Metal Church band photo

Metal Church Rises Again: Ellefson on the New Era

By Jason •
The legendary bassist spills the beans on his role in Metal Church's renaissance and the wisdom of navigating the heavy metal landscape.

In an electrifying chat with Stefan Nilsson of Roppongi Rocks, former MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson opened the floodgates on his fresh venture with METAL CHURCH's revitalized lineup. Joining him in this ironclad ensemble are founding guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof, the relentless Rick Van Zandt, drumming powerhouse Ken Mary (who’s lent his sticks to titans like FLOTSAM AND JETSAM and ALICE COOPER), and the fiery new vocalist Brian Allen from VICIOUS RUMORS. As the band gears up for their fall 2026 North American tour alongside ARMORED SAINT, Ellefson hinted at an already packed calendar for 2027, brimming with the promise of new material.

"We’re not just cranking out songs for the sake of it; we’re relishing the new album and being present in the moment," Ellefson stated, his voice dripping with the wisdom of a seasoned metal veteran. The band is keenly aware of the cyclical nature of touring — the peaks and valleys that come with the grind. "It’s not about simply jumping on a bus and touring till we drop. We’ve been there, done that. Now it’s about 'tour smarter, not harder,' ensuring that everyone enjoys the ride," he elaborated, echoing a sentiment that resonates deeply within the metal community.

Ellefson took a trip down memory lane, recalling the struggles of his bandmates, particularly Vanderhoof, who faced financial ruin post-tour with METALLICA on the iconic 'Master of Puppets' trek. "Kurdt came home broke, and it was a survival game for him — he even had to wait tables," he recalled, illustrating the harsh realities that often lurk behind the glitz of rock stardom. This raw honesty serves as a reminder that even legends can find themselves at the mercy of the music industry’s unpredictable tides.

The band’s journey is one of resilience, and Ellefson emphasized their shared experience in the industry’s grit. "We’ve been through the rodeo long enough to know where the joy lies and when exhaustion starts creeping in. We’re not kids anymore; we’ve matured, and we’re setting ourselves up for success," he reflected, hinting at a newfound perspective that prioritizes enjoyment and camaraderie over relentless touring.

METAL CHURCH is not just a relic of the past; they are a phoenix, rising from the ashes with a fresh outlook. Their new album, 'Dead To Rights,' unleashed on April 10 via Rat Pak Records, is a testament to their enduring legacy. Produced by Vanderhoof himself and mixed by the wizard Chris 'Zeuss' Harris, the record cements their status as one of metal's most formidable forces. With their live debut at the San Luis Metal Fest already behind them, the band is poised to reclaim their throne in the heavy metal pantheon.

As they navigate this new era, METAL CHURCH remains a beacon for fans, proving that while the road may be rocky, the metal spirit never dims. With the right blend of experience, camaraderie, and passion, they are set to forge ahead, keeping the metal flame burning bright for years to come.