Last fall drummer Shawn Drover and guitarist Chris Broderick exited Megadeth. Soon after their leaving, speculation about their successors started.

Rumors began to surface that former Megadeth drummer Nick Menza would return behind the kit. But Nick hinted at Chris Adler by posting a video online with the title 'Maybe I can play on Lamb of God's new album'. Shortly after that, former My Chemical Romance drummer Bob Bryar added fuel to the fire with a photo of Chris Adler and Dave Mustaine having a 'taco date' together.

And now the group has issued a press release with an official confirmation. Megadeth's main man Dave Mustaine comments:

"Chris is a tremendous talent, and an amazing person. He is going to bring a new level of excitement and energy to Megadeth that the fans are going to lose their minds over. I have nothing but respect for my previous drummers, but this is going to absolutely kill! Back in 1989, Megadeth originally worked as a three piece – guitar, bass and drums – when we laid down the framework to our Grammy nominated platinum album 'Rust In Peace'. I want to thank the other members of Lamb of God for allowing this opportunity to take place for all of us in the metal community."

Chris Adler offers:

"Megadeth was the game changer for me. Growing up, there was no other band that meant as much to my musical interest and direction. There is no doubt I would not be doing what I have been doing for the past three decades had I not stumbled across 'Killing Is My Business' and the bible of all metal, 'Peace Sells' in my formative years."

About ten years ago, Lamb Of God toured with Megadeth and Chris was able to share that story with Dave and David, and they have kept in touch ever since. Continues Chris:

"When Dave called me a while ago and asked if I was interested in making a thrash metal album with him, I felt like I must’ve been on a hidden camera show. I was trying to play it cool, but I was speechless other than yes! Once I called my wife and my band guys to let everyone know, I had some time to really think about it and how I can best fit into this situation. I'm coming into this on fire. There is an incredible amount of respect, but the goal here is to make the very best thrash album we can – not just throw names in the cd booklet or be a yes man. Together, I believe we can do something very special! Get ready for a very exciting chapter in the Megadeth legacy."

Megadeth's as-yet-untitled new album will be the follow up to 2013's 'Super Collider' featuring Shawn Drover on drums. While Megadeth has yet to announce permanent replacements for Shawn and guitarist Chris Broderick, the addition of Chris Adler in the studio is bound to yield some deliciously heavy results.