Metal titans Megadeth are officially calling time on a more-than-four-decade reign, with frontman Dave Mustaine confirming the band’s next record – due in early 2026 – will be their final ever studio album.
The thrash pioneers will also send it off in style, promising one last global farewell tour kicking off next year (surely that means Australia will be on the cards?)
Megadeth – ‘The End Is Near’
Mustaine broke the news directly to fans via his Vic Rattlehead alter ego, framing it as a rare chance for a band to go out on their own terms.
“Most [musicians] don’t get to go out on their own terms on top, and that’s where I’m at right now,” he said. “The hardest part is saying goodbye… Don’t be mad, don’t be sad, be happy for us all – come celebrate with me these next few years.”
Megadeth’s swansong LP will arrive via Mustaine’s Tradecraft imprint, in partnership with Frontiers Label Group’s new BLKIIBLK label, with its first single and global pre-orders launching later this year.
A new memoir from Mustaine is also on the 2026 docket, promising more insights from a career that’s influenced countless bands, spawned a musical revolution, and changed the face of metal guitar forever.
Since forming in 1983, Megadeth have sold over 50 million records, earned a GRAMMY, and unleashed an arsenal of genre-defining records – from Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying? and Rust In Peace to Countdown to Extinction and Dystopia.
They’ve shared stages with the biggest names in metal, made their way into pop culture touchstones from The Simpsons to Bill & Ted to Daffy Duck’s Duck Dodgers, and inspired everyone from chart-topping rappers to new-gen thrashers.
Those promised farewell tour dates are set to be announced later in 2025, with Mustaine urging fans to join the headbanging party one last time: “We started a musical style. We started a revolution. We changed the world. I love you all for it. Thank you for everything,” he said.
We’ll obviously update you as soon as we hear any word about Australia. But for now, you can click HERE to register for early access to exclusive info and offers surrounding the forthcoming final album.
Further Reading
Megadeth Are Teasing A New Album
Knotfest Australia Review – Brutality and Belonging at Knotfest’s Down Under Debut
Dave Ellefson Speaks On Relationship With Dave Mustaine After Megadeth Ousting
