Megadeth's upcoming self-titled final album, set for release in 2026, appears to include a cover of Metallica's 'Ride The Lightning'. This speculation follows recent social media posts from Megadeth, where fans deciphered faint letterings suggesting the track. The album will precede a global farewell tour, marking the end of the band's career.
Key Takeaways
- Megadeth's final album is expected in 2026.
- Fans believe a Metallica cover, 'Ride The Lightning', is on the album.
- Dave Mustaine is credited on Metallica's 'Ride The Lightning' track.
- The band plans a global farewell tour following the album release.
The Anticipated Final Album and Tracklist Reveals
Megadeth announced their self-titled final album in August, with an anticipated release in 2026. This record marks a significant moment for the metal legends as they prepare for retirement from the music scene. The band has also confirmed a global farewell tour for next year, allowing fans a final chance to see them perform live.
Since the initial announcement, Megadeth has slowly revealed details about the album. The first single, 'Tipping Point', has already been released. This track is one of 13 songs planned for the album. To date, 10 track titles have been unveiled, including the lead single.
Album Facts
- Album Title: Megadeth (Self-titled)
- Release Year: 2026
- Total Tracks: 13
- Singles Released: 1 ('Tipping Point')
- Tracks Revealed: 10
Dave Mustaine's Hint and Fan Speculation
The possibility of a cover song on the album first emerged in June. Dave Mustaine, Megadeth's frontman, hinted at the inclusion during an interview with Norwegian radio station Stjernepose. He stated,
"We have 13 new songs for the new album… One of the songs is a cover song but I actually wrote it, so it's kind of like a cover, kind of like my song."
This statement immediately sparked widespread fan speculation. Enthusiasts began to analyze Mustaine's past credits, particularly his contributions to Metallica. His unique phrasing about a 'cover' he 'actually wrote' pointed directly to his early work with his former band.
The recent social media updates from Megadeth have intensified this speculation. The band unveiled two additional song titles for the album. However, it was the faint, partially visible letters from unrevealed tracks that caught the attention of dedicated fans. These subtle clues suggest the inclusion of 'Ride The Lightning'.
Mustaine's Metallica History
Dave Mustaine was a member of Metallica in their early days, before the release of their debut album 'Kill 'Em All' in 1983. Although he was eventually replaced by Kirk Hammett, Mustaine holds writing credits on four songs from 'Kill 'Em All'. More significantly for current speculation, he is also credited on two tracks from Metallica’s second album, 'Ride The Lightning': the title track itself and 'The Call of Ktulu'.
The Significance of 'Ride The Lightning'
The potential inclusion of 'Ride The Lightning' holds significant historical weight. Mustaine's departure from Metallica in 1983 was a well-documented and often contentious event in metal history. Despite this, he retained writing credits on some of Metallica's most iconic early material.
His credit on 'Ride The Lightning' makes it a prime candidate for the 'cover' Mustaine alluded to. It fits the description of a song he wrote but that was recorded and released by another band. This would allow Megadeth to put their own stamp on a piece of music deeply connected to Mustaine's origins.
Over the years, the relationship between Mustaine and Metallica has seen periods of tension and reconciliation. In 2010, Megadeth joined Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax for the 'Big Four of Thrash Metal' performances. The following year, Mustaine even joined Metallica on stage for their 30th-anniversary concert. These collaborations suggest a willingness to acknowledge their shared history.
Past Interactions and Controversies
- 2010: Megadeth participated in the 'Big Four' concerts with Metallica.
- 2011: Mustaine performed with Metallica at their 30th-anniversary show.
- May: Mustaine accused Metallica of borrowing the 'Enter Sandman' riff from Excel's 'Tapping Into The Emotional Void'.
Despite moments of camaraderie, Mustaine has also voiced criticisms regarding Metallica's music. In May, he publicly accused Metallica of taking the 'Enter Sandman' riff from the 1989 track 'Tapping Into The Emotional Void' by crossover thrash group Excel. This illustrates the complex dynamic that has existed between the bands for decades.
What This Means for Megadeth's Legacy
The decision to include a Metallica track, especially one Mustaine co-wrote, on Megadeth's final album could serve as a powerful closing statement. It would acknowledge his foundational role in thrash metal and offer a unique full-circle moment for his career. Fans are eager to hear Megadeth's interpretation of such a classic song.
The upcoming farewell tour will provide a platform for the band to celebrate their extensive catalog. This final album, potentially featuring a track that bridges two legendary bands, adds an intriguing layer to their swan song. It underscores the enduring impact of Dave Mustaine's songwriting contributions to the genre.
The metal community is watching closely for official confirmation of the tracklist. The blend of new material and a historically significant cover promises an unforgettable final release from Megadeth.