The new year traditionally heralds new beginnings, but the start of 2026 brought the last statement from one of thrash metal’s leading bands. Megadeth, masters of fast since 1983, put out their self-titled final album on January 23, several months after mastermind Dave Mustaine announced his decision to put the band on ice.
Mustaine famously formed Megadeth after being unceremoniously booted out of Metallica for his wayward behaviour and clashing with his bandmates once too often. Classic early albums Killing Is My Business… And Business Is Good, Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying? and So Far, So Good… So What! were fuelled by a combustible mix of chemicals, vengeance and spite, with Mustaine and former bassist/right hand man David ‘Junior’ Ellefson relishing their roles as thrash’s own Toxic Twins.
