The Final Megadeth LP is Really Good
Yes, even the version of ‘Ride the Lightning’
So here we are, the eponymous final Megadeth album in our hands.
Hard to imagine we are getting this last missive from guitarist Dave Mustaine and his rotating ensemble, the concept of which sprung from the fallout of leaving Metallica before they began recording Kill ‘Em All.
And 43 years later, he still aims to have the last laugh, which is likely why he chose to record a Megadeth version of “Ride the Lightning,” which Mustaine co-wrote with James Hetfield, Cliff Burton and Lars Ulrich before his departure.
But you wanna know the damndest thing? I don’t mind it. Though different from the Metallica version we all know and love, it certainly holds its own. In fact, it’s pretty good when you listen through an open perspective. Fans of both bands knew this was bound to go down. And now that it has, it’s much better than we expected. Plus, hearing Mustaine hiss, “Burning in my brain, I can feel no pain” is just too good to pass up.
Of course, it wouldn’t be possible without the strength of Megadeth’s current lineup, which includes drummer Dirk Verbeuren, bassist James LoMenzo — who has been with the band since 2007’s United Abominations — and new guitarist Teemu Mäntysaari, the baby of the family at 39. Together this combo has crafted some of the most propulsive music under the Megadeth brand since the Marty Friedman era, evidenced on highlights like “I Don’t Care,” “Puppet Parade” and “Made to Kill,” which sounds like an outtake from Peace Sells…But Who’s Buying?, an album that turns 40 this year. “The Last Note,” meanwhile, finds Dave serving up a tasteful final missive to sign off: “I came, I ruled, now I disappear.”
Nitpickers will cite tracks like “Hey God?!” and “Let There Be Shred” as reasons to steer clear of this final Megadeth album. But if you take the cheeky lyrics in stride, you just might find yourself getting caught in the mosh all the same thanks to the partnership in riffage between Dave and Teemu, who really brings a shot of youthful vigor into the Megadeth name in 2026.
“There’s so many musicians that have come to the end of their career, whether accidental or intentional,” Mustaine says in a public statement about the album. “Most of them don’t get to go out on their own terms on top, and that’s where I’m at in my life right now. I have traveled the world and have made millions upon millions of fans and the hardest part of all of this is saying goodbye to them. We can’t wait for you to hear this album and see us on tour. If there was ever a perfect time for us to put out a new album, it’s now.”
So never mind the bitching online from heavy metal trolls who feel the need to dunk on everything, this seemingly final studio bow from Megadeth is one of the band’s best in decades and a fitting way to bid fare thee well to a formidable career.
Up next, the band will kick off their farewell tour in North America with a cross-country headlining tour of Canada launching Feb. 15 in Victoria, British Columbia and include stops in Calgary, Winnipeg and Ottawa before wrapping March 6 in Quebec City, Quebec.
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