For over 20 years Megadeth, lead by Dave Mustaine, has been one of the front runners in heavy metal music. Ever since their 1985 debut album "Killing is my Business... And Business is good," when Megadeth burst on to the scene, Megadeth started collecting Gold, Platinum, and Double Platinum records. Along the way they also collected legions of devoted fans, groupies, and a few Grammy Nominations.

Through the 80's and 90's arenas around the world were shaken to their foundations while Megadeth rocked packed houses, and shattered eardrums. Rabid fans would throw there bodies, arms and fists around to songs such as "Rust in Peace," "Hanger 18," "Countdown to Extinction," and "99 Ways To Die," all of which were nominated for Grammies.

Then in April of 2002 many were saddened to hear that while on Vacation in Texas, Mr. Megadeth incurred sever nerve damage to his left had. With the prospect of intense rehabilitation, and the chance that the use of the hand might not return, regretfully, Dave Mustaine backed out as lead singer and guitar player of Megadeth in 2002.

Now with a considerable amount of rehabilitation behind him, Dave seems poised to take back his metal moniker. He has recently allied himself with ESP guitars and there is talk of a solo project that is due to hit the streets in 2004.

The end result of this venture with ESP guitars is the release of his signature series guitars called appropriately the DV8 (Deviate) series. These are a Flying V style heavy metal guitars that are appointed to the specifications of Dave himself. With an Eight ball inlay on the first fret, this guitar incorporates the confident and sometimes cocky attitude of the artist who inspired it.

Little information is currently available about his solo effort. Dave had been spending the better part of the last year and a half trying to rehabilitate a badly damaged left hand. From all accounts the prognosis is good, and he is ready to hit the road again. One can only speculate as to the excitement of this Metal Icon at the prospect of returning to music a place that he once showed dominance.