🚀 After taking six years to deliver their Grammy-nominated predecessor, The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead!, thrash metal titans Megadeth seem intent on proving they can move at the speed of sound this time around. Leader Dave Mustaine has confirmed that the gears are already turning on the band’s seventeenth studio album, with plans for the full lineup to converge on the studio shortly after the new year.
Mustaine Hits the Ground Running
The current work phase is happening primarily in Nashville, with Mustaine driving the initial creative process alongside engineer Chris Rakestraw. Mustaine shared via X (formerly Twitter) that he’s currently operating solo in the studio, using the time to maximize progress before Rakestraw takes a holiday break.
> “Right now I’m in the studio working with Chris Rakestraw. And everybody else is gone… So it’s just me here by myself with Chris,” Mustaine commented (per Metal Injection).
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The recording sessions are set to pause near the end of the year, but the goal is to restart immediately around New Year’s Day. The anticipation is high, as Mustaine stated: “And at that point, it’s only a matter of a couple weeks before everybody converges on to the studio. And for that I’m pumped. And you guys are gonna be excited.”
The Remote Collaboration Advantage
While Mustaine holds down the fort in Nashville, the rest of the band—bassist James LoMenzo, drummer Dirk Verbeuren (both in Los Angeles), and newest lead guitarist Teemu Mäntysaari (in Switzerland)—have been actively involved remotely.
Mäntysaari, who officially replaced Kiko Loureiro last year, recently echoed this sentiment to Megadeth Digital. Despite being on vacation, the guitarist has been collaborating daily, demonstrating the band’s streamlined, modern approach to songwriting.
> “So Dave is in the studio in Nashville, and I’ve been working from home… I’m working a little bit every day. And just today I was working on some solo ideas, and [I am] talking with Dave on the phone every day and doing Zoom meetings and exchanging ideas. So, there’s progress every day, which is nice,” Mäntysaari explained.
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This quick turnaround suggests a newfound focus and creative momentum following the successful release cycle of The Sick, The Dying…, giving fans hope that they won’t have to wait another half-decade for a new slab of thrash from the California veterans.