MEGADETH's DAVE MUSTAINE: 'We Are Up To Eight Song Ideas'

MEGADETH is in the early stages of the songwriting process for the band's new album, which is tentatively expected sometime next year via Roadrunner Records. The CD is once again being helmed by acclaimed British producer Andy "Undie" Sneap, who produced MEGADETH's last album, "United Abominations" (May 2007, Roadrunner Records).

MEGADETH's forthcoming LP will be the group's first with guitarist Chris Broderick, who replaced Glen Drover at the end of last year.

MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine has issued a lengthy update via the "Forums" section of the band's official web site. An excerpt from his posting follows below.

"I am going over the week and what I have accomplished and what still needs to be done going forward. It was a great week, we are up to eight song ideas, and not only did James [Lomenzo, bass] and I get a load of work accomplished, but we also managed to get over to the U.S. Naval Hospital and visit the cancer and leukemia patients and all of the amputees from the I.E.D.s [improvised explosive device] in Iraq. That was a very sobering moment. I was also able to do a photo shoot for Dean Guitars yesterday of me and my new R.I.P. V (VMNT) [signature guitar] and it looks absolutely amazing. I have had the misfortune of losing several of the 'more beautiful' guitars in my collection over the years to malfunctions, and mental meltdowns, but this is a guitar that I believe, even 'I' would not be able to see get hurt or damaged in any way.

"In other words - this is the baddest muthaf*cka I have ever had!

"You will no doubt see soon, and probably at NAMM this year, which I will be proudly practising my penmanship at the Dean Guitars booth. I will hopefully be able to stop in and say hello and thanks to all of my endorsers, which aren't many because I don't play stuff just because its kewl or free or costs less, just like I only play the best guitars because they are the best guitars! I do endorse several products that you can see on my gear page, and there will be a few slight additions to my repertoire, like the surprise coming from Marshall Amplifiers this next year. You will be able to see these magnificent works of art on the JUDAS PRIEST - MEGADETH - TESTAMENT tour coming up in February, in the UK and Europe, as well as Gigantour in the USA and Canada this spring and summer, and around the rest of the world for the following months. You will also be able to hear these new products on the new record that we are working on in my personal studio, the 12th studio record for MEGADETH, so stay posted for uploaded clips of new music at our fan club and all over the official MEGADETH websites."