Megadeth eye 2019 for new studio album

Dave Mustaine is hoping that Megadeth will release a new studio album in 2019.

The vocalist and guitarist has revealed that he, bassist David Ellefson, guitarist Kiki Loureiro and drummer Dirk Verbeuren have begun the writing process for the follow-up to 2016’s Dystopia and puts the chances of a release next year at “probably 95%.”

Ask by Guitar World if the band were moving ahead with new material, Mustaine replies: “Yes, actually, we are. We have been for a few weeks now. 

“All the band members are at home writing stuff and putting it in the same spot, keeping all the riffs centralised in one place. And anybody can access anybody’s stuff. Then once we’re done, I’ll start assembling everything.”

Pressed if fans can expect to see new Megadeth music in 2019, Mustaine says: “Absolutely. For sure. A whole new record, I would say the chances are probably 95%. And at least one new song, I’d say it’s 100%. No question.”

In June, Megadeth revisited their debut album Killing Is My Business… And Business Is Good, which was brought up to date to match Mustaine’s original vision for the 1985 record.

The deluxe package featured previously unheard parts and performances throughout, including a missing drum performance discovered during the mixing sessions.

Megadeth - Killing Is My Business… And Business Is Good

Megadeth - Killing Is My Business… And Business Is Good
Megadeth's classic 1985 debut is remixed and brought up to date in this new package and now matches Dave Mustaine's original vision for the record.

Scott Munro
Louder e-commerce editor

Scott has spent 35 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in the summer of 2014 before moving to the e-commerce team in 2020. Scott keeps Louder’s buyer’s guides up to date, writes about the best deals for music fans, keeps on top of the latest tech releases and reviews headphones, speakers, earplugs and more. Over the last 10 years, Scott has written more than 11,000 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog. He's previously written for publications including IGN, the Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald newspapers, covering everything from daily news and weekly features, to tech reviews, video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, Marillion and Rush.