July 25th, 2026 - That Ridgeline Glow You Get From Megadeth

 

Hello and happy Saturday rattle heads and hops heads!  The Meista here with killer pairing for ya today... Megadeth's self-titled, final album and a hoppy and juicy Ridgeline Glow Hazy IPA from the fine folks at Revision Brewing Company!  Hells yeah!!

Album Info:

• Artist: Megadeth
• Title: "Megadeth"
• Recorded: 2025 at NOZ Entertainment in La Vergne, Tennessee and One-On-One Recording Studios in North Hollywood, Los Angeles, California
• Release date: January 23rd, 2026 (17th and final studio album by Megadeth)
• Record company: BLKIIBLK Records
• Production: Teemu Mäntysaari and Dave Mustaine
• Album cover art: Blake Armstrong
• Personnel: James LoMenzo (bass), Teemu Mäntysaari (rhythm and lead guitar), Dave Mustaine (lead vocals, rhythm and lead guitars), and Dirk Verbeuren (drums)
• Musical style: Heavy metal with elements of speed metal and thrash metal
• Sound: Let's be honest.  Megadeth hasn't really been a true thrash metal band for a long time and Mustaine's lyrics over the years, while usually interesting, sometimes display his lack of education (especially in terms of science) and misguided attempts at being provocative.  That being said, Megadeth is still a kickass, rocking juggernaut of a band and with this, their final album, they've finished things up in fine fashion!  I think the real strength of this album is the wonderfully crafted songwriting and guitar work.  Mäntysaari and Mustaine displays some really tasty riffs on this one!  And, although unnecessary, I rather enjoyed their cover of "Ride The Lightning". 
• Major themes: Life, death, heavy metal, socio-political criticism, states of conflict, chaos, violence, war, anger, the end, etc.
• Tracks:  

1. "Tipping Point"
2. "I Don't Care"
3. "Hey, God?!"
4. "Let There Be Shred"
5. "Puppet Parade"
6. "Another Bad Day"
7. "Made To Kill"
8. "Obey The Call"
9. "I Am War"
10. "The Last Note"
11. "Ride The Lightning" (Metallica cover)

Brew Info:

• Brewery: Revision Brewing Company (Sparks, Nevada) 
• Website: https://revisionbrewing.com/
• Brew: Ridgeline Glow Hazy IPA
• Style: New England-style Hazy India Pale Ale (NEIPA)
• Serving: 16 ounce can
• ABV: 6.5%
• IBUs: 35
• Pour: The Ridgeline Glow Hazy IPA pours a very hazy golden-yellow hue with a frothy, bright white, half-finger head with good retention and sudsy, sticky lacing.
• Nose: The nose is very citrusy ant tropical with more subtle floral and malt elements.  There are aromas of bright tangerine, mandarin oranges, lemon zest, lime juice and peel, grapefruit rind, bright mango, freshly cut melon, wildflowers, light pine resin, freshly cut hay, and soft caramel/toffee.
• Taste: Hop-forward and very juicy, the taste of the Ridgeline Glow Hazy IPA is citrusy, fruity, and slightly sweet.  There are notes of bright tangerine, mandarin orange juice, cantaloupe, lime, mango, light pineapple, guava, resiny pine, and light toffee.
• Mouthfeel: Medium to full-bodied with moderate carbonation, the mouthfeel is very crisp and very juicy, yet smooth and creamy with a dry, slightly sweet, and mildly bitter finish.

Overall pairing: The crisp, punchy, unique character of the Revision Ridgeline Glow is great for the chugging heavy metal onslaught that is Megadeth's final album!  Those citrusy hop notes go great with Mustaine's bitter vocals and angry lyrics, while the sweeter, more tropical fruit and berry flavors complement Mäntysaari's and Mustaine's guitar acrobatics and Verbeuren's powerful drumming and LoMenzo's thunderous bass!  I also like the look of the beer can label next to the fantastic album cover artwork of Blake Armstrong and the colored vinyl!

In related news, check out my interview with ex-Megadeth guitars Jeff Young here: https://youtu.be/Y66fMH_OXyA

Cheers!!  Hails!!  Have a rockin' day!!