Teemu Mäntysaari

Teemu Mäntysaari

“Teemu”

Teemu Mäntysaari is a virtuoso Finnish guitarist who joined Megadeth in 2023 to fill the vacancy left by Kiko Loureiro, bringing Nordic metal influence and new energy to the band. Born in 1987 in Tampere, Finland, Teemu is best known for his role in Wintersun, a symphonic death metal band led by Jari Mäenpää. He joined Wintersun in 2004 at just 17, impressing everyone with his outstanding technique and musical maturity. With Wintersun, he recorded the acclaimed 'Time I' (2012), showcasing emotional and fast solos amid epic orchestrations, and 'The Forest Seasons' (2017). His style blends the melody of Finnish power metal with the rhythmic aggression of death metal, plus influences from his country's folk music. He has also been a member of Smackbound (modern metal) and a collaborator in power metal projects and online music education. In September 2023, Megadeth announced Teemu as their touring guitarist, covering Loureiro's absence due to family matters. Recommended by Kiko himself, Teemu flew to the US and learned Megadeth's extensive repertoire in just days, debuting on the North American tour with confidence. Mustaine was impressed by his performance and in November 2023 announced Mäntysaari as the official new lead guitarist of Megadeth, following Loureiro's definitive departure. Although he has not yet recorded studio material with the band, live Teemu has received praise from fans for executing complex solos like those in 'Holy Wars' or 'Sweating Bullets' with precision, while adding his personal touch (he often includes Scandinavian-style guitar phrases, giving his own flavor). At 36, Teemu is now the youngest member of the lineup, a symbol of new blood in Megadeth. His presence highlights the international and generational character the band has acquired, now featuring a Finnish guitarist—unthinkable decades ago. In Finland, Mäntysaari is considered one of the top guitarists of his generation, and his leap to Megadeth projects him onto an even bigger stage. In interviews, he says he is honored to play alongside Mustaine and motivated to contribute future creativity. The next steps will surely see him involved in new Megadeth compositions. For now, Teemu represents the continuation of the band's shred legacy: a prodigy from the cold north who arrives to write the next chapter in Megadeth's history, ensuring the flame of virtuosity and guitar power continues to burn intensely.