Megadeth headlining Cedar Rapids concert at Alliant Energy PowerHouse

It's been six years since Megadeth's last album, “Dystopia,” was released. The iconic metal act's long-awaited follow-up, “The Sick, The Dying and The Dead,” will drop in July.

“We can't wait for fans to hear the new material,” drummer Dirk Verbeuren said by phone from Lafayette, La. “It's an amazing time for us.”

However, Megadeth aficionados will have to bide their time to experience the fresh cuts since the band, which performs Wednesday at the Alliant Energy PowerHouse in Cedar Rapids, refuses to preview tracks.

“With YouTube and everything, well, we just can't play the new songs until the album comes out,” Verbeuren said. “We want everyone to hear the songs initially as they were recorded. It won't be long before the album comes out. It’s just a couple of months away.”

Megadeth, which includes founding member, vocalist-guitarist-songwriter Dave Mustaine and guitarist Kiko Loureiro, will be fine drawing from its deep canon. Mustaine has been at the helm for 15 albums

“There are so many songs that we can play live,” Verbeuren said. “We have a long list that we can draw from.”

The set list changes each show.

“There are certain songs we have to play, since they're fan favorites, and we're coming in with a big production — but we like to slip in different songs every night,” Verbeuren said.

It’s hard to believe it’s been 40 years since Megadeth formed in Los Angeles. Megadeth took off in 1985 after the release of its first album, “Killing is my Business ... and Business is Good!”

The legendary group is known as one of “The Big Four” thrash metal acts, which also includes Metallica, Slayer and Anthrax.

“Megadeth is without a doubt one of the giants of metal,” Verbeuren said. “I love being part of this band. I know how significant Megadeth is.”

Verbeuren has been behind the drum kit for Megadeth since 2016. The band has made a name for itself courtesy of its complex arrangements, lightning quick rhythms and deep lyrics, which touch on politics, death, war and religion.

“You get so much when you listen to Megadeth songs,” Verbeuren said. “Dave (Mustaine) is a brilliant writer. His songs are so deep. That’s the way it’s always been with him, going way back to the early days of this band. And Megadeth rocks hard.”

Megadeth continues to hit their fans in the gut with its visceral guitar-driven attack. But what about all those pundits, who say guitar rock is dead?

“They're so wrong,” Verbeuren said. “If you look out into the world of music, there are so many bands, young bands, underground bands, and they’re guitar, bass and drums. People still love guitar rock. If you don't believe it, come to a Megadeth show!”