Book Review Christian Opus Lawrence - Break When I'm Dead

Books of this kind are rare. That's why I took the time to read this release so intensively. I almost would love to see it never end but finally have reached the last page.

"Break When I'm Dead" tells the story of the active drummer Christian Lawrence, better known as Opus. His band Dead By Wednesday just finished a tour through Europe in April 2023.

A massive insight look into the life of a real underground drummer.

It's a absolute honest and most of all open and intensive look into the life and soul of a musician. Also I've never met Opus in person it feels now to me as if I've been able to be with him at the most important stations of his life.

The start introduces us to the childhood of the author. He decides early to focus on music and drumming. The first band he forms are Garagantua Soul. You can almost feel how much energy and dedication it takes to be in a band like this. Christian tells us about the highs and lows and why the band ended the way they did. 

The cool extra of the book comes to life in this section for the first time. Christian hands the pencil over to other people (here: Kris Keyes) and let's them tell the story from their own perspective. It colors the release and makes it even more fun to read. These insight words of other authors can be found at later chapters, too.

Opus has also been a actor in Reality TV formats for a limited time. I think that's the only period where music becomes left behind a bit. But it's not meant to last forever so he moves on with a new band called Dead By Wednesday.

If you ever wanted to know how release projects like that of the concept album "The Darkest Of Angeles" by Dead By Wednesday come together - here's your chance to have a fully detailed look. It also clears up why particular musicians fit to Dead By Wednesday and why not.

Finally Christian joins the live band for David Ellefsons band project that records and tours with the "Sleeping Giants" album. This chapter shows the differences to perform with well known names compared to being in a underground band and what this means in terms of favors but also disappointments.

Opus has chosen the drums as his tool of expression.

I can only recommend reading this fine release. It's a big book full of fun, ups, downs, sad stories but also behind the scene news that you may not be aware of like me. I've always wanted to know how it's like to be underground and this book gave me the chance to be on board. In fact it's a rollercoaster ride so reading Christans words never becomes monotone but I've always wanted to know more once I came to the end of one section.

The only warning I would hand out is to everyone who is still full of illusions of the music industry. "Break When I'm Dead" will put you down on earth. It's not a publicattion that repeats all the cliches of the music business. Those may happen from time to time and they also do on the pages of this book but the focus remains on how it is to create, record and tour as a musician most of the real lifetime.

It's not expensive (5 Dollar for the pdf/ebook and 20 Dollar for the paperback) so please consider buying a book that gives you something no one else can give you - a backstage pass to the life of a drummer.

This page gives you a overlook on places where to buy the electronic version and the paperback at various services and online retailers. 

https://books2read.com/breakwhenimdead

There's also a link for a purchase directly through the publisher Scout Media Books.

http://www.scoutmediabooksmusic.com/christian-opus-lawrence

The book will also be available at all Barnes & Noble and Walmarts everywhere.

David Ellefson & Jeff Young to perform classic Megadeth albums live soon

There were already rumors spreading around but nothing was confirmed until now...

Yes, it's true that David Ellefson and Jeff Young have joined forces again with Chris Poland under the banner of "Kings Of Thrash".

Along with Chaz Leon and Fred Aching they will perform the Megadeth classic albums "Killing is My Business…and Business is Good" and "So Far, So Good…So What" in it's entirely.

Maybe a once in a lifetime chance to see these albums performed live by those who recorded the original records.

So far four shows in the United States have been confirmed. Let's hope they will turn out well and more shows can be revealed soon. Until then we are able to see and hear how the rehearsals went as the band uploaded a six minute long cut to YouTube for all of us to enjoy.

KINGS OF THRASH - 'THE MEGA YEARS' OCTOBER WEST U.S. TOUR 2022 

October 12th- Brick by Brick- San Diego

Click here for tickets

October 13th- Crescent Ballroom- Phoenix, Arizona

Click here for tickets

October 14th- The Space- Las Vegas

Click here for tickets

October 15th- Whisky A Go Go- West Hollywood, California

Click here for tickets

VIP packages will be available on all shows. Go here for more info.

