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The heavy metal world just witnessed a moment forty years in the making. Last night in Bogota, Colombia, Dave Mustaine finally reclaimed his seat at the high table of thrash history. For the first time ever, Megadeth performed their studio-polished version of the Metallica classic “Ride The Lightning”—a track Mustaine co-wrote before his infamous 1983 departure—live on stage.

This isn’t just a cover; it’s a calculated, high-octane “closing of the circle” that sees Mustaine putting his own jagged DNA on the song that helped launch the biggest metal band on the planet. If you thought the Mustaine vs. Metallica saga was over, think again—it just got a lot louder.

The Megadeth “Ride The Lightning” Debut:

• The Big Reveal: Megadeth debuted their version of “Ride The Lightning” live on April 26, 2026, at the Movistar Arena in Bogota.
• The Why: Dave Mustaine recorded the track for Megadeth’s final album as a tribute to James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich.
• The Twist: Megadeth’s version is faster, features “spider chords,” and includes a reworked solo by Mustaine and Teemu Mäntysaari.
• The History: Mustaine co-wrote the track in 1983; this performance marks the first time he has played it live with his own band.
• The Video: Fan-filmed footage (scroll down) captures the moment the “Spider Chord” king took back his song.

Watch: Megadeth Unleashes “Ride The Lightning” in Colombia

“As Good or Better”: Mustaine’s Modernized Version

When Dave Mustaine appeared on The Loaded Radio Podcast circuit via SiriusXM earlier this year, he didn’t mince words about the pressure of re-recording a Metallica staple. Mustaine’s mission was clear: “If we’re gonna do this, let’s make sure that we do it as good as the original or better.”

To achieve that, Megadeth didn’t just copy-paste the 1984 classic. They “beefed it up,” sped up the tempo, and let drummer Dirk Verbeuren go wild on the fills. Mustaine also highlighted his signature technical flairs—the “spider chords” and “grunting” slides—that he claims were his primary guitar influences on the original writing sessions. While he admits his voice is nothing like James Hetfield’s, Mustaine embraced the challenge of breaking down James’s vocal parts and rebuilding them in his own snarl.

We Also Recommend – Every Megadeth Album Ranked Worst To Best (2026 Definitive List)

Honoring the “Powerhouse” James Hetfield

Despite decades of strained emotions and public barbs, Mustaine’s motivation for this performance was surprisingly sentimental. He has spent the last year publicly praising James Hetfield’s rhythm playing and Lars Ulrich’s songwriting arrangements.

“I wanted to pay my respects to James Hetfield, who I think is an amazing guitar player,” Mustaine told Guitar World. “It wasn’t really that I wanted to do my version… it was about respect. I wanted to do something to close the circle on my career right now.” By performing “Ride The Lightning,” Mustaine is effectively making peace with his own ghost, acknowledging that while the emotions were “ruined” over the years, the music they created together changed the world.

Teemu Mäntysaari vs. Kirk Hammett: The Solo Battle

One of the most talked-about aspects of the new Megadeth version is the guitar solo. Mustaine has long suggested that Kirk Hammett essentially played “note-for-close-note” versions of Dave’s original demos on Kill ‘Em All and Ride The Lightning.

For the live debut, Mustaine and current Megadeth shredder Teemu Mäntysaari split the leads. While they stayed respectful to the iconic 1984 phrasing, they modernized the attack. Mustaine admitted he didn’t even remember exactly what he played on the original 1983 demos, so he and Teemu “tossed it back and forth” to create a version that bridges the gap between 1984 and 2026.

Fans interested in seeing Megadeth live can find available tickets here.

Check This Out – 13 Shocking Facts About Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine: From Witchcraft to the Ultimate Revenge

The Loaded Radio Final Word

Dave Mustaine performing “Ride The Lightning” feels like the final boss level of a 40-year quest. Whether you’re a Megadeth loyalist or a Metallica lifer, you have to respect the stones it takes to reclaim a song this legendary at this stage of the game. Dave isn’t riding off into the sunset; he’s riding the lightning one last time, and he’s doing it on his own terms. Bogota was just the beginning—expect this to be the centerpiece of the setlist for the rest of the year.

TL;DR:

The Bottom Line Dave Mustaine and Megadeth made history in Bogota on April 26, 2026, by performing their version of Metallica’s “Ride The Lightning” for the first time. Mustaine, who co-wrote the track, described the move as a way to show respect to James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich while “closing the circle” on his legendary career.

The post 40 YEARS IN THE MAKING: Dave Mustaine Shreds Metallica Classic “Ride The Lightning” Live For The First Time In Megadeth History appeared first on Loaded Radio.

