David Ellefson Interested in Recording Full Album of Original Kings of Thrash Material

David Ellefson, the former bassist for MEGADETH, recently spoke about the latest single, “Lockdown,” from his band KINGS OF THRASH during an interview on The Rock N’ Roll & Coffee Show. The band consists of Ellefson, guitarist Jeff Young, vocalist and guitarist Chaz Leon, and drummer Fred Aching, with occasional appearances from Chris Poland.

Ellefson explained that the idea behind releasing original material in 2025 was to have new songs ready for their upcoming tour dates in September and October. He specifically instructed Leon to create a full-blown thrash metal song reminiscent of classic albums like “NUCLEAR ASSAULT’s Game Over” and “METALLICA’s Ride The Lightning.” Emphasizing the importance of writing their own material, Ellefson pointed out that while their setlist consists of MEGADETH songs that they collaborated on, creating original music helps legitimize KINGS OF THRASH as a distinct band.

The band’s previous original song, “Bridges Burned,” was written during a tour in 2023, showcasing their ability to create new material on the road. Ellefson expressed his enthusiasm for creating more original music with KINGS OF THRASH, hinting at the possibility of a full-length album in the future. He acknowledged that the process of making a record can be challenging, especially when the band members have diverse perspectives and influences. However, he sees this diversity as a strength for the band, allowing each member to contribute their unique creativity to the music.

Ellefson praised the collaborative nature of KINGS OF THRASH, with each member bringing something different to the table. He highlighted the importance of having a dynamic group where members can contribute their individual expertise to the band’s overall sound. Despite the challenges of working together, Ellefson believes that the diversity within the band ultimately makes KINGS OF THRASH stronger as a collective unit.

As they prepare for their upcoming Thrashin’ SoCal mini tour and Thrashin’ The East tour, KINGS OF THRASH are looking forward to celebrating the 30th anniversary of MEGADETH’s “Youthanasia” and other thrash classics. The band’s unique blend of thrash metal, fueled by the creative input of each member, promises an exciting future for KINGS OF THRASH and their fans.