Make sure to keep in touch for all further updates.

Official Website

Facebook

Instagram

Fatal Opera sends some light with new single and album towards us

In all of the uncertainties of times we're living in music always shone a light for me. It contains my hope and keeps me pushing on forwards.

This goes even more in these days for me. So it was a massive highlight as I got the info that a brand new track by experimental progressive metallers Fatal Opera surfaced. 

Almost 20 years after the initial recordings, a brand new Fatal Opera record see's the light of day.

It's not "just" a song. It lives and breathes the typical soul of a song by this particular band. The many timing changes, the dark tonality, the unique lyrics but most of all a glimpse of uplifting positivity is what keeps me sticking to this particular band. There are also few slower parts that add to the great atmosphere - these lay the foundation for a even heavier next part of the single.

"The Raven" holds all of this. Plus it is some sort of reunion. David Ellefson contributes the bass guitars while Chris Poland can be heard on the six strings. Don't wait any longer and go straight to the music.

But we're even graced with more good news as as full new album by Fatal Opera also shines now on Spotify. Read all of the story below, I think a lot of the history guys out there will love to know how the story around Gar Samuelson (R.I.P.) moved on after he left Megadeth back in the day.

FATAL OPERA 3 can be streamed here:

https://open.spotify.com/album/4jOX9voVjVxg6PNPTPda7G

Following his departure from Megadeth in 1987, Gar Samuelson assembled his new band Fatal Opera, along with his brother Stew on guitar. Gar went on to produce the group’s debut album in 1994, which also featured Dave Inman on vocals, Travis Karcher on bass and Billy Brehme on guitar. The group’s second album Eleventh Hour was released in 1997 and introduced Andy Freeman on vocals, reaching top 10 on European charts while the group continued building a loyal fan base touring across the USA that year. Sadly, in 1999 Gar became ill and passed away, at which point the group disbanded.

Then, in 2018 Andy and Stew set out to remix the Eleventh Hour LP and in the process discovered a collection of demos with Gar which were intended to become the band’s third album before his passing. Although the demo tapes were damaged after many years of neglect, Freeman labored to revive the tracks with some songs lost forever. However, he was able to complete 12 tracks, inviting Ellefson & Poland to participate on "The Raven" as a way to conclude the legacy of Gar and Fatal Opera.

Chris Poland recalls, “Back in the day, long before Megadeth, Gar and his brother Stew were the heart and soul of a heavy instrumental jazz/rock project called THE NEW YORKERS. I played guitar with them and Robbie “Pag” Pagliari played fretless bass. It was everything we could do just to keep up! Stew’s right hand was a machine. Flawless. And Gar was right there with him always pushing things to the next level. 

And again, these two brothers were the heart and soul of Fatal Opera. It was a privilege to be a part of this release, and playing on ‘The Raven’ with David Ellefson made it that much more special. Gar was a true artist. Be it his amazing drumming, his painting or his wood sculpture pipe (he made by hand). Gar was one of a kind. And here Gar, Stew and crew push the limits of experimental metal. These songs are complex yet accessible. Music with a dark side that draws you into their world and keeps you wondering 'what’s next!'” Chris Poland also added additional guitar work to the track "Mask of Time".

David Ellefson adds,“This is a really cool moment for Chris and me to musically reunite with our friend Gar, now almost 35 years after our last studio session together, which was the 1987 re-recording of 'These Boots Are Made for Walkin’ for the Dudes movie soundtrack, compiled by director Penelope Spheeris. Gar was always such a free spirit with his music, no click tracks or digital reinvention for him. And, he seldom played the same thing twice, quite unusual for heavy metal! He just went for it with real gusto and that became the hallmark of his sound."

