Megadeth.com’s forums are a busy place and with regular updates from the band, the guys like to keep you guys in the know…

Dave Mustaine has posted the following message in the “Forums” section of the bands official web site:

“It was great seeing some of the guitarists that were at [the] Dean [booth at NAMM in Anaheim, California] that I respect as players (most of them from when I was developing my own style) like Rik Emmett from TRIUMPH, and Rudy Schenker from the SCORPIONS. I missed Leslie 'Green' West (inside joke) and saw a lot of other people that went by in a blur; Phil from ARMORED SAINT, Rita (Darrell's [Abbott] girl), and numerous people I thought were out of the business or presumed dead.

“One guy walked up to me and introduced his kids, and said something like, 'It's good seeing you again, . . . how you been?' and my brain started itching because I didn't know this guy from a hole in the ground.

“Ah, and you want to be famous?

“So, yes the May 8th date is finally confirmed [for the new MEGADETH album, 'United Abominations' now that the mix is nearly done. I hate saying when release dates are, because sometimes they change, and you have to deal with naysayers who behave like the ultimate inch of colon, but I would rather this record was finished to my standards, and above (which it is . . . about time, I know) then put out a soft record.

“Metal needs a really good old-school record again. I believe I have delivered. It ain't 'Rust in Peace 2', but it could be the record that makes me forget about everything in between.”

SOURCE: BLABBERMOUTH

Also delivering an update is Megadeth Bassist James LoMenzo:

“Thought I’d drop a quick one for you Mega-friends/fans out there to let you know how stoked I am with the final songs I’ve just heard from United Abominations. This Shit Slams! Dave (Mustaine) and Glen (Drover) have outdone themselves (as usual) on their last bits and now we’re all waiting for Andy (Sneap) to do his mix thing and “bring the metal”. I know he’ll make it as sonically destructive as todays electronics can handle but just to be on the safe side, I’d pick up a back up MP3/CD player. Participating in the making of this, my first Megadeth album, has been a real treat for me. Working with Dave has been wildly inspirational. His tenacity, conviction and drive serve as a total inspiration and I believe he’s brought the best out in all of us. Of course I’ve said it before, but Glen and Shawn are world class in every sense of the word and it’s an honor to play beside them.

I want to thank all the Fan Club members for a great chat last week, I had a blast… very cool questions (thanks). Sorry there's no transcript, I guess the webmaster's dog ate it! (Just kidding D.)

I also want to thank the fans who took the time to wish me a happy birthday last week, very cool and much appreciated!

Hey, for those of you who’ll be down at the NAMM show (Saturday, January 20th) stop by either the Rotosound booth (4905 at 1:30), or Electro-voice (6571 at 2:30). I’ll look forward to meeting, signing stuff and hanging with you.

Dave, Glen, Shawn and I are looking forward to a kick ass year with all of you!”

SOURCE: THE GUANTLET