Megadeth – Megadeth Review

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After a career that has spanned four decades, Megadeth (more to the point, Dave Mustaine, and the gang) have reached the end of their professional career with their 17th studio album. Simply titled Megadeth (but also referred to as the white Album), the album is a swan song for one of the Big Four of Thrash Metal. And while the studio album part of their careers might be over, the live shows will continue to conduct the final album in its essence.

To find out more (and you know you want to) feel free to read on!

Megadeth – Megadeth
Release Date: January 23, 2026
Genre: Thrash Metal
Band Line-up:
Dave Mustaine – Vocals/Guitars/Production/Engineering
Teemu Mantysaari – Guitars/Production/Engineering
James LoMenzo – Bass
Dirk Verbeuren – Drums
Track Listing:
1. “Tipping Point” (4:22)
2. “I Don’t Care” (3:10)
3. “Hey God?!” (3:29)
4. “Let There Be Shred” (3:58)
5. “Puppet Parade” (4:41)
6. “Another Bad Day” (3:37)
7. “Made to Kill” (4:01)
8. “Obey the Call” (4:20)
9. “I Am War” (3:46)
10. “The Last Note” (5:31)
*11. “Ride the Lightning” (6:11)
*Cover of the Metallica song of same name

Thrash Metal legends Megadeth are back for their 17th and final studio album with a self-titled offering. As tradition continues, Dave Mustaine has enlisted the help of two new members in the band, although in the case of Bass Player James LoMenzo, the return of a former member who last appeared in 2009’s Endgame. Also new to the band is Lead Guitarist Teemu Mantysaari, who provides a spark and energy to the band that may have gotten away from them over the years. Dirk Verbuerun is back behind the drums for his second and final album, making him a band veteran compared to Mantysaari and LoMenzo.

Instrumentally, the band still sounds strong, with riffs and breakdowns lurking around the corner on every single track. The aptly named “Let There Be Shred,” “Puppet Parade,” and “Made to Kill” prove to be the best that the band has to offer in this regard. Credit also to the band for bringing a lot of energy to tracks such as “I Don’t Care” and “Hey God.” Considering that Dave had a first-time collaborator and a returning member to the band, there proves to be the sound of a solidly oiled machine instrumentally. Also, every member of the band had writing credits, with Dave writing all the songs (including the bonus track) Mantysaari co-writing all but two songs, Verbuerun co-writing four of the songs, and LoMenzo two songs.

The expression, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” doesn’t apply to Mustaine. While Dave’s lyrics may not be the most thought-provoking concepts, songs such as “Obey The Call” and “I Am War” see Dave questioning the current social climate. Meanwhile, on “The Last Note,” Dave waxes poetic over his long-spanning career, complete with a surprise pop-up Spanish Guitar spot. Dave’s vocals have also been a source of mockery, and this album will not change anyone’s mind when it comes to his singing capabilities. But do you know what? If people loved Johnny Cash for the monotone delivery of his lyrics, then why can’t people love Mustaine’s nasal delivery?

There are a couple of misfires on this album, which considering that the standard album is only ten tracks long, makes some of them stand out more than others. Simplistic and repetitive lyrics threaten to derail “Tipping Point,” while “Another Bad Day” wouldn’t sound out of place in a butt rock rotation. “Puppet Dance” also languishes in mid-tempo territory but is saved with a strong mid-song breakdown.

The inclusion of a cover of the Metallica song “Ride the Lightning” as a bonus track is a neat full-circle moment for Mustaine on both a personal and professional level. Anyone who hasn’t been living under a rock the size of Jupiter knows of the problems between the band and Mustaine going back to his firing from Metallica in 1983. As it turned out, Mustaine co-wrote “Ride the Lightning” (his final writing credit on a Metallica song) and it’s awesome to see him committing it to an album 42 years later. Nevertheless, while the band sounds good instrumentally, I don’t think anyone is going to confuse Mustaine for James Hetfield anytime soon.

Recommended Tracks: “I Don’t Care,” “Hey God,” “Made to Kill,” and “The Last Note.”

7.5

The final score: review Good

The 411

Megadeth's self-titled final studio album sees the band going out on top instrumentally, with Mustaine completing his line-up with both a brand-new member and a returning member. After years and decades of holding on to personal grudges, it seems like Mustaine has let them go and is at peace with himself and his past.