Guitarist Chris Broderick spent seven years playing in Megadeth, recording three albums along the way. Announcing his exit in 2014, the axeman moved on to form Act of Defiance, citing "artistic and musical differences" as the reason for his departure. In a new interview Broderick cleared the air, naming a lack of creative freedom as his motive.

"I wouldn't say it's necessarily artistic and musical differences as much as it is the ability to express my musical and artistic choices," Broderick told Ultimate Guitar when asked about creative differences with Dave Mustaine. "Everybody knows that Megadeth is really Dave and that's fine." The guitarist again expressed he knew Mustaine was the "captain of the ship," stating, "I knew that going in. But there comes a time where you're like, 'I've done this and it's great, but I'm a musician and artist at heart and I need to express myself that way.' So I need to have that outlet for myself and not just do it in support of another person."

When asked how the "ship" was run, Broderick reiterated he was content with the lack of democracy, adding, "It was awesome for my career and it was great playing for all those fans but at some point, when do you decide you're gonna be a musician and really create your own music or are you just going to record what somebody else wants?"

Clearly seeking the ability to write his own material, Broderick was asked if he would have remained in Megadeth if given creative freedom, to which he replied, "Oh yeah, definitely."

Just hours prior to Broderick's departure, drummer Shawn Drover announced he'd be stepping down from Megadeth. The two formed the thrash outfit Act of Defiance, recruiting former Scar the Martyr vocalist Henry Derek and Shadows Fall's Matt Bachand on bass. Their debut album, Birth and the Burial, was released last year.

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