Megadeth gears up for their 17th studio album with new guitarist Teemu Mäntysaari

Megadeth, the iconic thrash metal band, is hard at work on their 17th studio album, a follow-up to 2022's acclaimed release The Sick, The Dying... And The Dead! Guitarist Teemu Mäntysaari, who officially joined the band in November 2023, has been collaborating remotely on the project alongside bandleader Dave Mustaine. Mäntysaari noted that while Mustaine is in Nashville, the two have been working together through daily phone calls, Zoom meetings, and exchanging ideas. “There’s progress every day,” he shared, expressing confidence in the quality of the material and optimism about the album’s direction.

Teemu Mäntysaari, a Finnish guitarist born in Tampere in 1987, is renowned for his technical proficiency and contributions to bands like Wintersun and Smackbound. Initially stepping in for Kiko Loureiro during live performances, Mäntysaari became a full-time member after proving his skill and compatibility with the band. This upcoming album will mark his recording debut with Megadeth.

Mäntysaari also reflected on his growing comfort during live performances with the band. He mentioned that becoming familiar with his bandmates has made their onstage chemistry more instinctive. While the group has always felt relaxed, this deeper connection has added to the fun and spontaneity of their shows.

Meanwhile, Dave Mustaine has been leading the production process in Nashville with engineer Chris Rakestraw. Other band members, including bassist James LoMenzo and drummer Dirk Verbeuren, are set to join Mustaine and Mäntysaari in the studio after the New Year to continue work on the album. Mustaine, eager to maximize the studio time before Rakestraw's brief vacation, said he is "pumped" about the project and hinted that fans have plenty to look forward to.

Why the next Megadeth album could be great

This forthcoming record will continue Megadeth’s legacy as a pioneering force in heavy metal, incorporating their signature thrash sound with new creative influences. With Mäntysaari’s melodic style complementing Mustaine’s iconic riffs, fans eagerly await the result of this collaboration. The album, expected to release in 2025, promises to deliver the intensity and innovation that have defined the band for decades.

Megadeth’s lineup, featuring Mustaine, Mäntysaari, LoMenzo, and Verbeuren, remains a dynamic combination of talent and experience. As the band moves closer to completing the album, their collective enthusiasm signals another exciting chapter in their career that keeps thrash metal going .