MEGADETH drummer Shawn Drover has issued the following studio update:

"I figured it was due time to give you all a quick update. As of last night, I have completed 5 drum tracks, with song #6 and #7 in line to be done today and I am really happy with the way things are going thus far. Johnny K has been a blast to work with as he shares the same vision as we do, which is to make a solid, heavy record. We are definately on the right path here...

We have one song completely done and submitted for a video game - without going into the details of it, anybody who knows me and what I like musically, this tune put a big smile on my face. In time, you will all hear what I am talking about, but for now, it's back to work at Vic's Garage."

The Megadeth Cyber Army will be holding a special online chat with frontman Dave Mustaine today - Friday, May 20th - at 4 PM PDT (11 PM GMT). Mustaine will be logging in from Vic's Garage, where he is currently working on the next Megadeth album. Club members will be able to talk to Mustaine directly about the new album. Go to this location to register, as the chat session will be open to Cyber Army members only.

As previously reported, Megedath's new album is slated for a fall 2011 release through Roadrunner Records. Producer Johnny K replaces Andy Sneap behind the board, who was forced to pull out due to scheduling conflicts. More details will be revealed soon.

In other news, Mustaine recently launched a new project called RED LAMB with former ANTHRAX guitarist Dan Spitz, ACCEPT bassist Peter Baltes and YNGWIE MALMSTEEN drummer Patrick Johansson. Most of the music will be taken from Spitz's aborted DEUXMONKEY project with ex-CRIMSON GLORY frontman Wade Black, which fell apart when Black quit back in April due to creative differences.

Johnny K is also on board to produce the album.