The revelation comes after months of speculation that Mustaine was planning to retire when he escaped from his current record deal with Roadrunner, which he's been unhappy with for some time. Even the album's title hinted that Megadeth might be winding down.

But now the thrash icon tells Metal Hammer: "I'm excited with what's going on in my band. I've got my book coming out and I've got this tour coming up with Slayer." On the new album: "I've got almost my entire next record ready to start recording, so I can start packing my bags." - more on this story