Dave Mustaine is closing the circle in a big way. Megadeth have confirmed the full tracklist for their upcoming self-titled final album – and the bonus track is a whopper: a brand new rendition of Metallica’s ‘Ride the Lightning’, a song Mustaine originally co-wrote before being notoriously fired from the band in 1983.
The metal icon explained to Rolling Stone that covering the classic wasn’t about beef or bragging rights – but respect.
‘Ride the Lightnin’ will be released on January 23rd
“This was about something so much more than how a song turns out. It was about respect… I wanted to close the circle on my career… and pay tribute to the band,” Mustaine said.
Megadeth’s version is reportedly faster, tuned lower, and vocally reimagined – but Mustaine insists it’s not designed to reignite old drama. In fact, Metallica’s James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich didn’t know it was happening.
“I don’t believe [James] thinks I respect him – and I wanted to make that clear… Now that I’m getting ready to hang my guitar up, I wanted to make sure nothing is left unsaid.”
Mustaine added that the band won’t perform the track live – calling it a personal tribute as he approaches the end of a legendary career spanning over four decades.
Megadeth first revealed this would be their final record in August, also teasing plans for a global farewell tour.
No Aussie dates have been announced yet, but we’ll keep you looped. Meanwhile, metalheads can catch Metallica storming stadiums down under right the hell now.
Alongside the Metallica nod, the new Megadeth album features tracks like ‘Let There Be Shred’, ‘Puppet Parade’ and ‘I Am War’ – primed to give the Megadeth legacy one last thrashing victory lap.
Pre-order it here or peep the full track listing down below.
Megadeth – Megadeth Artwork + Track Listing
1. “Tipping Point”
2. “I Don’t Care”
3. “Hey God?!”
4. “Let There Be Shred”
5. “Puppet Parade”
6. “Another Bad Day”
7. “Made to Kill”
8. “Obey the Call”
9. “I Am War”
10. “The Last Note”
BONUS: “Ride the Lightning”
Further Reading
Megadeth Announce Final Ever Album, Promise Farewell Tour
Dave Ellefson Speaks On Relationship With Dave Mustaine After Megadeth Ousting
Metallica Announce 2025 Australian Stadium Tour
