MEGADETH Has Finished Writing 15 New Songs

MEGADETH has finished writing 15 songs for its next album, tentatively due before the end of the year. The CD will be the band's first to feature Brazilian guitarist Kiko Loureiro, best known for his work with ANGRA, and LAMB OF GOD drummer Chris Adler.

In a new tweet, MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine wrote: " I'm stoked so many people have reacted so positively about Kiko and Chris playing on this next record! Falling Upward again!"

He added in a separate tweet: "15 songs finished being written. Just waiting for Jr. [MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson] to arrive. He is gonna freak over Chris and Kiko."

In a statement, Mustaine called Chris "a tremendous talent" and "an amazing person" who is "going to bring a new level of excitement and energy to MEGADETH that the fans are going to lose their minds over."

Adler was equally excited about playing with MEGADETH, saying: "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."

Regarding Kiko's addition to MEGADETH, Mustaine previously said: "I first met Kiko around eight 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."

He added: "Very few MEGADETH alumni have had the same feel and ability as Kiko."