LOS ANGELES — Legendary thrash metal titans Megadeth have announced their final studio albumand a worldwide farewell tour set for next year, marking the end of an era for the iconic band.

In a heartfelt message on their website, co-founder Dave Mustaine reflected on their four-decade legacy: "This is our last studio album. We’ve made countless friends over the years, and I hope to see every one of you on our global farewell tour."

The band sent shockwaves through their fanbase, the Cyber Army, with a chilling social media post on Thursday. Breaking his usual silence, their infamous mascot Vic Rattlehead—a grotesque figure with a wired-shut jaw and bolted sunglasses—delivered a dire announcement from a dystopian news desk.

The video opens with blaring sirens and apocalyptic news broadcasts—volcanoes erupting, bones littering streets, and panicked anchors declaring, "Some say this is the end of times." One reporter, covered in ash, chokes out, "This will be our last broadcast."

Then, Rattlehead, clad in a white suit with a yellow lapel flower, addresses the camera in a haunting monotone:
"For 40 years, I’ve been shackled in silence… but the end demands my voice. The next Megadeth album will be our last. Four decades of metal forged in steel, now ending in fire. When the new year dawns, the global farewell begins. Heed the warning, Cyber Army. Stay loud. Stay tuned. Meet me on the front lines."

The teaser follows Wednesday’s ominous post: "The end is near…" Fans can pre-order the album starting September 24, as hinted by a countdown on the band’s revamped website.

In a candid statement, Mustaine expressed gratitude and resolve:
"So many musicians don’t get to exit on their own terms—but I do. I’ve toured the world, met millions of fans, and the hardest part is saying goodbye. This album and tour are our victory lap. Don’t mourn—celebrate with us. What we’ve achieved will never happen again."

While the final album’s title remains undisclosed, its artwork was revealed in Thursday’s updates. Currently touring Europe, Megadeth has yet to announce specific 2026 farewell tour dates.

A Legacy of Metal

Formed in the 1980s after Mustaine’s departure from Metallica, Megadeth rose as one of thrash metal’s "Big Four" (alongside Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax). Their 40-year reign includes:

• 16 studio albums (5x platinum in the U.S.)

• 6 live albums, 59 singles, and countless collaborations

• Over 50 million records sold worldwide

As the countdown to their finale begins, the metal world braces for one last thunderous roar from Megadeth.