Megadeth has announced that their upcoming album will be their last. This album will include a cover of Metallica’s “Ride The Lightning,” a song co-written by Dave Mustaine before he left the band in 1983. This choice marks a shift from rivalry to tribute in one of thrash metal’s most famous feuds.
Mustaine shared that covering “Ride The Lightning” is a way to honor his roots and reflect on where his career began. He co-wrote the track with James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, and Cliff Burton before being dismissed from the band. He sees this cover as a chance to reconnect with his past.
The rivalry started when Metallica fired Mustaine in 1983 due to substance abuse issues, leading to Kirk Hammett taking over as lead guitarist. Mustaine then formed Megadeth, aiming to outshine his former bandmates in creativity and success. Both bands became part of the Big Four of metal, alongside Slayer and Anthrax. While Metallica achieved mainstream fame, Megadeth built a loyal fanbase with their technical skills and sharp lyrics.
In a recent interview, Slayer guitarist Kerry King shared his thoughts on the competition. He stated his preference for Hetfield over Mustaine, saying, “Metallica has a singer. There you go. Sorry, Dave.” Over the years, the tension between the two bands has eased. Mustaine appeared in the documentary *Some Kind of Monster*, which explored the impact of his firing and opened the door for dialogue. They even shared the stage during concerts in 2010 and 2011.
Mustaine has expressed a desire to reconnect with Hetfield, suggesting that there may still be room for friendship. While Metallica recently wrapped up a tour in Perth, Australia, Megadeth has yet to announce a final tour. Their upcoming album, titled *Don’t Get Left in the Ashes*, will serve as a farewell and tribute. Pre-orders are available now.
