In a new interview with Indie Power TV, BUCKCHERRY frontman Josh Todd spoke about the band's upcoming eleventh album, which was recorded last month at a Nashville studio with producer Marti Frederiksen. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "We just finished recording and we're waiting for the mixes. And the songs are really great. I can't wait for everybody to hear it. That'll drop next year sometime."

Regarding BUCKCHERRY's working relationship with Frederiksen, Todd said: "Yeah, our relationship with Marti goes way back. We co-wrote 'Sorry' with Marti way back on [the] '15' [album], and then 'Black Butterfly' and 'Confessions'. Marti was all part of all that. It's just unfortunate that we didn't get to continue with him because of the politics in B.C. at the time. So, long story short, it's been great to be back with him. I don't ever wanna do a record without him, and he knows that. He understands this band for what's special about BUCKCHERRY, bringing out those elements in us. I think we bring out elements in him that he likes, and we work as a team. We do what's best for the song. We leave the egos at the door and we get to it and we always make great stuff. So it's been a lot of fun making records."

He added: "And [Marti's] got a mini-me. His son is Evan Frederiksen, and he's on this record too. And he was on the last record, and he's really so Marti-ish. And he's gonna be a big player down the line too. He's great. He's very talented. And just like Marti — Marti started on drums; that was his instrument. And then [Marti] eventually got into songwriting, and he can play guitar and he sings and he does it all. He's always writing with somebody at all times, so he's just a wealth of information. And I always learn so much doing records with him."

Last month, BUCKCHERRY guitarist Stevie Dacanay (a.k.a. Stevie D.) told Shawn Ratches of Laughingmonkeymusic about the band's upcoming eleventh album: "We're gonna do a 10-song album like we normally do. We got together with Marti Frederiksen at a couple points in this past year to songwrite and then we also demo at my studio in California. And we wrote — I don't know — maybe 20-plus songs. And we always whittle that down to 10 songs… And it will come out probably next year, spring sometime."

Regarding BUCKCHERRY's working relationship with Marti, Stevie said: "We've known him for a very long time. About 20 years ago, he co-wrote [the song] 'Sorry' and then produced the 'Black Butterfly' album after that. So we've known him since then, but we got together with him for [2021's] 'Hellbound' album. We reconnected and, in my opinion, we've done some stuff, sonically and musically, that's been really great. And I love the process. I love coming here [to his studio in Nashville] and working with him. It's such an inspiring kind of environment. And there's a lot of history here at the studio and the vibe here just is real conducive to creating. But yeah, working with Marti, and his son now is an integral part of this camp, a lot gets done pretty quickly. And, yeah, I can't say enough good stuff about this place."

Dacanay went on to speak in more detail about the BUCKCHERRY songwriting process, saying: "There's a considerable amount of preparation before we actually get in here to track the album. So we'll spend the year writing and demoing songs, and then we'll pick out the songs we wanna focus on. And then I'll make a demo of the 10 songs and give 'em to the rest of the guys — Kelly [LeMieux, bass], Francis [Ruiz, drums] and Billy [Rowe, guitar]. They'll learn the songs in kind of what they wanna do their parts. And then we'll all fly in… What happened this time is we all flew in pretty early in the morning and just started cranking it out. And these guys are — they're crackerjacks. So they can get in and do their respective parts in a day, 10 songs, and then their second day would be about just touch-ups or revisions or something like that. But each guy knocks his parts out in a couple days. So they were in and out of here in four or five days, I believe. We had two studios going. There's four studios here. So at one point we'll have two rooms going — one with, let's say Billy's in one room and Kelly's in another tracking or Francis. Francis, at one point, was the only one… When he starts it off, there's nothing else to start recording, so Francis goes first and knocks out the majority of it, and then everyone else just starts jumping in."

"Vol. 10" came out in June 2023. The 11-song LP featured 10 new BUCKCHERRY originals and, as a bonus track, a cover of the Bryan Adams classic "Summer Of 69". The album was produced by Frederiksen and recorded at Sienna Studios in Nashville. The album was released in North America by Round Hill Records, in Japan by Sony Japan, and by Earache Records for the rest of the world.

In November 2023, BUCKCHERRY released a new holiday song called "Tell 'Em It's Christmas".

BUCKCHERRY previously released another holiday song, "Christmas Is Here", back in 2010.

In the summer of 2020, BUCKCHERRY recruited JETBOY's Rowe as its new guitarist. He joined the group as the replacement for Kevin Roentgen, who left BUCKCHERRY in July of that year.

In 2019, BUCKCHERRY enlisted Ruiz as its new drummer. He joined the group as the replacement for Sean Winchester, who exited BUCKCHERRY after laying down the drum tracks on "Warpaint".

Endurance Music Group has announced the January 17, 2025 release of the 20th-anniversary deluxe edition of the double-platinum BUCKCHERRY album "15" on physical and digital formats. Released in 2005, the album featured the four-times-platinum single "Crazy Bitch" and the two-times-platinum single "Sorry". The deluxe edition will be released in North America on a two vinyl LP format featuring the album's 11 original songs as well as four bonus tracks recorded in 2005 and three newly recorded acoustic tracks by Todd and guitarist Stevie Dacanay (a.k.a. Stevie D.)

The album is available for preorder in the U.S. at Amazon and at Real Gone Music.

Outside of North America, the album will be distributed by Earache Records on four exclusive LP colors, black vinyl and deluxe CD formats.

BUCKCHERRY will perform the "15" album in its entirety on all 2025 tour dates which begin in March.

In a recent interview with Sidewalks Entertainment host Lori Rosales, SCORPIONS guitarist Rudolf Schenker and singer Klaus Meine were asked what piece of advice they would give to young musicians who are looking to break into the music industry. Rudolf said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Advice is believe in yourself. Believe, yeah, in yourself and make something you are happy with. My father, when I was young, saw me thinking about what can I be. And then he said, 'Hey, make what you like and the money comes by itself,' what you're happy with. So that's an important point. Most people go and work their whole life only to make money. No, I was really making music because I want to enjoy music. And I found the right people together with Klaus, and now we have [drummer] Mikkey Dee, a very, very strong guy who came into the band, Matthias [Jabs, guitar] and Paweł [Mąciwoda, bass]. And that's fun. That's fun. That's the point. Have fun. Don't waste your time with people you don't like."

Added Klaus: "Just follow your heart and enjoy rock and roll music."

SCORPIONS are returning to the Las Vegas Strip in 2025 with exclusive headlining residency show in celebration of the band's 60th anniversary. Promoted by Live Nation and Caesars Entertainment, "Scorpions - Coming Home To Las Vegas 60th Anniversary Las Vegas Residency" kicks off on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at PH Live at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. SCORPIONS will be joined by special guest BUCKCHERRY. The new show follows the band's two previous sold-out residencies at the venue — "Scorpions - Love at First Sting Las Vegas" in 2024 and "Sin City Nights" in 2022.

The five performances are:

February 2025: 27
March 2025: 1, 6, 8, 11

Shows begin at 8 p.m.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit Ticketmaster.com/ScorpionsVegas.

With over 110 million records sold around the world, the band will play fan favorites from their incredible catalogue including "Wind Of Change", "Still Loving You", "Rock You Like A Hurricane", "Send Me An Angel" and many more.

Founded in Hannover, West Germany in 1965, SCORPIONS were part of the first wave of metal in the 1970s with their debut album, "Lonesome Crow", released in 1972. The band rose to arena status with seminal releases "Lovedrive", "Virgin Killer" and "Animal Magnetism". In the 1980s, SCORPIONS amassed a string of Billboard chart toppers from "Love At First Sting" and "Blackout", including Top 10 singles "Rock You Like A Hurricane" and "No One Like You", as well a string of successful singles such as "Send Me An Angel", "Still Loving You" and "Wind Of Change".

The band was also ranked No. 46 on VH1's "Greatest Artists Of Hard Rock" and their hit "Rock You Like A Hurricane" landed as No. 18 on VH1's list of the "100 Greatest Hard Rock Songs".

Celebrated across the globe, the iconic rock act has sold more than 110 million albums worldwide and has received multiple honors, including World Music Award winners, a postage stamp in Brazil, a star on Hollywood RockWalk and Echo honors. Most recently, they were honored with the Lower Saxon State Award.

Induction featuring Tim Kanoa Hansen - the son of Helloween / Gamma Ray legend Kai Hansen and the band's creative mastermind - have checked in with the following update:


"Induction is complete again. The epos continues… 


We are thrilled to present to you, the definitive line-up of Induction. We could not be happier with the full package that from now on will shine the flame of heavy and power-metal.




Please welcome: Gabriele Gozzi on vocals, Justus Sahlman on the guitar, and Markus 'Maks' Felber on drums. All of them have proven their musical prowess beyond any doubt. Now together, more than ever, Induction is ready to take the world of metal by storm. Spread the word and be ready for more. 


We bring the heat!"


Induction released their digital EP, titled The Power Of Power, in August 2023. It features the brand new track "Set You Free", as well as the most power metal songs of the band's repertoire. Rekindling all classic elements of the genre in its own modern and unique way, "Set You Free" is Induction's interpretation and homage to the glorious days of power metal.

One of thrash metal's most exciting young contenders, Hazzerd, have released a second song from the group’s third album (to be released January 17). While “Deathbringer” saw the Canadian quartet come roaring back with a heavy, intense track that never lost sight of its melody and catchiness, the oddly named follow-up – no that’s not a typo – “ThArSh TiLl DeTh” offers up another facet of the group’s repertoire.


“The newest single off our upcoming 3rd album is the quote ‘silly track’ on the record. Continuing a tradition from both our debut album, Misleading Evil and sophomore album, Delirium, by adding in a light-hearted, funny sounding track. The song is spelt all weird & unorthodox as the word ‘Tharsh’ comes from us being silly kids and calling the genre Tharsh as opposed to Thrash and the uppercase/lowercase lettering is meant to portray someone mocking the term Thrash till Death,” explains drummer/singer Dylan Westendorp.


“The lyrics really are pointed at our younger selves as we truly didn’t listen to anything other than metal music and we thought less of people who did. So basically, the track is making fun of us when we were metal elitists haha. A very fun and fast song--straight to the point. The party song on ‘The 3rd Dimension.’ Please enjoy the music video we put together. We think you will! Now on YouTube!”




The clip features the new full line-up of Hazzerd, including the debut appearance from new guitarist Nick Schwartz (also of Tymo).


The track appears on Hazzard’s new album, The 3rd Dimension, out January 17, 2025 via M-Theory Audio. Available as a jewelcase CD or on limited colored vinyl Rough Seas (200) for the N. American version and Mars Attacks (300) as the European variant, as well as a 100 limited run of cassettes exclusively from the band and label.


The 3rd Dimension is the follow-up to 2020’s Delirium, one of the best and consistent sellers at M-Theory Audio that even received a nod from Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine who championed the group as a promising thrash hopeful, alongside Power Trip. The 3rd Dimension was mastered by Johnny Gasparic (Into Eternity) and features cover artwork once again by Andrei Bouzikov (Municipal Waste, Toxic Holocaust, Skeletonwitch). Preorder here.


“Thank you all for being so patient with us while we worked on the band as a whole and the new album over the last few years,” states Dylan. “We really can’t wait for you to hear it. This is for you -- the fans, the underground.”

Liquid Death has introduced the greatest accessory for concertgoers everywhere — the limited-edition Pit Diaper powered by Depend.

Endorsed by drummer Ben Koller (CONVERGE, MUTOID MAN, KILLER BE KILLED, ALL PIGS MUST DIE),the Pit Diaper locks away recycled Liquid Death and helps neutralize odors instantly, so you never have to leave the pit, miss your favorite song or worry about leaks ever again.

Compatible with Depend Guards for men, the sleek design features premium, cruelty-free quilted pleather, accented with chains and spikes, to seamlessly blend into any outfit.

Koller states: "The show can't be stopped for a bathroom break. With the Pit Diaper, I can hydrate without missing a beat."

The Pit Diaper can be purchased exclusively at liquiddeath.com/pitdiaper for $75.

Earlier this year, Liquid Death announced collaborations with e.l.f. Cosmetics for a corpse paint makeup kit and Yeti for a life-sized coffin-shaped cooler.

This past March, Liquid Death closed $67 million in financing from strategic partners and new investors including top national distributors, along with notable names in entertainment and sports.

"Liquid Death has become the fastest growing and leading brand across the water, flavored sparkling water, and iced tea categories. We continue to see extremely strong consumer and retailer demand and are proud to have raised a strategic, oversubscribed, 'up' round to fuel our growth," said Mike Cessario, founder and CEO of Liquid Death. "What began as appealing to inbound interest has culminated in a leading group of strategic investors from finance, entertainment and distribution backgrounds. This round, coupled with the appointment of Stephen Ballard, a seasoned sales executive and White Claw alum, will enable us to continue scaling a world-class distribution network to murder thirst and plastic bottles around the globe."

The $1.4 billion valuation is a strong increase over prior funding rounds. Distributor investors include the No. 1 distributors in North Carolina, Oregon, Utah, and Washington, and top distributors in other key markets around the country. New institutional investors include SuRo Capital alongside follow-on investors Live Nation, Science, Inc. and Gray's Creek Capital Partners. Other prominent investors in the round include actor Josh Brolin, NFL All-Pro and entrepreneur DeAndre Hopkins, "The Chapelle Show" co-creator Neal Brennan, Brazil's largest metal band SEPULTURA's Derrick Green, and Australian comedian Jim Jefferies.

Liquid Death hit $263 million in retail scanned sales through registers in 2023 and expanded to 113,000 retail doors across the U.S. and U.K. The company achieved over triple-digit growth for the third consecutive year, becoming the fastest-growing top water and top iced tea brand, according to SPINS.

As one of the fastest-growing non-alcoholic beverage brands, Liquid Death is the first beverage company using comedy and entertainment to make health and sustainability 50 times more fun. Liquid Death takes the healthiest thing you can drink and packages it into infinitely recyclable tallboy cans that can actually compete with the fun marketing of unhealthy brands across energy drinks, beer, and junk food. A portion of Liquid Death's proceeds goes to nonprofits who are helping to fight plastic pollution and bringing clean drinking water to those in need.

Rome death metal act Ade have announced their fifth full-length album Supplicium, set for release on March 14, 2025 via Time To Kill Records.


Preorder at timetokillrecords.com.


True to their musical identity, the band continues to explore the allure of ancient Rome, weaving tales of battles, sacrifices, and glory into a powerful and immersive narrative.




Supplicium represents a perfect balance between tradition and modernity. On one hand, the lyrical concept and epic atmospheres transport the listener to the age of the Roman Empire, evoking visions of triumphant marches and blood-soaked arenas. On the other hand, the sound becomes increasingly technical and refined, with tight riffs, relentless rhythmic sections, and flawless production that enhances every detail.


The album, crafted with meticulous care, succeeds in combining the brutality of death metal with highly complex instrumental passages, showcasing a band in constant evolution.


With Supplicium, Ade reaffirm their role as champions of a death metal where historical tradition and modern sound coexist, creating an experience that is both ferocious and captivating.


Watch the official visualizer for the first single "Burnt Before Gods" below.

Solid Rock Revival, the debut album from Rock For Children, is out now. Featuring 13 tracks with legends like Alice Cooper, Rob Halford, Slash, and more, this album has something for everyone.


Today, Rock For Children release the animated music video for the track "Freewheelin'", featuring Alice Cooper, his daughter Calico Cooper, and Guns N' Roses guitar hero, Slash. Watch below:







The full-length Solid Rock Revival studio album features performances and song remakes geared towards subject matter for children such as education, friendship, playing sports, etc. Artists include legendary rockers Alice Cooper, Rob Halford, Run DMC’s Daryl McDaniels and others. Proceeds from the sale of the album, as well as live concerts and special events, will benefit the Norelli Foundation as well as Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Foundation.


The Norelli Family Foundation provides support and assistance to children and young adults in need. Since its inception in 2013, the Foundation has worked tirelessly to help improve the lives of those most in need through partnerships with St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Solid Rock Foundation, New Hope for Kids, Florida USA VB, The Colton Society, The Steve Azar St. Cecila Foundation and the Sunshine State Kids.


Executive Producer/Producer Joe Norelli teamed up with Grammy winner Ruben Salas and Producer/Artist and Studio owner, Dana Kamide to co-write, produce and record the album’s tracks. Norelli, along with the in-house production duo, oversaw the re-creation of several classic rock and 80’s remakes as well as brand new originals written by the production duo for the album.


Salas is credited with multiple Grammy wins and nominations in several different music genres including the Music for Children category.  He also holds 2017 production credits with a Guiness Record for Longest Song.


In addition to being a Producer/artist and studio owner, Kamide is founder of Berliner Microphones and chief engineer of the highly acclaimed Berliner U77 Tube microphone. The U77 was hailed as one of the “Best New Microphones” and landed on the front cover of Pro Audio Review that same year. His wife, Guitarist/Violinist Gee Lo, 2NE1) Sharon Aguilar Kamide appears throughout the album on several tracks performing guitar and violin.


“Music is a powerful tool for inspiration and learning,” says Norelli, “and we wanted to create an album that not only entertains children but also helps drive a positive and uplifting message.  We believe that Rock for Children will do just that, and we’re excited to share it with families everywhere.”


Alice Cooper, one of the main featured artists to perform on the album, is lending an exclusive remake of his classic 70’s hit “No More Mr. Nice Guy” to the album. Cooper has re-penned the lyrics with an anti-bullying message and is calling it “Now I'm

Melodic metal powerhouse The Ferrymen (Magnus Karlsson, Ronnie Romero, and Mike Terrana) are thrilled to announce the release of their new studio album, Iron Will, set for release on January 24, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl.


To get a taste of what’s to come, they’ve shared the first single and accompanying video for the title track, which is available now.


Guitarist Magnus Karlsson expresses his excitement for the release:




“It’s pure fire creating metal with legends like Ronnie and Mike! These tracks hit hard with unrelenting power, but there’s this raw, emotional edge woven into the heaviness that I can’t get enough of. Heavy, honest, and straight from the soul—that’s the vibe we’re bringing”.


“As usual, I just loved singing over Magnus/The Ferrymen songs!! As a singer there is nothing better to work on melodies and lyrics that inspire your performance, but also in real life day by day, and that’s something I strongly believe the fans of the band like the most of this project.” 


“Can’t wait for everybody to listen what, once again, is a strong melodic yet heavy album that I am very proud of,” adds vocalist Ronnie Romero.


Preorder here.


On Iron Will, the band once again blends classic heavy metal with modernized songwriting, delivering an intense and refreshed sound. This album is a pure adrenaline rush for melodic heavy metal fans, packed with epic structures and soaring melodies.


The music is quintessential Ferrymen: heavy, melodic, and masterfully crafted. Karlsson’s signature songwriting shines through with intricate, robust arrangements, complemented by Romero’s commanding vocals and Terrana’s explosive drumming.


The album starts with “Choke Hold,” transitioning from an emotional intro into a massive melodic metal anthem. Tracks like “Mother Unholy,” “Adrenaline,�

DREAM THEATER guitarist John Petrucci has released a video message in which he reflected on the band's just-completed European leg of the 40th-anniversary tour. The trek — presented as "An Evening With Dream Theater" — kicked off on October 20 at the O2 Arena in London, United Kingdom, marking the progressive metal legends' first concert with drummer Mike Portnoy in 14 years, and ran through November 24 in Amsterdam, hitting cities in numerous countries along the way.

 Petrucci said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Hey! John here on the 40th-anniversary celebration of DREAM THEATER on this big, big tour. It's been going incredibly. We started out in Europe. First show was the O2 in London, and that really set the tone. It's been absolutely amazing. The fans are, like, losing their minds. I look out every night and I see these packed, sold-out venues of people with smiles on their faces.

"It's been so cool having Mike Portnoy rejoin the band," he continued. "I mean, obviously, we started the band together. We met when we were 18 years old, so when I look back and I see him playing drums, it's just like having my old buddy back in. And so there's a great feeling on stage."

Petrucci also touched upon DREAM THEATER's upcoming sixteenth studio album, "Parasomnia", which will arrive on February 7, 2025 via InsideOut Music. The LP marks the band's first release with Portnoy since 2009's "Black Clouds & Silver Linings". The LP's first single, "Night Terror", came out in October and was described in a press release as "a musical thrill ride captured in the just shy of ten minutes listening experience."

"'Night Terror' has been really cool to play live," John said. "It's one of these songs — we open the second set with it and it just starts out so epic and so dramatic. And what I love is this setlist has a lot of nostalgic tracks on it. And when we play a brand new track next to a song that, that was released on our second album, whatever, the audience response is just as amazing. So I love that. I love seeing just such a great response to new music.

"'Night Terror' is one of the tracks on the album 'Parasomnia'," he added. "'Parasomnia' is the perfect title for a band called DREAM THEATER because parasomnia is a general term for sleep disorders. And it could mean night terrors, sleepwalking, sleep paralysis, all these kind of weird things that happen. So the album has everything to do with that, and it comes out on February 7th. We're really excited about it."

Portnoy co-founded DREAM THEATER in 1985 with Petrucci and bassist John Myung. Mike played on 10 DREAM THEATER albums over a 20-year period, from 1989's "When Dream And Day Unite" through 2009's "Black Clouds & Silver Linings", before exiting the group in 2010. Portnoy returned to DREAM THEATER in October 2023 after being replaced by Mike Mangini, who played with DREAM THEATER across five studio albums and accompanying world tours.

"Parasomnia" was produced by Petrucci, engineered by James "Jimmy T" Meslin, and mixed by Andy Sneap. Hugh Syme returns once again to lend his creative vision to the cover art.

In a recent interview with "Coffee With Ola", Portnoy was asked how it feels to be back in DREAM THEATER after a 13-year absence. He responded: "It feels great. I mean, it's funny because for the whole world, they're just starting to see the reunion now, but we've been together for a year behind the scenes. So it's been over a year for us behind the scenes and making the new record, but it's only now in the past couple weeks since the [40th-anniversary European] tour began and since the first music video [from the upcoming DREAM THEATER album] came out that people are actually seeing us back together again. But for us, it's, like, it's old news… It is exciting, though. And you could feel the excitement and the love and the emotions at every show. And every night [DREAM THEATER singer] James [LaBrie] welcomes me back on from stage. And it's been overwhelming, the amount of love and everybody being so welcoming back and everything."

During the same chat, Petrucci talked about "Night Terror", saying: "There was some back and forth as to what single we should lead with, and 'Night Terror' is the first song that we wrote together. When we got together, that's what came out of us. And so, for us, yeah, maybe there are songs that are a little bit more immediate to the general fanbase, but for us, we felt it was important that the first thing that people heard is, 'Listen, this is what DREAM THEATER is. This is the first thing we wrote. This identifies all the stuff that everybody loves about the band and showcases Mike.' I always said that opening fill before the guitar riff that Mike does, that fill is like, 'I'm back.' [Laughs] 'In case you missed me.' And I think he did that in one take. It was, like, 'Yeah, that's it. That's the signature.'"

Regarding what it felt like to be writing and recording with DREAM THEATER again, Portnoy said: "To be back with these guys, it feels really special. It feels like family, really, honestly. John and me and DREAM THEATER bassist] John Myung have been playing together almost 40 years at this point. We formed the band when we were teenagers and met at college, the first month of college. So, for us, it's deeper than just being in a band together. We've been through life together. We met our wives together, our wives played in a band together, we ad our families at the same time, we've been to the funerals of each other's parents and siblings and things like that. So, we've been through all these life experiences together. It goes beyond just the music for us. All that being said, it also, at least to me, felt like no time had passed. It did not feel like 13 years. Once we started writing together, it felt so natural and so fresh. 'Night Terror' was the first thing we worked on, and it just came out so naturally. There wasn't much thought needed to go into it. It was, like, 'Okay, here we are where we just left off.'"

John chimed in: "It's tough to explain. For anybody out there who has been in bands with their friends, you almost have like an unspoken language, like somebody plays something, I know what he means when he plays it and I respond and vice versa. So it's, like, immediately the songs just developed and grew in such a natural and organic way. It was so cool."

On the topic of "Parasomnia", which DREAM THEATER previously said had a conceptual theme but not a concept album, John said: "Without giving too much of a way, because we always like to keep the mystery, but I think this has been said before, the album's called 'Parasomnia', and for those people that don't know what that is, it kind of encompasses a broad range of sleep disturbances, and that could range from snoring to some scarier things, like sleepwalking and night terrors, false awakenings and things like that that are actually really very frightening for the people that it happens to. So, much in the way that [2002's] 'Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence' had a lyrical theme to it where there were different case studies having to do with challenges of mental illness and stuff like that, 'Parasomnia' is sort of the sleep disturbance version of that, but in an entire record, as opposed to just a song."

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In a new interview with Brian Slagel, CEO of Metal Blade Records, for the recently launched "100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal" podcast, SLAYER guitarist Kerry King spoke about his debut solo album, "From Hell I Rise", which came out in May via Reigning Phoenix Music. All material for the LP was written by the 60-year-old SLAYER guitarist, who was accompanied during the recording sessions by the rest of his solo band, consisting of drummer Paul Bostaph (SLAYER),bassist Kyle Sanders (HELLYEAH),guitarist Phil Demmel (formerly of MACHINE HEAD) and Mark Osegueda (DEATH ANGEL) on vocals. Helming the sessions at Henson Recording Studios in Los Angeles last year was producer Josh Wilbur, who has previously worked with KORN, LAMB OF GOD, AVENGED SEVENFOLD and BAD RELIGION, among others.

Asked what the response from the fans has been like so far to "From Hell I Rise", Kerry said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Killer, man. It feels to me like it's been out two years, but it's only been out six months. So it's odd for me when we go play because it seems to me like it's been out for so long, but kids are still getting used to it. Every show, more and more kids are singing it back at Mark and us, which is super cool. It means they're getting it and liking it."

Regarding how much of "From Hell I Rise" was written during the pandemic, Kerry said: "A lot. I was playing by myself for a long time before me and Paul felt comfortable enough to get together, travel. Me coming from the East Coast now, we still play in Southern Cal[ifornia]. So I've played a lot on my own. SLAYER's last tour was the end of November of '19, so by the end of the Super Bowl in 2020, I was full force working on new material, new ideas. And I did that for quite a while. I don't think Paul and I got together until 2021 to start working on this stuff. But at that point there was leftover stuff from [SLAYER's final album] 'Repentless'. Now there's leftover stuff from 'From Hell I Rise' for the next record and plus all I've written since then. But yeah, during COVID, Paul and I both came down with it and I think it was June of '21 and I was stuck in California at the hotel I stay in for rehearsals because I certainly wasn't gonna fly home and give it to my wife. But fortunately, mine lasted like three days. It was, like, it jumped in my body, got scared and jumped the fuck out. Paul had it off and on for the better part of a month. So it took us a while to get back to it. But that being said, I remember when I was in that hotel room stuck for a few days, I finished the last two lyrical songs I needed and then we were good to go."

King also talked about the SLAYER songs that he and his solo band chose to perform during their recent shows, including this past summer's run with LAMB OF GOD and MASTODON. He said: "I wanted to focus on things I had written or co-written because I didn't wanna fuel anybody's fire for ammunition that might hate my band and hate me or whatever. Those people do exist out there. So I'm, like, how can I do this the most straight-up way? So I'm, like, 'Nobody can pick on me if I play songs that I co-wrote or wrote,' so it started there. 'Raining Blood' has to be played, because if I'm playing one song throughout the history, it's kind of gotta be that one. And 'Black Magic' pairs really nice with it. Plus it's a killer song from our first record ever, so there's history there. And I wanted to definitely hit some nostalgia points because basically all the stuff we're playing is brand new K.K. [Kerry King] material, but to throw in stuff that people have liked for decades… And if we play a longer set, yeah, sure, then we'll play 'Disciple', then we'll play 'Chemical Warfare', we'll play 'Repentless', but we only had 40 minutes on [the LAMB OF GOD/MASTODON] run. So I think we played nine songs. So to have two from SLAYER, I think is a nice representation as well as playing a shit-ton of our new stuff."

Kerry also reflected on SLAYER's two reunion performances earlier this fall — on September 22 at the Riot Fest in Chicago, Illinois and on October 10 at the Aftershock festival in Sacramento, California. Regarding how he felt going into the Riot Fest gig, King said: "It's kind of like when we did the first 'Big Four' show, I said, 'This is gonna be really cool for the fans, and it'll be good to see the guys.' And that's about all I gave it. But then we actually played the show and a handful more shows, and I said, 'You know what? This is really cool for me.' And I didn't expect that. And I didn't expect that when we did the Chicago show [SLAYER at Riot Fest]. I went with the exact same idea. I'm, like, 'This is gonna be really cool for the fans, especially fans that were too young to see us.' And I hit the stage and I got goosebumps. I'm, like, 'This is way bigger than I ever gave it credit for.' … [And] we've got a lot of history in Chicago too, so for the reunion show to be there, it was pretty epic. And the response was over the top. It was way overwhelming."

At Riot Fest and Aftershock, SLAYER ran through a 20-song set that included opener "South Of Heaven", "Seasons In The Abyss", "Angel Of Death", "Hell Awaits", "Raining Blood" and the title track of SLAYER's final album, "Repentless".

SLAYER was also scheduled to play at the Louder Than Life festival in Louisville, Kentucky on September 27, but that performance was canceled due to severe weather.

The lineup for SLAYER's comeback was the same as the one which last toured in 2019: King and Bostaph, along with bassist/vocalist Tom Araya and guitarist Gary Holt.

r sensation Rich Davis is back with a vengeance with a brand new band Kingdom In Flames. Started in 2023, this Baltimore-based band is a formation of total powerhouse musicians. Featuring Bruce Baldwin, Ashley Maccabee, Steve Shaffer, and Donnie Rush, this star-studded lineup was hand-picked to rock your face off! Check out their new music video for "Black Widow":





These seasoned veterans knew exactly what to do from the start: First thing was to write the best album they could, then decide on the first single and shoot a music video, next was to launch all social media sites, and lastly to make an Electronic Press Kit (EPK) to shop to record labels/press and start to push the shit out of it. What would take most bands many years of hard work only took Kingdom In Flames a year. And to date, all has been done and scratched off the "t

SLAYER guitarist Kerry King and his solo band paid tribute to former IRON MAIDEN singer Paul Di'Anno by playing a cover of the MAIDEN classic "Killers" during their concerts on Tuesday (December 3) at Roundhouse in Sydney, Australia and earlier tonight (Wednesday, December 4) at Northcote Theatre in Melbourne, Australia. Fan-filmed video of both performances can be seen below.

Di'Anno, whose real name was Paul Andrews, passed away on October 21 at his home in Salisbury at the age of 66.

An official statement shared to Di'Anno's Facebook page on November 11 with permission from the late musician's family revealed that his cause of death was caused by a "tear in the sac around the heart."

Earlier this year, King was asked by Riff X's "Metal XS" if he had heard MAIDEN frontman Bruce Dickinson's latest solo album, "The Mandrake Project". He responded: "[I] haven't heard Bruce's new album, but I have a friend who told me it's better than MAIDEN. [It] wouldn't surprise me. Nothing against MAIDEN, but their songs have gotten so long, man, I just can't be bothered with it. And my attention span isn't that much."

Kerry was seemingly referencing MAIDEN's latest two double-albums, 2015's "The Book Of Souls" and 2021's "Senjutsu", the former of which contains the song "Empire Of The Clouds" clocking in at 18 minutes, and three songs on "Senjutsu" running for over 10 minutes.

Earlier this year, King told American Musical Supply that he would possibly start including some cover songs in his band's set as the band's tour progressed. "Covers, it's in the mix," he said. "My spin on it is I want to — I wanna throw in a cover every show, once we get used to it and being out, and I wanna play stuff that people can't see or hear anymore, like say for instance, 'Ace Of Spades'. You're never gonna see MOTÖRHEAD again. So, I think that's cool to do. Or for instance, songs that bands don't play anymore, like 'Killers' from IRON MAIDEN. I don't think they're ever gonna play that again. I don't think METALLICA is ever gonna play 'Damage, Inc.' again. So I wanna do things that actually aren't just me having fun. I want it to be fun for the fans to where they see it, it's the only place they can see it."

Kerry's debut solo album, "From Hell I Rise", was released in May via Reigning Phoenix Music. All material for the LP was written by the 60-year-old SLAYER guitarist. Helming the sessions at Henson Recording Studios in Los Angeles last year was producer Josh Wilbur, who has previously worked with KORN, LAMB OF GOD, AVENGED SEVENFOLD and BAD RELIGION, among others.

King's solo band also includes drummer Paul Bostaph (SLAYER) on drums, Kyle Sanders (HELLYEAH) on bass, Phil Demmel (formerly of MACHINE HEAD) on guitar and Mark Osegueda (DEATH ANGEL) on vocals.

King and his new band will hit the road for the 28-date North American headline tour in early 2025. With MUNICIPAL WASTE as special guest and ALIEN WEAPONRY supporting, the tour is set to launch in San Francisco on January 15, 2025, and wrap at House of Blues in Las Vegas on February 22.

Image credit: Pics from the pit

In a new interview with Joshua Toomey of the "Talk Toomey" podcast, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE vocalist Jesse Leach spoke about the band's upcoming upcoming album, "This Consequence", due on February 21, 2025 via Metal Blade. "This Consequence" is KILLSWITCH ENGAGE's ninth album overall, and sixth with Leach, who rejoined the band in 2012.

After Toomey noted that "This Consequence" is a "dark", "angry" and "aggressive" record, Leach concurred. "Yeah, I think angry, dark and aggressive, for better or for worse, is kind of what the world needs right now, I think, therapeutically speaking," he said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET). "I think a lot of us can relate to frustration, anger, betrayal, all those things, and that's kind of what I highlighted lyrically with this album; I was really focusing on that stuff. But I will say this: if you really read into the lyrics, there's a positivity through a righteous anger, anger that wants to sort of wake people up and have people choose their own path instead of just the blind leading the blind, which is what we see so much in society and our governments and organized religion and all these things that control us as people. It's very much about breaking out of the matrix, if you will, and carving your own path. And there's a righteous anger underneath all of it, and that's where the positivity lies. But I think with metal music, the great thing about it is you can talk about dark stuff and it is therapeutic. That's why a lot of us get into this kind of music."

Jesse also talked about the lyrical inspiration for the first single from "This Consequence", a song called "Forever Aligned", which was made available last month. Speaking specifically about the line "now my tongue must confess", Jesse said: "Yeah, I'm always weaving in and out… I was raised by a minister, I was raised in a Christian home, so even though I don't subscribe to organized religion anymore, I like using biblical words here and there to sort of tie in the themes. I'm very much a believer in in God, if you will, in general. I know people roll their eyes when other people say that, but my journey has been such where I've just seen much deeper things that I don't think can be defined by a particular human organized religion. And 'Forever Aligned' is about that. It's about love. It's about, first and foremost, the song was inspired by the love I have for my wife and the relationship we were able to have during the pandemic, especially, where it was just the two of us, nobody else, and really learning what love and sacrifice is, and then weaving that into what I believe God is. God is love, to keep it really general for people to understand. We can try to tap into that as humans, that word 'love', but it's far beyond human comprehension. So that song is very much about being broken and in a dark place and finding salvation through love."

Elsewhere in the chat, Leach touched upon his growth as a vocalist since the release of 2019's "Atonement" LP, saying: "Truth be told, ['This Consequence'] was very difficult for me to write and sort of find my inspiration again. And even vocally, learning new techniques, like the vocal fry, and trying to add that into my old technique and still sound like me, it was a long, hard process.

"Especially after my vocal surgery in 2018, I relearned how to speak differently — I speak differently than I did," he explained. "I'm more measured; I make sure my voice is placed in the right place. And through that, it went into my vocals, my singing, especially. I was really focusing on my singing first and foremost to stay in key and not go flat or sharp. Then it was, like, my screams were — I was so paranoid. I was really worried about… We do three shows in a row. That fourth show, I'm, like, 'It's getting difficult. I can feel the swelling happening.' So I was really studying vocal fry, 'cause you can do a lot of cool stuff with fry, but me with my voice, it has such a signature sound to it, I guess, according to Adam [Dutkiewicz, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE guitarist and producer], at least, that if I just went into that new technique completely, the lows were missing something, my yelling. It different. So I was going into these demos just doing fry, saving my voice, especially thinking that, once I get to the studio, it's going to be fatiguing; we're doing four- or five-hour sessions. But I kept falling flat and the voice just didn't sound right. For some of the high stuff, it works, but for the lower, mid stuff and for the death metal growls, that's all old school… It's the old-school way, the way we all started doing it in the late '80s and early '90s. So I've learned, thankfully, through a lot of trial and error, and this album had a lot to do with it, to blend the styles. So I can do my old-school stuff, and then I can sort of blend in some of the vocal fry to hit those crazy, maniacal-sounding highs without it destroying my voice."

When "This Consequence" was first announced in late November, Leach said in a statement: "'This Consequence', to me, is the combination of everything the past five years has thrown at us as a band, as humans, and society as a whole. This album is just as much about everybody and their stories as it is for me about my journey personally. Sonically, I love the combination of everybody's ideas and contributions on this album. It feels more like a collaboration than the past few records have been. When all is said and done, I wouldn't change anything about this album."

He added: "I think it's the exact record we needed to make. I'm honored and proud of what we all were able to create and refine through this music and message."

"This Consequence" track listing:

01. Abandon Us
02. Discordant Nation
03. Aftermath
04. Forever Aligned
05. I Believe
06. Where It Dies
07. Collusion
08. The Fall Of Us
09. Broken Glass
10. Requiem

In March 2024, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE guitarist Joel Stroetzel told Mathias Henrixon of A Swedish Fika With… about Leach's comment that the band's upcoming LP has been the most difficult KILLSWITCH album for the singer to make: "Yeah. He came back and retracked a lot of stuff because he had… Over the past few years, he's kind of trained his voice to do the fry technique live, which, it's been great. It's been kind of a godsend for him live, because he never blows his voice out anymore. But I think him and Adam were finding when he was tracking, using that technique, he wasn't getting all the different growls and things he used to get. So, he decided to go back and kind of revisit things, maybe swallow some glass and go for it. [Laughs] He's been doing great."

Stroetzel continued: "So we're all really excited about it. They went back and kind of retracked a few things here and there, just to beef it up. And things are sounding really good — at least we hope so. Hopefully people like it when it comes out… I think it's good. I think it could potentially be a strong record. At least we hope. Yeah. All we can do is do the best we can and hope that other people like it. Step one, I guess — make sure we like it [laughs] and hope that other people like it. We'll see what happens."

Regarding the musical direction of the new KILLSWITCH material, Joel said: "It definitely sounds like a KILLSWITCH record. I think a lot of the songs are on the heavier side. A lot of fast songs. There's still all the melody and stuff that we normally do, but there's a lot of aggressive stuff on this one."

In February, Leach wrote in an online post about KILLSWITCH's upcoming LP: "This album has been a great challenge for me. Now that it's almost complete I can say I wouldn't change a thing! All the trials, difficulties and deep anxieties were all worth what this record is shaping up to be.

"I don't ever half ass anything in my creative life. I can say this with the utmost confidence, I gave this my everything and it will show.

"I've said it before and I'll say it until the day I die, Adam D is my musical soulmate and a FORCE in my life as an artist, writer and musician," he continued. "His role in my growth as a writer can't be overstated. The man just knows how to get that performance out of me. I just don't think I'll ever have the synergy with anyone else in my life as a musician.

"Also the lessons, insights and support of [renowned vocal coach Melissa Cross] saved me and continue to guide me. I've learned new techniques (fry) that I use here and there but more importantly I've been able to really rediscovered my original style (false chord) on a whole other level because of her. The blend and the knowledge of the over all inner workings of the voice have empowered me to do things I didn't think I could still do. I've also really learned to sing with more ease and confidence and it's been super liberating to me. Pure POWER, grit, intensity and smooth big Melodie's are the result of all of it. I pulled out all of my arsenal of vocal weapons and left it all on this recording. Even if people don't like or naysay what we've done I could die happy knowing I gave this shit my ALL.

"I feel a true sense of satisfaction," Jesse added. "I stood my ground when I needed to and I acquiesced and changed when it was needed. The end result is the culmination of 2 years of hardcore work."

In January 2024, Leach wrote in an Instagram post that the upcoming KILLSWITCH ENGAGE record had "taken its toll" on him. "It is by far the most difficult album I've ever worked on for various reasons," he said. "That being said as I see the distant light at the end of this long tunnel. I can truly say it has all been a much needed growing experience. When I say that I mean it personally, lyrically and vocally. I've been able to take any criticism from my dudes and separate it from my being to push through and rise to the occasion.

"This has been a work in progress as everything I write is always deeply personal and for the most part difficult to write," he continued. "It's always hard to let go of my work. I'm very pleased I've learned to separate my emotions from the work. It's been liberating! I've also been able to stretch the limits of my voice mixing techniques and hues of sound (still working on this as a full time student of the voice via @zenofscreaming).

"Lastly, lyrically I've crafted some songs to feel more like a story, which I believe makes the material more interesting," he added. "Adam has helped a great deal as usual being a great producer and a good friend throughout. Talking me off the cliff and making me laugh when need be. It can't be overstated how crucial he is (even when I can get thrown sideways at times). He always sees the bigger picture and pushes me to my limit for better or worse. The outcome however is always far better than I imagined."

"Atonement" was released in August 2019 via Metal Blade Records in the U.S. and Sony Music Entertainment in the rest of the world. The disc featured guest appearances by former KILLSWITCH ENGAGE singer Howard Jones and TESTAMENT frontman Chuck Billy. It marked the band's third full-length release since the return of Leach, who rejoined the group in 2012.

KILLSWITCH ENGAGE will embark on a headline tour in March 2025. It's their first tour of North America since late 2022. The trek will feature support from KUBLAI KHAN TX, FIT FOR A KING and FROZEN SOUL, and will kick off on March 5 in Nashville and runs through April 12 in Portland, Maine.

In a new interview with Stefs Rock Show, former MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson, who grew up attending Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Jackson, Minnesota, spoke about how he re-embraced his faith at the age of 25, after going through a 12-step recovery program. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Look, I grew up a Lutheran kid. So nothing fanatical. I mean, I didn't have this sort of, as we would know it today, kind of this evangelical, born-again kind of thing. That was not my experience. I grew up in the Midwest, farming community, and everybody worked six days a week and then Sunday, they took off and went to church. I mean, that's just what it was. So that was just how I was raised. And it was nothing fanatical by any means. But it was around. And so when I moved to — well, really, once I started drinking at age 15, that was the end of any real interest in church. And then I moved to Hollywood at age 18. I was, like, 'Yeah, we're definitely done with the church thing.' And Hollywood, California is a very different melting pot of a lot of different stuff. And whatever.

"It's funny, my pastor even did a study, or gave to the congregation a study that from about age 16 to 26, people kind of check out of church," he continued. "That's when we're kind of off on our own, finding our own way. So I guess I probably kind of fit the model. And then I got sober when I was 25, in 1990, and that trajectory out of the drug-and-alcohol lifestyle back into sobriety, that's what really kind of brought me back to going, 'Oh, I guess the church thing ain't so bad.' And then it was just kind of an easy thing to sort of bring back into my life. Especially once you start having a family, you're kind of, like, 'All right, well, what's sort of the barometer of right [and] wrong? What are the rules here for raising your kids?' So, that's my story. And it was just always kind of a background story until I wrote my memoir, 'My Life With Deth'. And my co-author, Joel McIver, when we were writing it, I had just gone back to MEGADETH in 2010, and Dave [Mustaine, MEGADETH leader] was writing a book — his memoir was coming out — and Joel hit me right away. And he said, 'Listen, you need to tell your story 'cause you and Dave are the bookends of the MEGADETH story.' And he said, 'This would a great time for you to tell your story.' And as I was writing it, I was, like, 'All right, well, I don't want to like some religious story,' 'cause that's not really my life. I'm a rock and roller. But I was raised around it."

When Ellefson later settled down in Arizona, he started a contemporary worship service at a church in Scottsdale. He called it MEGA Life, partially a play on MEGADETH. In 2012, Ellefson began studying for the ministry through an extension program of Concordia Seminary in St. Louis.

In an October 2019 interview with Photo Groupie, Ellefson was asked why so many heavy metal musicians are Christians when the genre is often seen as the devil's music. He responded: "Well, to me, it's real simple: Christianity is just doing God's will and God's will is whatever 'to thy own self be true' you're wired to do. The good Lord, our creator, however you want to define Him, has given us each unique skills to play a certain role here in our time on Earth. I think that if you're living out what those skills and gifts are you, then you're doing God's will. To me, it's really that simple. I think religion has complicated that deeply, and I think that it has extra steps that aren't necessary. I think anyone of us can find our creator in moments of quiet and silence, and that's usually when we tap into that inner strength and inner resource. I've discovered that resource is ultimately God, because he's the creator of darkness. If I pick up a guitar, and as loud as it may or may not be, whatever comes out is probably God's will and gift for me."

Back in 2012, Ellefson told the Great Falls Tribute that MEGADETH had no plans to incorporate its Christianity into its songwriting. "You can be a person who has faith and be principled and have an obedience to your creator and not have everything you say or do be a praise and worship song," he said.

"That's the misconception that if you're a metal guy, you only sing about the devil and if you're a church guy you only sing about the Lord. What a lame stereotype that is.

"The only reason we talk about [our faith] is because people ask us about it," he added. "The MEGADETH tour isn't some crusade. We're not on some mission."

Mustaine spoke about "spirituality" during a 2016 interview, telling Honolulu, Hawaii radio host Dave Lawrence: "A lot of people believe that I'm into religion, because I had said that I had become a Christian. So let me just say that religion's for people who are afraid of going to hell, and spirituality's for people like me who've been there. And I say that there's a whole spirit world of stuff that… There's good and bad in everybody and in all things."

Those comments echoed what Mustaine said three years earlier in a chat with the Nashville Scene. He stated at the time: "I don't think that my faith has anything to do with my lyrics. I try and keep religion out of it. Frankly, for me, I don't believe in religion. I have a personal relationship with God and with Christ, and that's it. I don't push that on anybody; it's private. I kind of leave it there. Dave's [Ellefson] real open about it."

Ellefson was fired from MEGADETH by Dave Mustaine in May 2021, just days after sexually tinged messages and explicit video footage involving the bassist were posted on Twitter.

Shortly before Ellefson was dismissed from MEGADETH, he released a statement on Instagram denying all social media chatter that he "groomed" an underage fan. He also filed a report with the police department in Scottsdale, Arizona alleging unlawful distribution of sexually explicit images of him by unknown offenders.

During an October 2021 appearance on SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk", Ellefson wanted to address one specific "misconception" about him that had been repeatedly raised in the years since his explicit videos were posted online. He said: "There's a misconception that I'm a pastor. I am not a pastor. I did a year of seminary, and they made it real clear, 'If you are gonna continue at seminary, you need to quit MEGADETH,' so I quit seminary to be in MEGADETH. And I remember telling my mom that, when she was still alive — God rest her soul. I said, 'Hey, I withdrew out of seminary,' in good standing, to continue being in MEGADETH. And she was actually very disappointed. She was, like, 'You know what? MEGADETH is holding you back. That's too bad. You should have stayed in seminary.' Turns out maybe I should have listened to my mom; I don't know. [Laughs] Of course, mom wants the best for you.

"Who knows? Whatever," he continued. "I'm a rock and roller, man. I'm a founding member of MEGADETH. It's who I am. It's what I do. It's part of my life. It's part of my existence. So I have no regrets about any of that. But I think that was a misconception. People started throwing that around. And so I've never been an ordained pastor. Yes. I did explore that world for a time."

David went on to say that there is a perception that people of faith must set a higher standard of how they live with and treat others. "It's almost like you're this entity that's floating up toward the heavens: 'Oh, he's such a wonderful man. He's a man of faith. He's got his family. And then this happens.' It's, like, 'What the hell is this?'

"I mean, look, admittedly I've sort of trained the public to think that I'm one of the more well-behaved rock stars out there, and for the most part I have been," he continued. "But at the same time, and this isn't to claim anything other than just, oops, shit happens. That is what it is.

"In the season that I was away from MEGADETH, in the 2000s, I got involved in other things in church, and raising my family, and blah blah blah, these things, and so by nature, I kind of became more of a suburban homebody — the dad guy," David added. "And then I went back to MEGADETH in 2010. And the thing is to try to reconcile that you're not one guy at home and another guy on the road, that you're the same guy. And I think for anybody who spent any time on the road — whether you're a rock star, a traveling salesman or whoever you may be — that is the challenge, and it's a real challenge, to keep your life in order when every day your toothbrush is in a new zip code."

In 2004, Ellefson filed an $18.5-million lawsuit against Mustaine, alleging the frontman shortchanged him on profits and backed out of a deal to turn Megadeth Inc. over to him when the band broke up in 2002. The lawsuit was eventually dismissed and Ellefson rejoined MEGADETH in 2010.

Ellefson was in MEGADETH from the band's inception in 1983 to 2002, and again from 2010 until his latest exit.

Photo credit: Maciej Pieloch (courtesy of Napalm Records)