In the midst of the band’s Australian tour, Megadeth mainman Dave Mustaine spoke with the Australian Associated Press about the band’s current line-up which consists of longtime bassist Dave Ellefson, Lamb Of God drummer Chris Adler and Angra guitarist Kiko Loureiro.

"It's no secret that the whole Rust In Peace reunion line-up thing was being attempted," he said about bring back guitarist Marty Friedman and drummer Nick Menza. "I didn't want that to happen. I know when something's good and when something's beyond its usefulness to us because the horse is dead."

"In no way is this meant to be offensive to Shawn or Chris (Broderick), but we've definitely upgraded talent-wise, personality-wise, friendship-wise," he adds.

Read more at the Australian Associated Press.

Megadeth’s remaining Aussie dates:

October 
18 - Hordern Pavilion - Sydney
19 - Festival Hall - Melbourne
21- Eatons Hill - Brisbane

Megadeth will kick off 2016 with the release of their 15th studio album Dystopia on Universal Music Enterprises /Tradecraft / T-Boy Records on January 22nd. With musical architect and band visionary Dave Mustaine at the helm, Dystopia was recorded in Nashville, TN, and mixed by Josh Wilbur (Lamb Of God, Gojira, Avenged Sevenfold).

The rest of the Megadeth lineup is comprised of David "Junior" Ellefson on bass, new member Kiko Loureiro (Angra) on guitar, and drummer Chris Adler, who took time away from Lamb Of God to record Dystopia. The result marks a true return to form, adding new blood and injecting a new burst of creative energy into the new album.

The Dystopia Mega Bundle (pictured above) is currently available for pre-order at this location; many items are exclusive to this bundle only. It contains:

Dystopia CD
Exclusive Hand Signed Lithograph
Morgue Drawer CD Collectors Box
Tee
Hoodie
Sticker Set
Guitar Picks

Featuring 11 brand new tracks, Dystopia will be released on both CD and LP, as well as digitally through all online partners. "Fatal Illusion" is the first track released from the album, which can be heard below.

According to a press release, Dystopia weaves together Dave Mustaine's intricate and unique songwriting style, trademark leads and lightning riffs with harmonious precision, paying homage to Megadeth’s influential roots while continuing to break new and heavy ground.  

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)