Megadeth’s David Ellefson: New Album ‘Pretty Much Written’ + New Music Will Determine Lineup

Megadeth’s David Ellefson has revealed more about the group’s new disc and their thoughts on adding new members. The bassist says the band’s latest album is “pretty much written,” and that they just have to go in and record it. He also revealed his plan for finding a new drummer and guitarist for the band. It looks like he and Dave Mustaine are letting the new music have a big impact on who is brought in to join the group, stating that “the record has to be great” and they’ll bring in people they know can make that happen. We’ve cued up the video for you above.

During his chat with Ultimate Guitar at last month’s NAMM convention (watch above), Ellefson explained, "We have it pretty much written. We need to go in and obviously record. We're looking at lineup things… that's the big question. But that's all moving forward, and we'll know more in the coming days, weeks, and certainly as the record's being made, that will tell more. I mean, to me the record has to be great, and that will determine, I think, from that, where the lineup goes. We’re very aware of what a lot of people are hoping we do."

One of the things “a lot of people are hoping” they do, is bring drummer Nick Menza back into the fold. Menza played with Megadeth from 1989 to 1998. Ellefson didn’t say whether that would happen or not, but he did say this, “I’ve connected with Nick Menza over the last few years, especially with NAMM stuff. He’s always been a friend…He’s a great, great guy.”

The debate about whether Menza will return to the group or not will most likely rage-on until the new members are announced. On one side you have ex-Megadeth guitarist Glen Drover, who said last month that he "would bet money" on Menza returning to the group. On the other, you have comments from Mustaine, who said last year it would be like putting "a rotten tooth back in your mouth" to have Menza or Marty Friedman return to the group.

In November of 2014, drummer Shawn Drover and guitarist Chris Broderick abruptly left the group. Ellefson has previously promised that this year they are focusing on making a new record and booking tour dates.

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