Geese are everywhere these days, including the pitcher’s mound at Citi Field, where the Mets have been getting killed lately. Collectively, the band stepped up alongside Mr. Met to deliver the first pitch Sunday at the Mets’ game against the Colorado Rockies. Bassist Dom DiGesu, a southpaw, was the one who actually made the toss, sending it squarely across home plate to the delight of his bandmates, all of whom joined him in wearing Nike MLB Limited City Connect Jerseys. On IG Stories, Geese wrote, “Absolutely honored,” and DiGesu wrote, “Best day ever.”

The post Geese Throw Out First Pitch For The Mets appeared first on Stereogum.

To promote their forthcoming studio album Chemical Poetry, set to land in stores on October 30th 2026, French operatic power metal ensemble Avaland have premiered a brand new single “Destiny Calls”.
Read more…

You can probably guess at least two of them! Continue reading…

It's all fun and games until someone loses an eye. Continue reading…

Posted on April 27th 2026, 3:00p.m.

The fallout for former The Amity Affliction bassist and vocalist Ahren Stringer has shifted from the recording studio to the courtroom. Just months after his controversial ousting from the multi-platinum Australian metalcore giants, Stringer appeared before the Benalla Magistrates’ Court on April 21st to answer for a litany of dangerous driving and drug-related refusal charges. With the metal community still reeling from the band’s messy public divorce and Stringer’s subsequent health scares, these criminal allegations add a dark new chapter to an already volatile saga that proves the road to recovery is far from a straight line.

The Ahren Stringer Legal Crisis:

• The Charges: Stringer faces five counts, including speeding 45 km/h over the limit and refusing breath and drug fluid tests.
• The Incident: The charges stem from an alleged high-speed episode in the Benalla region of Australia.
• The Fallout: Stringer was ousted from The Amity Affliction in February 2025; legal battles over the band’s finances are ongoing.
• Health Battles: Following his dismissal, Stringer launched the project Self Checkout but was hospitalized for a “serious emergency” in late 2025.
• Court Status: No plea has been entered yet; the case is adjourned until May 26th.

Inside the Charges: Dangerous Speed and Refusal to Cooperate

According to court records obtained by Blunt, Stringer isn’t just facing a simple traffic ticket. The five charges laid out in Benalla Magistrates’ Court paint a picture of a high-risk police encounter. Specifically, Stringer has been charged with:

1. Driving at a speed dangerous to the public.
2. Exceeding the speed limit by 45 km/h or more.
3. Refusal to undergo a preliminary breath test.
4. Refusal to undergo a preliminary oral fluid (drug) test.
5. Operating a vehicle in an unsafe or non-roadworthy condition.

The refusal to undergo drug and alcohol testing is particularly significant in the Australian legal system, often carrying penalties as severe as the offenses the tests are designed to detect. For a musician who has been vocal about his struggles with addiction, these specific charges are bound to ignite further concern among his dedicated fanbase.

We Also Recommend – Metalcore Bands Ranked: The 13 That Actually Defined The Genre

The Messy Divorce: The Amity Affliction and the Financial War

While Stringer battles the legal system in Benalla, a secondary war is being fought in the boardroom. Stringer’s departure from The Amity Affliction in February 2025 was anything but amicable. Following his exit, legal action was initiated regarding Stringer’s stake in the band’s business and financial structure.

The Amity Affliction has already moved on creatively, releasing their first album without Stringer, titled House Of Cards. However, the “clean break” fans expected has yet to materialize. Sources suggest that the complicated nature of their shared business ties and the band’s current financial situation have kept both parties tethered together in a web of litigation that may take years to untangle.

We recently sat down with The Amity Affliction singer Joel Birch to discuss House Of Cards and the split with Stringer on a recent edition of The Loaded Radio Podcast which you can listen to at this location. Definitely a compelling conversation to say the least.

Self Checkout and the Fight for Mental Health

In the wake of his dismissal, Stringer didn’t go quiet. He teamed up with fellow embattled musician Gus Farias (ex-Volumes) to form Self Checkout in May 2025. The project was designed as a raw, honest outlet for their mutual struggles with mental health and substance abuse—a sonic therapy session for two men who found themselves on the outside of the industry they helped build.

However, the road took a terrifying turn in September 2025 when Stringer was hospitalized for a “serious and unexpected emergency.” While details were kept private, the incident occurred just months after the alleged driving offenses in Benalla, suggesting a period of extreme personal turmoil for the vocalist.

Check This Out – Best Masked Metal Bands: 13 Bands That Wear Masks (Some Might Surprise You)

The Road Ahead: May 26th Adjournment

As of this week, no plea has been entered. The court has adjourned the matter until May 26th, giving Stringer’s legal team time to review the evidence. Whether this leads to a plea deal or a full trial remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Ahren Stringer is at a crossroads.

Between the criminal charges in Benalla and the financial deadlock with his former bandmates, the man who provided the melodic soul of The Amity Affliction for nearly two decades is now fighting his most important battle off-stage.

The Loaded Radio Final Word

We’ve watched Ahren Stringer dominate stages for years, but this is a different kind of intensity. While we never condone dangerous behavior on the road—especially refusing sobriety tests—you can’t help but see the human cost of the “rockstar” lifestyle. Here’s hoping Stringer gets the help and the legal resolution he needs to get back to what he does best: making music. We’ll be tracking the May 26th court date closely.

TL;DR:

The Bottom Line Former The Amity Affliction vocalist Ahren Stringer appeared in an Australian court on April 21st facing dangerous driving and drug test refusal charges. The incident follows a year of personal and professional chaos, including his firing from Amity and a major hospitalization. The case has been adjourned to May 26th.

The post HITTING THE WALL: Ex-The Amity Affliction Singer Ahren Stringer Faces Prison Time After High-Speed Police Showdown appeared first on Loaded Radio.

(The Dutch metal extremists Soulburn will release their fifth album on June 12th through Testimony Records, and that created a good opportunity for our Comrade Aleks to check in with Soulburn co-founder Eric Daniels. A great discussuion ensued, and you can check it out below along with the album’s first two singles.) Dutch extreme metal […]

The post AN NCS INTERVIEW: SOULBURN appeared first on NO CLEAN SINGING.

On Saturday night, Donald Trump attended the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton. During the ceremony, a California resident named Cole Tomas Allen reportedly sprinted past a security checkpoint on a different floor of the hotel. Before he was arrested, Allen fired one shot that reportedly hit a Secret Service agent’s bulletproof vest. Otherwise, nobody was harmed. Trump and his administration officials were taken out of the dinner, which eventually resumed. Trump seemingly faced no immediate danger. Bruce Springsteen, for one, is thankful that Trump wasn’t shot.

The post Springsteen Opens Show Expressing Thanks Trump Was Not Shot At WHCD appeared first on Stereogum.

Here are the new releases for April 26th to May 2nd. Releases reflect proposed North American scheduling, if available.

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Upcoming Metal Releases: 4/26/26 – 5/2/26

Spell — Wretched Heart | Metal Blade Records | Heavy Metal | Canada (Vancouver, BC)

Spell is an appropriate name for the band because listening to their music feels like having a dark enchantment placed upon you. Their brand of heavy metal has, over the years, become awash with ornate gothic romanticism and it is absolutely fantastic. Wretched Heart continues to develop these sonic ideas, featuring more dark, occult psychedelia than ever before while also being a heavier album than its predecessor. If a Dario Argento movie were a metal album, it might sound like this.

–Kevin Zecchel

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Devenial Verdict — Old Blood – Fresh Wounds | Transcending Obscurity | Death Metal | Finland (Helsinki)

The latest Devenial Verdict EP updates a few tracks from their Soulthirst EP, released in 2016, alongside newer cuts that demonstrate their development into a streamlined outfit. Old Blood – Fresh Wounds dips its toes into puddles of melodeath, old school death metal, and stupidly groovy breakdowns as if it’s trying to get along with everyone at a party.

–Colin Dempsey

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Malorshiga — Vento | Independent | Black Metal + Death Metal | Slovenia (Istria)

The modern and overblown production on Vento can be initially off-putting because it subtracts the fuzz and grit from the instruments. Fortunately, Malorshiga do not rely on those attributes. Their arrangements are ornate, edging into atmospheric territory and implementing choirs, field recordings, and bagpipes in place of synths. The distinction is subtle but appetizing.

–Colin Dempsey

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Creeping Flesh — God’s Acres Rife with Flesh Adorned | Independent | Death Metal | Sweden (Gothenburg)

Complaining about a death metal band from Sweden that loves Bolt Thrower? Do you also whine when your steak is too juicy and your bread too buttery? Or when a boxing match ends with a knockout? Yeah, that’s what I thought.

–Colin Dempsey

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Lair of the Minotaur — I Hail I | The Grind-House Records | Heavy Metal | United States (Chicago, IL)

Dormant no longer, Chicago’s Lair of the Minotaur are back on the scene with I Hail I, their first full-length since 2010’s Evil Power. The bruising barbarian metal trio now features underground fixture/superproducer Sanford Parker on bass. I Hail I consists of 10 new tracks in just over 30 minutes and will be released on the group’s own label The Grind-House Records. For all of the metallic elements organically incorporated into their sound, the overt hardcore influences were always the most intriguing to these ears. “I Hail I” is a doomy powerviolence-tinged eruption that introduces a new facet of hardcore extremity into the LOTM maelstrom, whereas the queasy twisted “Prowler Twin Sister” sounds like it could’ve been on Morbid Angel’s Domination.

