METAL ALLEGIANCE bassist David Ellefson has previewed this Wednesday's annual all-star bash at the House of Blues in Anaheim, California, promising what he describes as "the most stacked lineup we've ever assembled" for the January 22 concert. The core members — Ellefson, Mike Portnoy (DREAM THEATER), Alex Skolnick (TESTAMENT), and organizer Mark Menghi — will be joined by an elite roster of special guests that reads like a who's who of heavy metal royalty: Gary Holt (SLAYER, EXODUS), William DuVall (ALICE IN CHAINS), Troy Sanders (MASTODON), Andreas Kisser (SEPULTURA), Chuck Billy (TESTAMENT), and John Bush (ARMORED SAINT).
The METAL ALLEGIANCE annual show, which traditionally takes place during the NAMM Show week in Anaheim, has become one of the most anticipated events on the metal calendar since its inception in 2015. What sets these performances apart from typical all-star jams is the caliber of musicianship and the genuine camaraderie between participants — these are not perfunctory guest spots but passionate collaborations between artists who share deep mutual respect. Past shows have produced iconic moments, including rare SLAYER song performances and unexpected cover choices that have gone viral on social media.
The show promises a mix of original METAL ALLEGIANCE material and classic metal covers spanning the genre's entire history. Ellefson, the former MEGADETH bassist who has reinvented himself as a busy solo artist, author, and music industry figure following his 2021 departure from Dave Mustaine's band, serves as one of the evening's anchors alongside the phenomenal Portnoy, whose drumming provides a foundation capable of supporting any genre or tempo. Tickets for the intimate House of Blues setting are nearly sold out, and the show will not be livestreamed, making attendance the only way to experience the evening.