Pioneer thrash act Megadeth is hopping on the VR Train with the release of their new album Dystopia. The band will head into a special studio to perform and film five songs from the new album: Fatal Illusion, Dystopia, The Threat Is Real, Poisonous Shadows, and Post American World.
The band will be working with director Blair Underwood, who directed the 2009 indie feature The Bridge to Nowhere as well as other music videos, short film, and commercials. You may know Underwood from his seven-year stint as attorney Jonathon Rollins on L.A. Law. He can currently be seen in Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., where he plays human alter-ego Andrew Garner to the supervillain Lash.
Megadeth will be rocking out in a dystopian city modeled after the world created in the music video for The Threat is Real.
Megadeth is also teaming up with VR and augmented-reality innovator Next Galaxy Corp. to create a universe that can be explored and engaged with. Fans will be able to purchase a kit that includes the full Dystopia CD and an exclusive Ceek VR cardboard headset made just for this release. A download code allows access to a virtual five-song mini-concert. The headset is compatible with Android and Apple smart phones.
Dystopia features 11 new tracks, and will be released on CD and LP, as well as digitally. It was recorded in Nashville, Tennessee, and mixed by Josh Wilbur, who has worked with Lamb of God, Gojira, and Avenged Sevenfold.
Brazilian guitarist Kiko Loureiro, formerly of Agra, joins the lineup, along with Lamb of God drummer Chris Adler, who took time off from his band just to record with Megadeth. Longtime mega-bassist David Ellefson is also here.
Dave Mustaine and company recently announced details for the Dystopia World Tour, highlighting stops in North America. The tour will bring them across 12 states in addition to Canada.
Dystopia is set for release on January 22, 2016. The deluxe and standard packages can be pre-ordered from the band’s official website as well as through Amazon.
