Truenemy Releases Studio Version of Megadeth’s “Almost Honest”

January 19, 2026International Artists, New Music, New Single, News, Press Release Comments (0)

Truenemy Releases Studio Version of Megadeth’s “Almost Honest”

Honoring a Metal Legacy While Forging Their Own

Los Angeles, CA – Truenemy is set to drop a hard-hitting and faithful tribute to the Megadeth hit, “Almost Honest” (from Megadeth’s Cryptic Writings album), on January 16, 2026. The brand-new studio recording was inspired by the sustained fan response to their live performance, which currently stands as the project’s top-viewed video on YouTube. The metal music passion project from the Metro Detroit area is led by the creative mind of Paul Vuocolo (vocals/guitar).

Truenemy approached the track by creating a powerful and authentic tribute that carefully balances reverence with their own identity. While fundamentally based on the original studio version, their arrangement is a composite that also draws in elements from remix, instrumental, and select live versions. Paul says, “Megadeth’s original recording is already formidable, so our goal wasn’t to reinvent it. Instead, we focused on how to bring that dynamic punch and radio-friendly intensity forward and make it resonate within the current (and future) Truenemy sonic landscape.”

Paul emphasizes that Megadeth’s influence on Truenemy truly runs deep, extending beyond just musical style. “The Truenemy band name itself is inspired by a line in the Megadeth song, ‘Sweating Bullets.’ So, I think that says a lot in and of itself!” Musically, he points to the precision, intricate riffing, and melodic sensibilities of the Rust In Peace era lineup, which he notes “forever holds a special place in my heart as both a fan and a guitarist.” In the end, the pervasive Megadeth influence is why this tribute track was an inevitability.

While Truenemy hopes fans appreciate their commitment to the original structure of the track, it is also packed with subtle nods for longtime Megadeth listeners. Paul continues, “To offer a small detail, we layered a synth into the bridge which nods directly to Marty Friedman’s instrumental track on Cryptic Sounds: No Voices In Your Head (a rare, Japan-only EP). Furthermore, we carried the tribute into the visual realm, as our single artwork pays stylistic homage to Hugh Syme’s design for the Cryptic Writingsalbum.”

Paul, who has only met Dave Mustaine briefly at a book signing, speculates on his reaction to hearing Truenemy’s version. While he imagines Mustaine’s response would come with the signature snark fans know and love, Paul’s ultimate hope is simple: “Honestly, it would be the highest compliment just knowing he took the time to listen.”

Truenemy’s next official release will be “Penitent Fate,” a track whose lyrics are inspired by The Divine Comedy (popularly known as Dante’s Inferno) and was originally introduced as a demo. Moving forward, the project plans to both refine and officially release material from their archives while simultaneously developing new music. And yes—fans can expect another Megadeth cover to definitely be a possibility in the future.

The “Almost Honest” single was recorded and mixed at the legendary Pearl Sound Studios in Canton, Michigan. Production was handled by Super Producer Chuck Alkazian (Pop Evil, Soundgarden, Tantric) in conjunction with Truenemy’s Paul Vuocolo.