Megadeth have finally announced a replacement for the recently departed guitarist Chris Broderick.
Joining the band is Kiko Loureiro from the Brazilian heavy metal band Angra.
Dave Mustaine wrote of bringing Loureiro into the fold on the band’s website:
I first met Kiko around 8 years ago for a cover shoot for Burrn! magazine. I had no idea who he was, other than the fact he was tremendously talented and that the staff from Burrn! held him in high regard. Since then I’ve come to see what a guitar virtuoso he is, and I’m deeply encouraged by his depth and talent. Very few Megadeth alumni have had the same feel and ability as Kiko. As Frank Sinatra says, “the best is yet to come!”
Loureiro was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and took up the acoustic guitar at age 11. His early influences of Eddie Van Halen, Jimmy Page and Jimi Hendrix led to him switching to electric within two years. At the age of 19, he the fledgling Angra and, over 22 years, has recorded eight studio albums with them. He also has released four solo albums along with a number of instructional videos.
Rafael Bittencourt, the other guitarist in Angra, wrote of his admiration of Loureiro’s new gig:
Kiko is in Megadeth – what a feeling of pride! This is an amazing achievement for Brazilian metal. I have known Kiko for many years. He deserves this great opportunity more than anyone else. He has been tracking a very serious and talented career.
I believe he will comply with all activities he has already committed to, and he will always be part of our family. He will not be able to turn his back on something he helped build. I’m sure we will still do a lot together – either in or out of Angra.
Drummer Chris Adler from Lamb of God is guesting with the band as a replacement drummer for Shawn Drover, who left at the same time as Broderick.
