Dave Mustaine Discusses Recording His Version of Metallica's "Ride the Lightning"

Megadeth has released a new "Behind the Song" video in which Dave Mustaine explains why he chose to record his own rendition of "Ride the Lightning," the title track of Metallica's 1984 album. The video, posted on the band's official YouTube channel on July 10, 2024, details the creative process behind the track, which appears on the forthcoming Megadeth compilation "The Final Chapter: Vol. 2," scheduled for release on September 27, 2024. In the interview, Mustaine says the decision to include the song was driven by both personal history and artistic challenge. "Some of it really pushed my vocal ability," he states, referring to the demanding high‑notes and rapid phrasing that differ from his usual thrash vocal style. He adds that revisiting a composition he co‑wrote in 1983, before leaving Metallica, offered a rare opportunity to reinterpret a classic through a modern Megadeth lens. Mustaine also clarifies the legal and songwriting credits involved. Because he contributed to the original riff and arrangement before his departure from Metallica in 1983, he retains a co‑writing credit on the 1984 release. This credit allowed Megadeth to record the cover without additional licensing hurdles. The video notes that the new version was recorded at Mustaine's studio in San Marcos, Texas, between March 15 and April 2, 2024, with producer Chris Rakestraw overseeing vocal tracking and mixing. Fans will recognize several production choices that differentiate the Megadeth version from the original. Mustaine opted for a slightly slower tempo, dropping the BPM from 184 to 176, and added a dual‑guitar harmony in the solo section, featuring both Kiko Loureiro and Chris Broderick. The rhythm section, anchored by bassist James LoMenzo and drummer Dirk Verbeuren, employs a tighter, punchier drum pattern that emphasizes the song's syncopated groove. The release of the "Behind the Song" video coincides with a broader promotional campaign for Megadeth's upcoming anthology. In addition to the new cover, the compilation will feature unreleased demos from the "Rust in Peace" era, a live rendition of "Peace Sells" recorded at the 2023 Rock in Rio festival, and a brand‑new track titled "Echoes of War." The band plans a limited‑edition vinyl pressing of the anthology, with 5,000 copies signed by Mustaine, Loureiro, and LoMenzo. Overall, Mustaine's decision to reinterpret "Ride the Lightning" underscores his enduring connection to Metallica's early catalog and highlights his willingness to push vocal boundaries. The video ends with a teaser of the upcoming anthology, inviting fans to pre‑order the release before the September deadline.

Dave Mustaine in studio recording the Metallica cover