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. Producer Max Norman suggested that they build a new self-dedicated studio, in cooperation with the band, Capitol and Max'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." He mentioned that he gave "more freedom" to the other members and called the album "very much a total band effort".