While Megadeth did a bad job hiding the fact that Lamb Of God’s Chris Adler would appear on the new album, they left many wondering whether rumors about Kiko Loureiro joining the band were true. However, Dave Mustaine has now confirmed that the Angra guitarist is indeed the latest addition to Megadeth.

Mustaine had the following to say about Megadeth’s new guitarist:

“I first met Kiko around 8 years ago for a cover shoot for Burrn! magazine. I had no idea who he was, other than the fact he was tremendously talented and that the staff from Burrn! held him in high regard. Since then I’ve come to see what a guitar virtuoso he is, and I’m deeply encouraged by his depth and talent. Very few Megadeth alumni have had the same feel and ability as Kiko. As Frank Sinatra says, ‘the best is yet to come!'”

As mentioned, Loureiro’s involvement with the band has been rumored for a while now. It remains unclear, though, as to whether or not the guitarist will actually appear on the new album, as well as whether he’ll still be playing in Angra. Either way, it’s nice to finally know for sure that he’s got the gig.

UPDATE: Shortly after the announcement, Megadeth shared the below photo of Mustaine, Adler and Loureiro in the studio together. This somewhat insinuates that the guitarist will indeed appear on the new album (even though previously reports stated that Mustaine, Adler and bassist David Ellefson were recording as a trio).