In a Bass Player magazine web exclusive, Megadeth bassist David Ellefson discusses the band’s lineup changes, the making of their new album Dystopia, and more. An excerpt follows:

Q: Tell us about the lineup changes that occurred and how you moved forward during this writing process.

A: “The fans really embraced Chris (Broderick) and Shawn (Drover) and what they did in this band. It was a nice revisiting of the original Rust In Peace lineup, which seemed to be a fan favorite as far as members go. But what occurred to me is life moves forward and music moves forward. It’s important to us that the quality of our music is maintained at the highest level, and in 2015 we knew we had to continue on at any cost. Chris (Adler) has always been a big fan of Megadeth, so he brought a huge energy to this band and these sessions that only a seasoned drummer with a fan appreciation of a band could. And Kiko (Loureiro) is very aware of the history of Megadeth and of our guitar players, and he’s one of the most astute musicians I’ve ever worked with. I feel confident that with the group of players we have now, the music of Megadeth is in as good of hands as it's ever been.”
 
Read the complete interview at BassPlayer.com.

Megadeth’s fifteenth studio album, Dystopia, is due out now via Univeral Music Enterprises. Dystopia was produced by Mustaine and Toby Wright (Alice In Chains, Korn). Megadeth’s new lineup features founding members Dave Mustaine (guitar, vocals) and David Ellefson (bass) along with Lamb Of God drummer Chris Adler and Brazilian-born Angra guitarist Kiko Loureiro.

Dystopia tracklisting:

“Death From Within”
​“Fatal Illusion”
“Conquer... Or Die!”
“Lying In State”
“Me Hate You”
“The Emperor's New Clothes”
“Dystopia”
“Bullet To The Brain”
“Last Dying Wish”
“Post American World”
“Look Who's Talking”
“The Threat Is Real”
“Poisonous Shadows”
“Melt The Ice Away” (Budgie cover)
“Foreign Policy” (Fear cover)

“Dystopia”:

“The Threat Is Real” video:

“Fatal Illusion”:

Megadeth have announced that the North American leg of the Dystopia World Tour kicks off February 20th. Supporting Megadeth on the trek are Suicidal Tendencies, Children Of Bodom and Havok.

Tickets on sale at megadeth.com/dystopiatour. Tickets / VIP Packages at cyberarmy.megadeth.com.

Tour dates:

February
20 - Dallas, TX - South Side Ballroom
21 - Houston, TX - Bayou Music Center
23 - Denver, CO - The Fillmore Auditorium
24 - Salt Lake City, UT - The Complex
26 - Las Vegas, NV - The Pearl
27 - Phoenix, AZ - Comerica Theatre
28 - Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Palladium
29 - San Francisco, CA - The Warfield

March
2 - Honolulu, HI - The Republik (Megadeth only)
3 - Honolulu, HI - The Republik (Megadeth only)
5 - Penticton, BC - South Okanagan Events Centre
6 - Calgary, AB - Grey Eagle Resort
8 - Dawson Creek, BC - Encana Events Centre
9 - Edmonton, AB - Rexall Place
10 - Moose Jaw, SK - Mosaic Place
13 - Chicago, IL - Aragon Ballroom
15 - Niagara Falls, NY - The Rapids Theatre
16 - New York, NY - Terminal 5
17 - New York, NY - Terminal 5
19 - Bethlehem, PA - Sands Bethlehem Event Center
20 - Philadelphia, PA - Electric Factory
21 - Boston, MA - House Of Blues
23 - Bangor, ME - Cross Insurance Center
24 - Quebec, QC - Centre Videotron
26 - Sioux Falls, SD - Badlands Pawn