Megadeth has done a bad job at hiding the fact that Lamb Of God’s Chris Adler will be playing drums on the new album (like really, REALLY bad). However, now comes confirmation that the Lamb Of God drummer will indeed be appearing on Megadeth’s fifteenth album.
The announcement was unveiled via a rather humorous puzzle featured on the band’s website (revealing a picture of Adler after finding matching Megadeth album covers, as well as pictures of lambs and famous actors who played god… get it?). In addition to confirming that Adler will perform on the album with frontman Dave Mustaine and bassist David Ellefson, Megadeth confirmed that the as-yet-titled album will be recorded as a three piece. In other words, it’s unclear if the rumors about guitarist Kiko Loureiro of Brazilian metal band Angra joining the band are true. As expected, though, Adler’s involvement will only be limited to the studio, meaning that Megadeth has still not found a permanent new drummer.
Mustaine had the following to say about Adler joining Megadeth in the studio:
“Chris is a tremendous talent, and an amazing person. He is going to bring a new level of excitement and energy to Megadeth that the fans are going to lose their minds over. I have nothing but respect for my previous drummers, but this is going to absolutely KILL!
Back in 1989, Megadeth originally worked as a three piece — guitar, bass and drums — when we laid down the framework to our Grammy-nominated platinum album Rust In Peace. I want to thank the other members of LAMB OF GOD for allowing this opportunity to take place for all of us in the metal community.”
Ellefson added:
“Chris has been an endearing friend to us in Megadeth for many years now, and he truly appreciates our music and its legacy. His drumming has forged such an innovative and ferocious path for metal music and I’m very proud that he is anchoring our rhythm section with us on this new album. I can clearly see a new dawn of ‘utmost heaviness’ unfolding in Megadeth’s next chapter.”
Meanwhile, Adler had the following to say about his new session gig:
“Megadeth was the game changer for me. Growing up, there was no other band that meant as much to my musical interest and direction. There is no doubt I would not be doing what I have been doing for the past three decades had I not stumbled across Killing Is My Business and the bible of all metal, Peace Sells, in my formative years.
About 10 years ago, Lamb Of God toured with Megadeth and I was able to share that story with Dave and David, and we have kept in touch ever since. When Dave called me a while ago and asked if I was interested in making a thrash metal album with him, I felt like I must’ve been on a hidden-camera show. I was trying to play it cool, but I was speechless other than YES! Once I called my wife and my band guys to let everyone know, I had some time to really think about it and how I can best fit into this situation.
I’m coming into this on fire. There is an incredible amount of respect, but the goal here is to make the very best thrash album we can — not just throw names in the CD booklet or be a yes man. Together, I believe we can do something very special! Get ready for a very exciting chapter in the Megadeth legacy.”
There’s still no word on when exactly the new album will be released. But now with Adler on board, our excitement for a new Megadeth record just increased.
