Metal legends Lamb of God released their cover of Megadeth's "Wake Up Dead" (the lead single off of Megadeth's 1986 album "Peace Sells...but Who's Buying?") this month. The track was released April 1, 2022 through Epic Records.
Lamb of God themselves not only cover the song. The band is also joined by Megadeth themselves for this rendition. Dave Mustaine contributed his signature vocals alongside Lamb of God vocalist D. Randall Blythe and his band mates Kiko Loureiro, Dirk Verbeuren and James LoMenzo. He also contributed his shredding guitar solos with Lamb of God's Mark Morton and Loureiro.
"'Wake Up Dead' was a massively important song for me as an aspiring young guitar player. It was one of the first songs that began my lifelong love of thrash metal and helped reinforce for me that, while solos may be fun, my allegiance is to the RIFF!" Morton stated. "So you can imagine what a thrill it’s been for Lamb to cover this legendary song with Dave & the rest of the Megadeth guys. Truly an honor. We all had a lot of fun putting this together and I think you can hear that energy in the track. I hope everybody enjoys this one and we can’t wait to see y’all on The Metal Tour of the Year."
Both vocalists also had statements of their own to share.
"We had a blast playing with Lamb of God on their cover of ‘Wake Up Dead’. Almost as much fun as we’re going to have playing every night on Metal Tour Of The Year. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone!" Mustaine commented about the cover.
Randy Blythe also commented on the release and tour stating, “The first leg of The Metal Tour of the Year back in 2021 was a total blast, and we’re about to take it on the road again. What better way to kick it off than a little inter-band jam session? All nine members of Megadeth and Lamb of God are on the thrash classic "Wake Up Dead" - turn it up, and we’ll see you on the road!”
Megadeth and Lamb of God begin the second leg of The Metal Tour of the Year with Special Guests Trivium and In Flames beginning April 9th in Las Vegas, NV and wrapping May 19th in Quebec City, QC, Canada.
Listen to the cover and watch the video below: