Rumours have been abound for some time about the identity of Shawn Drover’s replacement behind the Megadeth drum kit. With sizable shoes to fill, Megadeth founding members Dave Mustaine and David Ellefson have finally confirmed that they’ve pulled off a massive coup for the band’s next album, which is currently being worked on as we speak.
With the use of a rather nifty interactive game of pairs via the front page of the Megadeth website, it has been confirmed that none other than Lamb of God’s Chris Adler will be fulfilling drumming duties for the next Megadeth album, which will be the fifteenth Megadeth album. The news was confirmed earlier today (Sunday 29th of March) after a teaser image of Chris Adler wearing a Megadeth t-shirt surfaced earlier in the weekend, adding to the already considerable speculation. The official announcement can be read below:
“Dave Mustaine, the creative driving force behind original American metal and hard rock crossover giants Megadeth, and Chris Adler, drummer for the leaders of modern American heavy metal Lamb Of God, will join original bassist David Ellefson in the creation of Megadeth’s anticipated forthcoming album. Adler will be appearing as a guest on the album and contributing his thundering, hard-hitting, and technically precise style and skill, adding new blood and drive into the mix while staying true to Megadeth’s roots.”
Vocalist / guitarist Dave Mustaine shared the following, meanwhile: “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 (1990).
“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.”
Chris Adler also had some considerable words to say about the news, and his statement should excite Megadeth fans the world over:
“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 (1985) and the bible of all metal, Peace Sells (1986), in my formative years.
“About ten 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.”
Megadeth’s as yet untitled new album will be released later in the year. There is still no official word on who will replace Chris Broderick in Megadeth’s currently vacant guitarist role, but with this announcement with Chris Adler another announcement may not be too far away.
Anyone who wants to try out the Megadeth pairs game for themselves should head over to www.megadeth.com.
