Thrash metal icons Megadeth have announced their self-titled final studio album, Megadeth, set for release on January 23, 2026, via Universal Music Enterprises. The 10-track powerhouse marks the end of an era for the band, culminating with a bold cover of Metallica‘s “Ride the Lightning”—a track co-written by frontman Dave Mustaine during his brief tenure with Metallica in the early 1980s. This poignant inclusion serves as a full-circle moment, reclaiming Mustaine’s contributions to the song while honoring the shared roots of thrash metal’s Big Four.
Since their formation in 1983 following Mustaine’s departure from Metallica, Megadeth has been a defining force in thrash and heavy metal, blending blistering speed, intricate riffs, and socially charged lyrics across 16 studio albums. Classics like Peace Sells… but Who’s Buying? (1986), Rust in Peace (1990), and Countdown to Extinction (1992) have sold over 38 million copies worldwide, earning multiple Grammy nominations and cementing the band’s legacy as innovators who pushed thrash beyond its punk-metal origins into progressive and melodic territories. With Mustaine’s razor-sharp songwriting, Marty Friedman’s legendary solos (on earlier works), and a rotating cast of elite musicians, Megadeth influenced generations, from nu-metal acts to modern prog-metal bands, while headlining arenas and festivals like Download and Wacken.
The decision to cover “Ride the Lightning” stems from Mustaine’s personal history with the track, which he helped compose before his ousting from Metallica. “It’s not about rivalry—it’s about owning my piece of that lightning bolt,” Mustaine shared in a recent interview. “This album is our swan song, and ending with something that started it all feels right. We’ve poured everything into it: the aggression, the melody, the fire.” The cover promises a Megadeth twist, with heavier production and Mustaine’s signature venomous delivery, transforming the original’s iconic riff into a fitting farewell.
Megadeth features a tracklist that blends new originals like lead single “Tipping Point” with this historic nod, produced by Mustaine and longtime collaborator Chris Rakestraw. The album artwork, revealed on social media, evokes the band’s dystopian themes with a post-apocalyptic Vic Rattlehead motif. Pre-orders are now available on the band’s website, including limited-edition vinyl and bundles.
As Megadeth prepares for a farewell world tour in 2026, supporting Iron Maiden on select dates, this album stands as a testament to their unyielding impact on heavy metal. “We’ve been thrashing for over 40 years—it’s time to bow out on our terms,” Mustaine added.
According to various sources on the web, here’s the upcoming album track-list:
- “Tipping Point”
- “I Don’t Care”
- “Hey God?!”
- “Let There Be Shred”
- “Puppet Parade”
- “Another Bad Day”
- “Made To Kill”
- “Obey The Call”
- “I Am War”
- “The Last Note”
