Megadeth has topped the U.S. album chart with their self-titled final release, selling 73,000 equivalent album units in the week ending January 29. The band also reached No. 1 in Australia and Austria, and landed in the top five in Finland, Sweden, Belgium, the U.K., Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, and New Zealand.
Bassist James LoMenzo shared that the band came up with the farewell concept three-quarters of the way through production. After recording was complete, Dave Mustaine called a meeting to discuss his decision. “After we finished the record, Dave had this meeting with us and said, ‘You know, guys, this is kind of where we’re at right now. And maybe instead of going out with a whimper, maybe we go out with a big, giant victorious thing,’” LoMenzo explained.
The self-titled album features Mustaine’s version of “Ride The Lightning,” a track from the 1984 album for which he has a co-writing credit after leaving the band in 1983. LoMenzo was excited when he heard about this plan. “I was delighted. I was surprised. My eyebrows went up, but I was kind of delighted that he was gonna even go there,” he said. “It seemed like if this is the last thing we’re gonna do, then we should go out with a bang and also address the full history of this band.”
Of the 73,000 units sold, 69,000 were pure album sales. Their previous album, The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead!, sold 48,000 equivalent units in its first week, debuting at No. 3. Chris Rakestraw produced the new record under Mustaine’s Tradecraft label, continuing his work from the last two albums.
All Megadeth 2026 tour dates are now available.
