Megadeth To Cover Metallica’s “Ride The Lightning” On Final Studio Album
Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine was an original member of Metallica from 1981 to 1983 and is credited with co-writing “Ride The Lightning” — the title track of the hit album of the same name, which came out on July 27, 1984.
Megadeth: courtesy of @Megadeth. Ride The Lightning cover art courtesy of the official
Megadeth are coming full circle as they are set to officially release a cover of Metallica’s “Ride The Lightning.”
The news was announced by Megadeth’s frontman Dave Mustaine on October 31, 2025 (Friday), revealing the cover to be one of the bonus tracks on the American thrash metal legends’ self-titled final studio album, which is set to come out on January 23, 2026. Mustaine was an original member of Metallica from 1981 to 1983 and is credited with co-writing “Ride The Lightning,” which is the title track of the hit album of the same name, which came out on July 27, 1984.
“I thought it would be really cool to close the circle,” said Mustaine in the video announcing the cover and why he chose to include it in the album, highlighting his respect and admiration for his ex-bandmates even in the face of their former rivalry and the tumultuous events that led to Mustaine’s dismissal from Metallica in 1983. “To show respect, to play the songs that I’ve written with Metallica, and to honor our friendship even though it’s been strained and ruined from emotions over the years when we were not necessarily friendly.”
Additionally, Mustaine also revealed details regarding the cover and the small changes Megadeth made for their own rendition. “We sped it up just a little teeny bit and we kinda played around a bit with the solo,” he says, sharing how he and Megadeth co-guitarist Teemu Mäntysaari played around with the solo and how his singing is, of course, different from Metallica frontman James Hetfield. “Once again, it was about completing the circle and just showing what James and I did as guitar players to change the world.”
Megadeth’s self-titled final album was first announced last August 14, 2025 (Thursday), alongside an upcoming farewell world tour to support the record’s release and to celebrate the band’s career and impact on the heavy metal genre. Ahead of the album’s release, the band has also put out its first single, “Tipping Point,” last October 3.
Listen to the Megadeth’s “Tipping Point” below: