Megadeth's final album is out today. They announced their final era last fall. In a recent Revolver interview, founder and frontman Dave Mustaine revealed his Dupuytren’s contracture diagnosis — where fingers curl towards the palm — and its detriment to his guitar-playing. "I would rather be able to do my best record, release that, and go out on top than go back into the studio and try and do something and not be able to do it," he said. In that same interview, Mustaine also talked about one of the album's most notable moments: the closer, which is Megadeth's take on Metallica's "Ride The Lightning."
Although Megadeth is the new and final chapter for the metal legends, closer "Ride The Lightning" pays homage to Mustaine's early career. Before Mustaine formed Megadeth, he was the lead guitarist for Metallica from 1981 to 1983. He co-wrote four songs on Kill 'Em All ("The Four Horsemen," "Jump In The Fire," "Phantom Lord," and "Metal Militia") and two on Ride The Lightning (the title track and "The Call Of Ktulu") before being ousted from the group. He was sore about it for a long time before patching things up with ex-bandmate Lars Ulrich in Metallica's Some Kind Of Monster documentary.
Mustaine explained that there was "no hidden agenda" with the addition of "Ride The Lightning." He clarified reverence for that time. "I really respect James [Hetfield’s] guitar playing. And I think that Lars [Ulrich] is a tremendous songwriter. I really did enjoy my time with them; that’s why I had such a hard time when it ended. And this is me closing the circle, paying my respects."
When asked if he wished he still had a friendship with the Metallica guys, he answered:
You know, I liked them. If the friendship was restarted, it wouldn’t bother me. I would accept, and I think it would be nice to revisit some of those times. But I just think because there was a lot of hurt and misunderstanding around our time together that it would be difficult not to keep bringing up the past.
I think what needs to happen is there needs to be a Megadeth/Metallica tour. Period. That would, I’m sure, make everything right. We could hang out, spend time together. But I know they don’t really tour like we do. I mean, when we go out on tour, we play many, many shows.
There is still hope for one big heavy metal happy ending. Megadeth will start touring this final album next month, kicking off in Canada. Check out tour dates here.
Listen to Megadeth's version of "Ride The Lightning" below.
Megadeth is out today via BLKIIBLK/Frontiers Label Group.
