Dave Mustaine recently addressed the inspiration behind Megadeth’s new track “Let There Be Shred.” He clarified its connection to AC/DC’s classic song in a detailed explanation shared on Guitar World.
The Megadeth frontman explained the creative process behind the song and his collaboration with guitarist Teemu Mäntysaari.
“‘Let There Be Shred’ has nothing to do with AC/DC’s Let There Be Rock, although I’m a huge AC/DC fan and I love that song,” Mustaine said. “Teemu is such an exceptional talent that he really lit a fire in me for my playing. We were joking around and constantly talking about how we have to make this record absolutely shred and that we needed to put a lot of solos in it. I think we accomplished that.”
Mustaine also reflected on how this new material differs from previous Megadeth eras.
“We didn’t write songs like [we used to in former] periods of Megadeth’s lifetime,” he continued. “We had songs that were great songs, but were fit for a time, like the Countdown to Extinction years. Those songs are classic, but they’re not fast by today’s standards. The songs people like are like those on the new record, but, you know, different songs for different times.”
The guitarist described the unique dynamic between him and Mäntysaari during the recording process.
“A pretty unique thing about Let There Be Shred – in terms of the guitar duels Teemu and I were doing – is that he would do all the shred stuff, and I’d do all the hippie stuff,” Mustaine explained. “I thought that was really fun, based on what the lyrics were about, because it was supposed to be a guitar challenge.”
Mustaine even shared his vision for a potential music video for the track.
“I think if we did a video, it’d be really great to get a bunch of super-amazing young guitar players in there just going for it, and then the song ends and it’s me standing out in front of the audition place with my guitar case like, ‘Wait a minute, I’m, I’m here…’ [Laughs] It’s kind of like a David Lee Roth video.”
The track appears on what Mustaine has announced as Megadeth’s final album. This marks the end of an era for the thrash metal legends. This self-titled farewell record represents a significant moment in metal history, as one of the “Big Four” thrash bands prepares to close their chapter.
However, the album has received mixed reactions from critics and fans alike. Stereogum reported that some tracks on the record have been criticized as immature-sounding. “Let There Be Shred” and “I Don’t Care” were described as songs that “sound like they were written by a 12-year-old.”
Despite the criticism, the album showcases Mustaine’s continued commitment to guitar-driven compositions. Guitar World noted that Mustaine emphasized the record was designed to be “a shred guitar celebration.” The album focuses heavily on technical prowess and solo work that has defined Megadeth’s sound throughout their career.
The collaboration with Teemu Mäntysaari has brought fresh energy to Mustaine’s playing. This is evidenced in his comments about how the Finnish guitarist “lit a fire” in his approach to the instrument. Revolver Magazine revealed that the final album features deeply personal lyrics, particularly on tracks like “The Last Note.” In this song, Mustaine directly addresses the end of touring and leaving the band behind.
The album’s focus on technical guitar work and shredding represents a return to Megadeth’s roots. This approach contrasts with some of their more commercially accessible material from previous decades. This vision aligns with Mustaine’s goal of creating music that meets contemporary metal standards while honoring the band’s legacy as pioneers of thrash metal.
