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Megadeth have finally set September 2nd as the release date for their 16th studio album.
That's 21 months after frontman Dave Mustaine first revealed The Sick, the Dying…and the Dead! as its working title. The title has remained the same ever since.
Today the band released "We'll Be Back" as the first single, and premiered the short film We'll Be Back: Chapter I. It centers on the origins of the band's longtime mascot, Vic Rattlehead, and is the first of a trilogy of clips that will be released in the runup to the album.
Also coming to light with the release announcement are guest appearances by Ice-T and Sammy Hagar. Hagar sings on a cover of his song "This Planet's on Fire," one of two covers on the album, along with Dead Kennedys' "Police Truck."
Following the dismissal of bassist David Ellefson, Steve DiGiorgio played bass on The Sick, the Dying…and the Dead! He's since been replaced by James LoMenzo, a member of Megadeth from 2006 through 2010 who permanently rejoined them this May.
In addition to CD, vinyl, cassette and digital releases, there will also be a limited two-LP, 180-gram vinyl Deluxe Edition two-LP. Among its bonus features will be a seven-inch single of "We'll Be Back" and its unreleased B-side, "The Conjuring (Live)." The Deluxe Edition will only be available from the band's official online store.