David Ellefson has spoken at length about his experience joining METAL CHURCH, calling it "really great" and expressing deep admiration for founding guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof's songwriting abilities — praise that carries considerable weight coming from a musician who spent decades alongside Dave Mustaine in MEGADETH, one of the most celebrated songwriting partnerships in thrash metal history.
The former MEGADETH bassist joined METAL CHURCH's revamped lineup alongside drummer Ken Mary and vocalist Brian Allen for what became the "Dead To Rights" album sessions, and the chemistry between the players was immediate and profound. "I've always been a big fan of Kurdt's songwriting," Ellefson explained in a new interview. "When he brought me in, everything just clicked. There was no adjustment period — we locked in from the first rehearsal."
Ellefson's path to METAL CHURCH represents an unexpected but fitting chapter in a career defined by versatility and resilience. After his acrimonious departure from MEGADETH in 2021 — a separation that was extensively covered in the metal press — Ellefson channeled his energy into multiple projects, including his "Bass Warrior" solo tours, his work with THE LUCID, and various session and guest appearances. The METAL CHURCH opportunity offered something different: a permanent band membership with a group whose music he had genuinely admired since their formative years in the 1980s Pacific Northwest scene.
METAL CHURCH's history is rich with lineup changes, but the current configuration has generated a level of excitement that the band has not experienced in years. Vanderhoof's songwriting on "Dead To Rights" has been described by those who have heard advance material as some of his sharpest work since the classic David Wayne era. Combined with Ellefson's melodic bass approach, Ken Mary's powerhouse drumming, and Brian Allen's versatile vocals, the band appears to have assembled a lineup capable of honoring their legacy while pushing forward into new territory. Extensive 2026 touring plans include festival dates alongside the album's April release.