Following weeks of speculation based on very careful knee-cap watching, it’s official: Lamb of God drummer Chris Adler will play drums on the new Megadeth album following Shawn Drover’s exit last year.

It’s not clear whether Adler will become an official member of Megadeth, but, based on the wording of a press release that arrived at the MetalSucks Mansion moments ago — and, of course, his busy schedule with Lamb of God — that doesn’t seem to be the case. More likely, as Adler did with Protest the Hero in 2013, he’ll play drums on the album then leave the grueling touring duties to someone else.

Dave Mustaine comments:

Chris is a tremendous talent, and an amazing person. He is going to bring a new level of excitement and energy to Megadeth that the fans are going to lose their minds over. I have nothing but respect for my previous drummers, but this is going to absolutely KILL! Back in 1989, MEGADETH originally worked as a three piece – guitar, bass and drums – when we laid down the framework to our GRAMMY® nominated platinum album ‘Rust In Peace.’ I want to thank the other members of Lamb Of God for allowing this opportunity to take place for all of us in the metal community.

Says David Ellefson:

Chris has been an endearing friend to us in Megadeth for many years now, and he truly appreciates our music and its legacy. His drumming has forged such an innovative and ferocious path for metal music and I’m very proud that he is anchoring our rhythm section with us on this new album. I can clearly see a new dawn of ‘utmost heaviness’ unfolding in Megadeth next chapter.

Chris Adler, who must feel like a kid in a candy store, offers:

Megadeth was the game changer for me. Growing up, there was no other band that meant as much to my musical interest and direction. There is no doubt I would not be doing what I have been doing for the past three decades had I not stumbled across ‘Killing Is My Business’ and the bible of all metal, ‘Peace Sells’ in my formative years. About 10 years ago, Lamb of God toured with Megadeth and I was able to share that story with Dave and David, and we have kept in touch ever since. When Dave called me a while ago and asked if I was interested in making a thrash metal album with him, I felt like I must’ve been on a hidden camera show. I was trying to play it cool, but I was speechless other than YES! Once I called my wife and my band guys to let everyone know, I had some time to really think about it and how I can best fit into this situation. I’m coming into this on fire. There is an incredible amount of respect, but the goal here is to make the very best thrash album we can. Together, I believe we can do something very special! Get ready for a very exciting chapter in the Megadeth legacy.

So, the following questions come to mind: 1) Will Adler have any writing input on this forthcoming Megadeth album? 2) Either way, will Adler’s playing impact Megadeth’s sound significantly or will he just fade into the background? Most importantly, will this album be any better than the super-turd that was Super Collider?

Chime in with your thoughts below.