Band leader Dave Mustaine reveals next album will be final studio album of his more than four-decade career.
Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine revealed in a social post directly shared with his worldwide fanbase and Cyber Army that his forthcoming album (due out early next year) will be the final MEGADETH studio album of his career. Mustaine shared the announcement via his alter ego Vic Rattlehead. Mustaine also revealed that the multi-platinum superstar band will embark on a global farewell tour kicking off in 2026. Also set for next year is a new memoir from Mustaine, details of which will be revealed in the coming months.
“There's so many musicians that have come to the end of their career, whether accidental or intentional,” Dave Mustaine says. “Most of them don't get to go out on their own terms on top, and that's where I'm at in my life right now. I have traveled the world and have made millions upon millions of fans and the hardest part of all of this is saying goodbye to them.
Dave adds, “We can't wait for you to hear this album and see us on tour. If there was ever a perfect time for us to put out a new album, it's now. If there was ever a perfect time to tour the world, it's now. This is also a perfect time for us to tell you that it's our last studio album. We've made a lot of friends over the years and I hope to see all of you on our global farewell tour. Don't be mad, don't be sad, be happy for us all, come celebrate with me these next few years. We have done something together that's truly wonderful and will probably never happen again. We started a musical style, we started a revolution, we changed the guitar world and how it's played, and we changed the world. The bands I played in have influenced the world. I love you all for it. Thank you for everything.”
Megadeth are set to release their forthcoming album via Mustaine’s Tradecraft imprint in partnership with Frontiers Label Group’s new BLKIIBLK label. It will launch with the project's first single (TBA) in tandem with global pre-orders this fall.
Fans can click HERE to register for early access to exclusive information and offers surrounding the forthcoming final album and all Megadeth news. In addition, look for the initial run of farewell tour dates to be announced later this year.
D’Addario is proud to introduce Jack Plugs: a fast, effective way to block unused ¼" jacks on pedals, amps, and audio gear. Touring guitarists, studio engineers, and live sound techs alike can prevent accidental connections, speed up the rig set up process, and protect their gear from dust, debris, and interference. Even better, installing these small, easy-to-use accessories is simple and requires no tools, minimum hassle, and no cleanup.
Small Solution, Big Impact
“We created the Jack Plugs to solve a problem we kept seeing on stage and experienced ourselves — accidental connections that kill your signal or worse, damage your gear.” As Product Development Manager Robert Cunningham put it, “these plugs are a simple fix that prevent mispatching, especially with speaker outputs where the wrong ohm load can be a real issue. They're small and inexpensive but they’ll save countless gigs.”
Features:
Blocks unused jacks to avoid unwanted signal paths or disruptions
Shields open ports from dust, debris, and potential damage.
Simple plug-and-play design for fast setup and removal.
Ideal for musicians, studio engineers, and live sound techs.
Maintains a clean, organized rig for optimal audio performance.
Product Info:
Street Price: $4.99
Available now at daddario.com and through participating retailers and distributors
Step into the world of colossal, meticulously crafted pedalboards that power some of the heaviest, most creative guitar tones in modern music.
In this Best Of compilation, we revisit our biggest, wildest, and most intricate metal rig rundowns to date, featuring Matt Pike (Sleep), John Baizley & Gina Gleason (Baroness), Page Hamilton (Helmet), Erik Bickerstaffe (Loathe), Will Swan (Dance Gavin Dance), Sunn O))), Reba Meyers (Code Orange), and Will Putney (END).
From boutique one-offs to vintage rarities, from precision routing to total chaos, these pedalboards redefine what’s possible in heavy guitar tone.
Spurr Audio has introduced the PMF-8824, a compact multi-modulation pedal that fuses vintage digital aesthetics with modern DSP-based creativity. Inspired by the design philosophy of early 1980s personal computers, the PMF-8824 is equal parts nostalgic and futuristic, offering players a unique toolset for creating modulated textures and unconventional tones.
The PMF-8824 features eight custom-designed effects, ranging from classic time-based modulation to more experimental sound-shaping tools. Each program has its own dedicated screen layout, complete with visual feedback and real-time control over three contextual parameters (Ctrl 1–3). Two additional knobs control Mix and Volume, while a Program selector knob cycles through effects. All visuals are displayed on a retro-inspired pixel screen that responds to user interaction.
Though the unit is mono, each effect is crafted to feel immersive, using stereo-style modulation, spatial tricks, and reverb-like environments to expand the perceived soundstage.
Included Effects:
Phaser – Smooth 4-stage phasing with musical feedback
Tremolo – Rich amplitude modulation with waveform selection
Flanger – Dense and metallic swirl with resonant feedback
Vibrato – Tape-style pitch wobble with internal ambiance
Chorus – Wide 4-voice chorus with built-in reverb option
Rotary Simulator – Spinning speaker with mic and cabinet control
VCR (VHS Lo-Fi) – Warped, nostalgic tape textures with saturation
Microchoir – Digital choir inspired by classic organ voicing
The PMF-8824 stands out not only for its sounds, but also its interface and visual identity. The pedal’s housing and GUI are modeled after personal computer aesthetics—pixel fonts, windowed layouts, and real-time visual meters give each effect its own interactive “page.” The display changes dynamically depending on the selected effect, ensuring clarity and a user-friendly experience.
The PMF-8824 is now available for pre-order for a street price of $219. For more information visit spurraudio.mitiendanube.com.
Sheptone announces the reissue of its coveted AB Custom humbuckers. Revered by tone chasers, professional touring musicians, and collectors alike, the AB Custom humbuckers return with all the hallmarks that made it a modern classic—and more.
Built entirely by hand, one at a time, by long-time industry figure and proprietor Josh Vittek, each Sheptone pickup reflects a relentless commitment to tone, authenticity, and craftsmanship. The AB Custom humbuckers are no exception, offering unmatched responsiveness, musical articulation, and the nuanced dynamic range players have come to expect from Sheptone. As the first variation on the original Sheptone Tribute set that launched the business back in 2007, these are considered a medium output PAF-style humbucker providing that little extra push that guitar players just love.
Featuring proprietary butyrate bobbins, 42 AWG plain enamel wire, rough cast Alnico 5 magnets, a maple wood spacer, and nickel silver baseplates, the AB Custom humbuckers are built with period-correct components and the highest-quality materials available. Measuring an average of 8.5k in the bridge and 8.0k in the neck, each set delivers vintage-inspired clarity, warmth, and punch making them a top choice for players seeking the elusive "magic" found in the most iconic recordings.
Customers can choose from double black, zebra, reverse zebra, or covered configurations with nickel or gold-plated period correct nickel steel covers, offering aesthetic versatility without compromising tone. The AB Custom humbuckers are a premium choice for discerning players who demand the best—whether in the studio, on stage, or in their personal woodshed.
Sheptone pickups have long been the secret weapon behind some of todays most beloved tones. With the return of the AB Custom, that legacy continues—one note at a time.
