MEGADETH made a bold statement last Friday, November 14, with the release of their new single, “I Don’t Care.” The track is taken from the band’s forthcoming self-titled album, which guitarist and frontman Dave Mustaine has confirmed will be the final entry in the group’s storied discography.
The song hit the digital scene with impressive force. According to Forbes, “I Don’t Care” climbed to the number one spot on the US iTunes chart, briefly surpassing Taylor Swift’s hit “The Fate of Ophelia.” For a fleeting moment, MEGADETH fans were able to see the legendary metal act at the very top of one of the most competitive music charts in the world.
In addition to Swift, the single also outperformed other high-ranking digital releases, including Alex Warren’s “Ordinary” and K-pop group DEMON HUNTERS’ “Golden.” This short-lived surge underscores the enduring popularity and influence of Megadeth, even after more than four decades on the road.
As of the morning of Monday, November 17, however, “I Don’t Care” has fallen from the chart, no longer appearing in the top 100. Nevertheless, the track’s early success demonstrates that the band’s final chapter is attracting significant attention.
MEGADETH leader Dave Mustaine spoke about the anthemic track: “How many times have you wanted to say this to someone? I know you want to! Deep down inside, if we had the balls, we would tell more people ‘I don’t care’ more often.”
Musically, Mustaine delves into the craftsmanship behind the song: “Part of the main riff in this track had been floating around in my head since we did [2022’s] The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead!, so I was pumped to start recording ‘I Don’t Care’ for this LP. I really love the guitar nuances in the track. There is the main rhythm riff, next, a very deliberate down-picking part, next, the octave chords with jump picking on octave notes (while still down-picking!). And the soloing and back and forth between me and Teemu [Mäntysaari] is magnificent!!”
MEGADETH’s last studio album, Megadeth, is set for release on January 23, 2026 through Mustaine’s Tradecraft imprint in partnership with Frontiers Label Group’s BLKIIBLK label. Fans can expect the record to deliver the same aggressive riffs and intense energy that have defined the band for decades.
Reeder, the visionary behind Metal Addicts, has transformed his lifelong passion for metal into a thriving online community for metal aficionados. As a fervent devotee of black metal, Reeder is captivated by its dark, atmospheric, and often unorthodox soundscapes.