood Sugar Sex Magik,” 6 5 43 Red Hot Chili Peppers 10.”Hard Way,” Clint Black ... ... 1 * “Psalm 69,” Ministry ... .. 1

Source: Billboard/Soundscan