He continues, "When I was laying down the bass track for 'The Raven' it reminded me once again of Gar’s spontaneity in the studio, as if we were recording live in the same room together. I’m super happy these tracks were brought to life so we could have one last go around with Gar behind the kit. It’s a reminder that he truly was one of the greats!”

Track Listing for Fatal Opera 3 :

1. The Raven (Feat. David Ellefson & Chris Poland)

2. Live Again

3. Mask of Time (Feat. Chris Poland)

4. Killers in the Night

5. Swept Away

6. Burning of the Midnight Lamp

7. 10 Years Gone

8. Little Sister

9. Salt

10. Rise

11. Wings of Pain

12. Jumped in the Pot

Fatal Opera 3 Line-up:

Andy Freeman – Vocals, Keyboard, Guitar

Stew Samuelson – Guitar

Billy Brehme – Guitar

Travis Karcher – Bass

Gar Samuelson – Drums

Found footage Shocker "Dwellers" to kick off this Saturday

This particular movie could be worth a look at because it's told in a found footage format, something that the "Blair Witch Project" introduced for the first time in 1999.  

Let's see if "Dwellers", produced by Ellefson Films (the new film company of Megadeth bassist David Ellefson) can bring something new into the horror genre. 

A sign reveals that something has happend to these people...

Dwellers has been described as being, "C.H.U.D. if it were shot like The Blair Witch Project." The film stars: Drew Fortier, James L. Edwards (Her Name Was Christa), Douglas Esper (The Nutshell) and Omar Baig (Let's Make a Movie). 

Also featuring cameos from the film's producer, David Ellefson, as well as former Mushroomhead vocalist, Jeff Hatrix. It has been written and directed by Drew Fortier. 
 
The film's plot is as follows:  
While shooting a documentary on the suspicious disappearances within the homeless community, a filmmaker and his crew go missing while uncovering a terrifying and vicious secret below the city's surface. 

The first screening has been announced for this coming Saturday, March 20th 2021 as a part of the HorrorHound Film Festival's Midnight Madness Feature and will hold a special virtual Q&A after the screening that will feature cast members from _Dwellers_.Tickets go just for 10 Dollars for the whole event with plenty more of content.

Ticketing information can be found here: https://horrorharound.com/News/Details/333   

The trailer gives a first glimpse of what is about to come up.

Later in the year on October 12, 2021, a Blu-ray/DVD/Digital release will see the light of day. The physical release is planned to be packed with bonus features. More details to be released in the coming months along with pre-order information.
 
David Ellefson will also be making various appearances throughout the year at horror conventions and fan expos to screen Dwellers. Keep up with Ellefson's social media on Facebook for more details.

Mysterious band sends EMP label group unlabeled cassette tape

Bands seem to surface in strange ways these days. It has been like this with Supreme Unbeing who surely wanted to receive the recognition of EMP label (the record company of Megadeth bassist David Ellefson) executive Thom Hazaert. He told us how it all happened.

Who stands behind the band named "Supreme Unbeing"?

“I received a strange, unmarked package in the mail one day;  No return address, no information, just a hand recorded cassette tape, with the words “SUPREME UNBEING” written on it. Thankfully, I still own a cassette player, so I put it in, and couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I’m still not entirely sure who the band is, or what I signed (and I think they might actually be cartoons), but once I heard it, I just knew they had to be on EMP. The messages of Zac Red were just too powerful to ignore. And to be honest, it hasn’t left my cassette deck since.”

EMP Founder/Megadeth David Ellefson said, “Who???”, disavowing any knowledge.

Heavy Metal Underdogs also got the first message and thought: It got my attention through the playing around with the riff throughout the whole track duration and it's dark-toned soundshell it's put in.

It also features short segments that make you think it could be a balladesque track but soon reveals it's much heavier content. The end also comes as a surprise. You may think it just goes on like in the previous three minutes but a slight change comes in.

Finally the message beneath the music spotted my interest.

