Defenders Of The Faith, le forum Metal

MEGADETH's Dave Mustaine has revealed that the band's forthcoming album (due out early next year) will be the final MEGADETH studio album of his career. Mustaine shared the announcement in a social post directly shared with his worldwide fanbase and Cyber Army via his alter ego Vic Rattlehead. Mustaine also revealed that the multi-platinum superstar band will embark on a global farewell tour kicking off in 2026. Also set for next year is a new memoir from Mustaine, details of which will be revealed in the coming months.

"There's so many musicians that have come to the end of their career, whether accidental or intentional," Mustaine says. "Most of them don't get to go out on their own terms on top, and that's where I'm at in my life right now. I have traveled the world and have made millions upon millions of fans and the hardest part of all of this is saying goodbye to them.

Dave adds: "We can't wait for you to hear this album and see us on tour. If there was ever a perfect time for us to put out a new album, it's now. If there was ever a perfect time to tour the world, it's now. This is also a perfect time for us to tell you that it's our last studio album. We've made a lot of friends over the years and I hope to see all of you on our global farewell tour. Don't be mad, don't be sad, be happy for us all, come celebrate with me these next few years. We have done something together that's truly wonderful and will probably never happen again. We started a musical style, we started a revolution, we changed the guitar world and how it's played, and we changed the world. The bands I played in have influenced the world. I love you all for it. Thank you for everything."

The video posted to MEGADETH's YouTube page and social media accounts features Vic Rattlehead, the band's mascot, seated behind a desk with an hourglass and a stack of papers that reads "Confidential 2026."

"For over four decades, I've been chained in silence, but the end demands my voice," Vic says. "It is confirmed: The next MEGADETH studio album will be the last. Forty years of metal, forged in steel, ending in fire. And when the new year rises, the global farewell tour. You've heard the warning. Now prepare yourself, Cyber Army. Stay loud, stay tuned, and meet me on the frontlines."

The clip ends with an illustration of Vic Rattelead, with half his body lit on fire.