An American thrash metal band has announced that their 17th studio album will be their last.
In a video posted to Instagram, an AI generated video shows various cities on fire, volcanoes erupting and AI generated news anchors proclaiming the end times, before their mascot, Vic Rattlehead confirmed that the band was splitting up.
The band, which was founded in 1983 by guitarist Dave Mustine, has toured Australia in 2025 and 2023.
In the video, Vic Rattlehead said “For over four decades, I’ve been chained in silence, but the end demands my voice.
“It’s been confirmed; the next Megadeth studio album will be the last.”
A statement that was published on the band’s website from founding member Dave Mustaine said, “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.”
Many of the comments that appeared on the Instagram video were supportive of the band, with many saying that they were sad to see the thrash metal band split up.
“Megadeth, you will always live on in our hearts. Thank you for everything Dave Mustaine,” one said.
Another wrote, “Make it a blast! One of the only bands I own all the albums to.”
A third commented, “It hurts my heart to see THE metal band that has got me into metal leave.”
But some commented that they were critical of the band’s decision to use artificial intelligence to create the apocalyptic hell scape that was used in the video to promote the new album.
“MEGADETH YOUR SUPPOSED TO DESTROY AI NOT JOIN THEM” one said in all capitals.
Another said, “Megadeth using ai,” whilst another said “Hope AI won’t be used for the actual music videos and album art. So disappointed”
In a lengthy statement that was posted to the band’s website, Mustaine expressed that he was grateful to the band’s fans over the years for their loyalty.
“Don’t be mad, don’t be sad, be happy for us all, come celebrate with me these next few years, he said.”
He went on to talk about Megadeath’s legacy and the influence it has had on music.
“We started a musical style, we started a revolution, we changed the guitar world and how it’s played, and we changed the world,” Mustaine said.
“The bands I played in have influenced the world. I love you all for it. Thank you for everything.”