–Dennis J. Seese

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Eveale — Enter the Woodland Realm | Independent | Black Metal | United States + United Kingdom

You would be forgiven for looking at the album name and art and expecting an ambient black metal album with pretty keyboards and barely audible windlike vocals. Enter the Woodland Realm, Eveale’s debut album, is nothing like that. It’s far more focused on blistering riffs and a pounding pace with a hint of lush progressive rock. There are moments of beauty as well, creating a powerful and diverse album that fans of Enslaved and Borknagar should enjoy.

–Kevin Zecchel

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Ashen Horde — The Harvest | Independent | Progressive Death Metal + Progressive Black Metal | United States (Los Angeles, CA)

The “progressive” descriptor supersedes all the other subgenres Ashen Horde dive into on their fifth full-length. Going a step further, the group’s home city is arguably more important than any other adjective. Los Angeles and its tendrils that connect to all manner of art and genre, to the point that it ignores the differences between styles, shaped Ashen Horde, as The Harvest is as true to any fundamental form as an Impossible Burger is to a beef patty. This comes as a relief, dismay to genre gatekeepers as it may be, because it frees Ashen Horde to explore tones, textures, and pitches that would otherwise be scrapped on a black or death metal album.

–Colin Dempsey

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Ysbrydnos — Welsh Mythical Darkness | Repose Records | Black Metal + Dungeon Synth | United Kingdom (Wales)

Despite being a one-man raw black metal band with dungeon synth framing, Ysbrydnos play like they should be a much bigger affair. Not just in terms of relevance, but that they should be a multi-person operation with maps and extended lore. The epic scope of Welsh Mythical Darkness is a touch rustic and grainy because of the whole solo raw black metal schtick, and that’s for the best.

–Colin Dempsey

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Venom — Into Oblivion | Napalm Records | Black Metal + Heavy Metal | United Kingdom (Newcastle, England)

Newcastle upon Tyne’s finest export, the one and only Venom are making their long awaited return to the global stage with Into Oblivion, the iconic trio’s 16th studio album. The new record, the group’s first batch of fresh material since 2018’s Storm the Gates, is the painstaking result of an arduous creative process Venom paid for in “blood, sweat and tears,” according to Cronos. This prolonged battle with adversity appears to have paid off very well indeed as guitarist Rage characterized Into Oblivion as “astounding,” before stating: “I’m so proud of this record…It feels so different, yet so familiar.” The familiar, yet similar dichotomy was also echoed by Cronos who said: “I think it’s healthy to recognize things from back in the day and bring them into a new setting.” This tension is obviously something that all bands with formidable legacies have to negotiate when releasing new music and it’s sort of refreshing to hear it openly acknowledged. Venom’s pride in the new material seems justified when “Lay Down Your Soul” barrels triumphantly from your speakers that first time, hitting a speedy relentless Motörhead style stride over which a rejuvenated Cronos pledges once more his allegiance to dark unholy rock’n’roll apparitions. “Kicked Outta Hell” conjures up more of ye old metal magick with burly modern production that adds extra density to their still potent roar.

–Dennis J. Seese

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Pentagram — High Voltage – “Live at Spotsylvania ’78” | RidingEasy Records | Doom Metal + Hard Rock | United States (Alexandria, VA)

RidingEasy is unleashing an extremely rare live set from tempestuous American doom legends Pentagram. High Voltage–”Live at Spotsylvania ‘78” is a fascinating, highly anticipated document for numerous reasons. The concert took place in the backyard of then bassist Marty Swaney’s mother’s house in Spotsylvania,Virginia, a reputed all night affair attended by 500 eager heathens. Pentagram’s infamous frontman Bobby Liebling claims: “the show began at 1am on a foggy night and featured rare songs with a raw, powerful performance.” Liebling’s lore provides dramatic context for one of the few surviving aural fragments of what Pentagram devotees refer to as the “High Voltage” era, whenn the band was briefly a five-piece, twin-guitar doom and damnation machine. That line-up’s considerable (but ultimately unfulfilled) potential is on full display during a gloomy grinding rendition of “When the Screams Come,” which sees lead guitarists Paul Trowbridge and Richard Kueht split the misty Virginia night with colossal riffs and tasty shredtastic solos. The surprisingly solid yet still suitably raw audio quality “blends a low-level board mix with ambient mic recording” and was mastered by Nick Townsend.

–Dennis J. Seese

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