Dave Mustaine has revealed the hopeful release date for Megadeth’s highly anticipated new album, The Sick, the Dying… and the Dead! According to the thrash legend, after pushing back the album multiple times, Megadeth hope to release their 16th studio album on July 8.

“I’m sure it could possibly be scooted forward a little bit, but I think that would actually be worse than if it stayed where it was at,” Mustaine told Loudwire in an exclusive interview. “We need every little bit of time to let people get everything all set up with all this COVID shit. It’s been really difficult to ship anything, let alone records.”

Mustaine also delved into some of the subject matter that inspired him for The Sick, the Dying… and the Dead! The track “The Dogs of Chernobyl” ties into the album title’s reference to nuclear apocalypse and radiation while telling the tragic story of the pets who were left behind after Chernobyl was evacuated. Mustaine also calls the song one of the heaviest on the new album.

Dave also discussed how his successful fight against cancer affected his mentality toward playing live. “I feel, right now, healthier than I’ve felt since I was diagnosed,” Mustaine says. “I think my singing has improved and I think that’s gonna get way better too because I want it now. Before, I felt like I deserved it. Now, whether I deserve it or not, I fucking want it. I want to play, I want to go out and shred on my guitar and people go, ‘I can’t believe that he’s alive and doing that.’”

Mustaine also talks about the upcoming Metal Tour of the Year with Lamb of God, Trivium and In Flames, along with why a diverse bill is essential for a killer tour and why mutual respect between bands is key. Watch our exclusive chat with Mustaine below.

Dave Mustaine - I Want People to Say 'I Can't Believe He's Alive + Shredding'

2022 Metal Tour of the Year Dates:

April 09 - Las Vegas, Nev. @ Michelob Ultra Arena
April 10 - Tucson, Ariz. @ Tucson Arena
April 12 - Colorado Springs, Colo. @ Broadmoor World Arena
April 14 - Corpus Christi, Texas @ American Bank Center Arena
April 15 -  Lafayette, La. @ Lafayette Cajundome
April 16 - Brandon, Miss. @ Brandon Amphitheater
April 19 - Grand Rapids, Mich. @ Van Andel Arena
April 21 - Fort Wayne, Ind. @ Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
April 22 - Green Bay, Wis. @ Resch Center
April 24 - Sioux Falls, S.D. @ Denny Sanford PREMIER Center
April 26 - Omaha, Neb. @ Baxter Arena
April 27 - Cedar Rapids, Iowa @ Alliant Energy PowerHouse
April 29 - Kansas City, Mo. T-Mobile Center
April 30 - Tulsa, Okla. @ BOK Center * No Trivium
May 03 - North Charleston, S.C. @ North Charleston Coliseum
May 04 - Greenville, S.C. @ Bon Secours Wellness Arena
May 06 - Nashville, Tenn. @ Bridgestone Arena
May 07 - Peoria, Ill. @ Peoria Civic Center
May 09 - Pittsburgh, Pa. @ Petersen Events Center
May 10 - Rochester, N.Y. @ Blue Cross Arena
May 12 - Portland, Maine @ Cross Insurance Arena
May 13 - Uncasville, Ct. @ Mohegan Sun Arena
May 15 - Allentown, Pa. @ PPL Center

The Best Metal Album of Each Year Since 1970

See Loudwire's picks for the Best Metal Album of Each Year Since 1970

More From Loudwire