It seems the Metallica-reject-turned-thrash-metal-powerhouse Dave Mustaine is keeping in step to fans’ demands as of late. Hot off the heels of United Abominations, Mustaine and Megadeth continue a rather accurate portrayal of a return to form with their currently untitled 12th studio album, slated for later this year. Not one for mincing words, the assuredly excited Mustaine is working with his band alongside Abominations producer, acclaimed Brit Andy “Undie” Sneap. After Megadeth’s most recent replacement, guitarist Chris Broderick, entered in to cover Glen Drover, Mustaine had this to say to Blabbermouth.net about the band’s latest outing:

“I’m at the studio right now, Vic’s Garage, and we are done! We’re just right now finishing the last couple of notes on the new record, and Andy getting ready to pack his bags and head up to Los Angeles tomorrow to get ready to fly back home on Thursday. Man, this has been a long, grueling, enduring process but it’s been so worth it, and I’m so excited. I’m more excited about this record then I’ve been in any record since back in the 1980s. I would say, probably since, well definitely since ‘Rust In Peace’ there’s nothing that’s excited me this much — maybe ‘Countdown’ ['To Extinction'], but this is just absolutely insane.”

While this all basically amounts to banter equivalent of an overly anxious schoolboy losing his virginity, one cannot deny that his excitement is justified. That, in and of itself, is a rarity and a welcome one at that no matter how juvenile or egotistical it comes off as. After all, if these words had been spoken by James Hetfield prior to Death Magnetic, we would all have been at least a wee bit skeptical. In Mustaine’s case, you just cannot help but feel happy for the guy.

The untitled 12th album is seeking a September 2009 release once production is finalized at Vic’s Garage Studio in San Marcos, CA.