On November 14, 2025, Megadeth released the second single from their self-titled farewell album: “I Don’t Care.” The track is a short, punk-infused number where frontman Dave Mustaine seemingly flips the bird to the music industry, offering a defiant farewell after a forty-year career filled with highs, lows, and rivalry—especially with Metallica.
At first listen, the song carries the attitude of a band saying goodbye with swagger. Mustaine’s lyrics reflect decades of frustration, recognition, and personal battles. But according to critics and fans alike, there’s a sense that the defiance is more performative than genuine. MetalSucks notes that Mustaine, known for wearing his heart on his sleeve, seems to have held back in his lyricism and vocal performance: the track feels “basic and stock,” even bordering on playful simplicity reminiscent of a Dr. Seuss rhyme.
Despite these criticisms, the musicianship remains undeniably strong. The rhythm section keeps a tight foundation, and Temu’s guitar solo is praised as one of the standout moments. The song harkens back to Megadeth’s punk roots, but for some listeners, it also highlights a tension between raw energy and emotional authenticity.
The single follows a bold move by Mustaine: re-recording a Metallica track for the album. This juxtaposition—sending off Megadeth with both defiance and homage—has left some questioning how seriously Mustaine approached the song’s creation. Still, the hope remains that the rest of the album will deliver the triumph fans expect.
Megadeth’s self-titled farewell album is slated for release on January 23, 2026, via BLKII BLK, and preorders are currently available. The album promises a mix of new material and bold nods to Mustaine’s storied past, including tracks like “Hey, God?” and “Let There Be Shred.”
