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Metal fans, brace yourselves: Megadeth is officially closing the chapter. Frontman Dave Mustaine revealed that the band’s upcoming 2026 album and world tour will be their last.
The announcement came with a message to their loyal “Cyber Army,” featuring longtime mascot Vic Rattlehead delivering Mustaine’s words. Dave reflected on his career, saying most musicians don’t get to call the shots when it’s time to say goodbye—but he’s doing it on his own terms. “We can’t wait for you to hear this album and see us on tour,” he said. “If there was ever a perfect time for a new album or a global tour, it’s now. This is our last studio album, so come celebrate with us over the next few years.”
Mustaine looked back on the band’s legacy with pride, noting that Megadeth helped shape a musical style, revolutionized guitar playing, and left a permanent mark on the metal world. “We’ve done something truly wonderful together that will probably never happen again,” he added.
Megadeth’s story began in 1983 after Mustaine was famously kicked out of Metallica, the band he helped co-found and co-write several tracks for. Megadeth’s debut came in 1985, but it was 1986’s Peace Sells… but Who’s Buying? that really announced their presence, blending thrash metal with political edge. Over four decades, the band has released 16 studio albums, survived lineup changes, battled illness and personal struggles, and cemented their place as one of thrash metal’s “Big Four” alongside Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax.
The current lineup features Mustaine, bassist James LoMenzo, guitarist Teemu Mäntysaari, and drummer Dirk Verbeuren. While the new album’s title hasn’t been revealed yet, the artwork has dropped—giving fans a first glimpse of the end of an era.
SOURCE: Variety