Dave Mustaine Reclaims “Ride the Lightning” to Honor Metallica and Close His Career
In what feels like a full-circle moment for metal fans, Dave Mustaine has announced that Megadeth’s final album will feature a reimagined version of Metallica’s classic, “Ride the Lightning.” The song, co-written by Mustaine before his departure from Metallica in 1983, is being revisited not as a rivalry move, but as a heartfelt tribute to the band that helped shape his early career.
Speaking to Rolling Stone , Mustaine shared that including this track on Megadeth’s upcoming self-titled album is his way of closing the circle. “It wasn’t about doing my version,” he explained. “It was about respect — respect for the music, for the journey, and especially for James Hetfield.” Mustaine spoke warmly of Hetfield’s evolution over the decades, calling him a “powerhouse” and expressing admiration for his growth as both a singer and guitarist.
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For Mustaine, this re-recording isn’t about reigniting old feuds or rewriting history. It’s about recognition — acknowledging the shared legacy that both Metallica and Megadeth carved into the world of heavy metal. More than four decades after founding Megadeth, Mustaine views this project as the final chapter in a monumental career that saw 17 albums, 13 Grammy nominations, and one win for Best Metal Performance.
Musically, the new version of “Ride the Lightning” stays true to its thrash roots but adds Megadeth’s signature depth and aggression. It’s said to be a bit faster and tuned lower, giving it a darker, grittier edge. Mustaine’s vocals bring a raw snarl to the lyrics, while the guitars maintain the song’s iconic intensity. For longtime fans, it’s both nostalgic and new — a reinterpretation that pays homage without imitation.
Interestingly, neither James Hetfield nor Lars Ulrich were informed about the re-recording beforehand. Mustaine admitted that it wasn’t out of avoidance, but rather a personal choice to focus on artistic closure. “This wasn’t about trying to fix the past,” he said. “It was about doing something respectful — something that honors where it all began.”
Set to release on January 23, 2026 , Megadeth will mark the band’s farewell, followed by a final tour. The 10-track album includes songs like “Tipping Point,” “Let There Be Shred,” and “Obey the Call,” wrapping up a career that truly defined thrash metal.
In his own words, Mustaine summed it up best: “We started a revolution. We changed how guitar is played, and we changed the world. Now, I just wanted to make sure nothing is left unsaid.”
For fans of both Metallica and Megadeth, this feels less like an ending — and more like a long-awaited peace between two of metal’s greatest forces.
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