Megadeth frontman / founder Dave Mustaine stopped by the KATT 100.5 booth at Rocklahoma 2022 to talk to Cameron Buchholtz. They discussed Mustaine's recovery from cancer, the band's new album, opening up for Five Finger Death Punch on tour, and much more.
During the interview, found below, Mustaine revealed why Testament bassist Steve Di Giorgio wasn't hired as a permanent band member after recording the bass parts for The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead! following the firing of David Ellefson in May 2021. He also explained how James LoMenzo was brought back into the band.
Mustaine: "I, of course, would have liked to have had someone that plays like Steve play with Megadeth, but he's in Testament, who are friends of mine. And although we are not very close - me and the guys in Testament - I do consider them my friends and I do consider them a great band. I would never jeopardize that by trying to steal Steve. So, James' name kind of came up, and I went 'Oh my God! James! Yes!' so we called him back. James doesn't have to be told how to look, how to act, how to play, he knows how to do the interviews. He's like that old Roxette song: 'You've Got The Look.' He's been to Megadeth camp, he's been to the top of the mountain with me and with Ozzy. What more needs to be said?"
Lomenzo was originally with Megadeth from February 2006 to February 2010, recording for the United Abominations (2007) and Endgame (2009) albums. On August 11th, 2021, it was announced that LoMenzo had returned to Megadeth as Ellefson's replacement for the tour, and on May 31st, 2022, Megadeth confirmed that he was again a permanent member of the band.
Featuring twelve new tracks, The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead! is available on CD, vinyl, and cassette, as well as digitally through all online partners and can be ordered/saved here. There is also be a limited deluxe edition 2LP, 12-track album pressed on 180g black vinyl, housed in a numbered gatefold jacket with a 12x24 lyrics/credits insert, a lenticular vinyl lithograph and a bonus 7" featuring "We’ll Be Back" and the unreleased b-side "The Conjuring" (Live).'The limited deluxe edition can only be purchased via Megadeth’s official online store, through Sound Of Vinyl, and uDiscover, and can be ordered here.
The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead! consolidates a furious return to form that began with the Grammy Award winning Dystopia, while pushing forward musically and marking Mustaine’s recent triumph over throat cancer. Reuniting visionary Megadeth leader and sonic architect Dave Mustaine with co-producer Chris Rakestraw (Danzig, Parkway Drive), who together helmed 2016’s Dystopia, the album was recorded at Mustaine’s home studio in Nashville, Tennessee, with guitarist Kiko Loureiro and drummer Dirk Verbeuren. Bassist Steve DiGiorgio temporarily stepped in to record the album. With the kick off of Megadeth’s recent tour, Megadeth-alumni James LoMenzo rejoined the Megadeth family as permanent bass player.
Featuring some of Dave Mustaine’s strongest songwriting while also incorporating writing from the rest of the band, The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead! brings together everything that’s exhilarating and distinctive about Megadeth. From the blistering throwback fury of "Night Stalkers" (featuring icon Ice-T) and first single "We’ll Be Back", to the more mid-tempo and melodic "Soldier On!", and the very personal title track, with its enthralling twists and turns.
The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead! melds the ultra-frenetic riffing, fiercely intricate solos, and adventurous spirit the quartet are known for, all laced with signature virtuosity and precision and Mustaine’s singular sardonic snarl. This album combines all the crushing musical motifs that have made Megadeth both repeat metal disruptors and revered genre flagbearers.
Tracklisting:
"The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead!"
"Life In Hell"
"Night Stalkers" (feat. Ice T)
"Dogs Of Chernobyl"
"Sacrifice"
"Junkie"
"Psychopathy"
"Killing Time"
"Soldier On!"
"Célebutante"
"Mission To Mars"
"We’ll Be Back"
"Police Truck"
"This Planet’s On Fire (Burn In Hell)" (feat. Sammy Hagar)
"We’ll Be Back" video:
"Night Stalkers" video:
"The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead!" video:
