Illustrious metal collective METAL ALLEGIANCE, comprised of core members David Ellefson (MEGADETH),Mark Menghi (KING ULTRAMEGA),Alex Skolnick (TESTAMENT) and Mike Portnoy (DREAM THEATER),performed last night (Thursday, January 22) at the House Of Blues in Anaheim, California. Joining the “core four” members at the gig were a number of guest musicians, including Chuck Billy (TESTAMENT),John Bush (ex-ANTHRAX, ARMORED SAINT),Doc Coyle (ex-BAD WOLVES, GOD FORBID),William DuVall (ALICE IN CHAINS),Jack Gibson (EXODUS),Gary Holt (SLAYER, EXODUS),Phil Demmel (KERRY KING, ex-MACHINE HEAD),Andreas Kisser (SEPULTURA),Alissa White-Gluz (ARCH ENEMY) and Troy Sanders (MASTODON). Among the tracks performed during the set were “Hangar 18” (MEGADETH),“Roots Bloody Roots” (SEPULTURA),“The Day I Tried To Live” (SOUNDGARDEN),“Whiplash” (METALLICA),“Fairies Wear Boots” (BLACK SABBATH),“Shock Me” (KISS) and “Crazy Train” (OZZY OSBOURNE). Fan-filmed video can be seen below.
Earlier this month, METAL ALLEGIANCE released a new single, “Black Horizon”, via Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM). The band’s first release of original music since 2018, the song features roaring opening riffs from guitarist Alex Skolnick (TESTAMENT) and vocalist William DuVall‘s (ALICE IN CHAINS) ominous howls, painting an apocalyptic scene. Mark Menghi (KING ULTRAMEGA) on bass and Mike Portnoy (DREAM THEATER) on drums keep the dread looming low in the sky, ready to explode with ferocity at any moment. Systems fail, shadows fall, and the doomed cry for salvation in this desolate world. Gloomy, minimalistic verses bookend thunderous choruses, chronicling a desperate flight for survival…