The first message, “You’ll Never Make It” tells a very precise story of the human quest to understand his own existence, from creation through the present. The title “You’ll Never Make It” can be interpreted both pessimistically, as many humans fail to reach outside of the psychological cage we are all fostered into since physical birth, or provocatively, as a challenge for those who will continue to transcend the boundaries of the never-ending struggles of life.

More stuff is on it's way. SUPREME UNBEING is set to release additional messages/singles “Animals”, “Solution” and “Dreaming” to the public in the following months prior to the release of the debut full-length LP “Enter Reality” which is set to release on 10th October 2020.

Keep a eye on these pages for future messages.

https://supremeunbeing.com/ 

https://www.facebook.com/supremeunbeing/

Livestream Event celebrates 80s Photographer Mark "Weissguy" Weiss

These days livestreaming seems to be one of the few possibilities to stay in touch with fans, supporters and to spread the word that music is still alive and kicking.

David Ellefson and Thom Hazaert, with legendary music photographer Mark “Weissguy” Weiss will go online on Saturday, May 30 6PM CST/ 7PM EST to celebrate "THE DECADE THAT ROCKED".

Artwork: Melody Myers

Everything in this issue of the "Oh say you can stream" series is focussed on the work of photographer Mark "Weissguy" Weiss and his upcoming book, THE DECADE THAT ROCKED: THE PHOTOGRAPHY OF MARK “WEISSGUY” WEISS, which will be available June 2nd from Insight Editions.

The book features almost 400 pages of Weiss’ iconic images, with over 700 photographs of legendary artists including Motley Crue, Guns N’ Roses, Ozzy Osbourne, Metallica, Megadeth, Twisted Sister, Joan Jett, Van Halen, Aerosmith, KISS, Judas Priest, Led Zeppelin, and many more.

The livestream event will feature a massive guest list that contributes:

Zakk Wylde
Scott Ian (Anthrax)
Charlie Benante (Anthrax)
Don Dokken (Dokken)
Tamie Downe (Faster Pussycat)
Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot, Whitesnake, Ozzy)
Stephen Pearcy (Ratt)
JJ French (Twisted Sister)
Jack Russell (Great White)
Jacob Bunton (Mick Mars, Adler)
Mark Slaughter
Roxy Petrucci (Vixen/Madam X)
Maxine Petrucci (Madam X)
PJ Farley (Trixter)
Dave Alvin (White Trash)
Jason McMaster (Dangerous Toys, Broken Teeth, Evil United)
Carmine Appice (Ozzy, Blue Murder, Vanilla Fudge)
Marc Storace (Krokus)
Bruce Kulick (KISS)
John Gallagher (Raven)
Dean Davidson (Britny Fox, Blackeyed Susan)
Bob Chiappardi (Concrete Marketing)
Andre Comeau (The Real World NYC)
Fred Coury (Cinderella)
Steve Lacy (FOX 5 NYC)
Steve Whiteman (KIX)
Chip Z’Nuff (Enuff Z’Nuff)
THOR
And more TBA!

The David Ellefson Youth Music Foundation (DEYMF) has also set up an eBay auction in connection with the event, with auctions running all week including signed Mark Weiss prints, a collection of Ellefson’s stage-used clothing and gear, and other donated items. You can find the listings at: https://www.ebay.com/usr/ellefsonyouthmusicfoundation

You can stream the event at:

twitch.tv/grammymusiced 
facebook.com/davidellefson 
youtube.com/davidellefson 
facebook.com/grammymusiced 
facebook.com/thedeymf

David Ellefson donates income of new single to Italian COVID victims

It's drastic to see what a virus can do with the world we're living in. Everything seem's to be upside down.

The world of music is afflicted by this in many ways. No shows anymore and many record retailers having to close their shops. But there's also hope out there that this event will let us get closer together as humans.

Megadeth bassist David Ellefson is going to throw out a brand new single called "Simple Truth" on all digital outlets on 4/17, with a direct BANDCAMP release on 4/10, via Ellefson's COMBAT RECORDS,  with all profits from downloads and streams donated to the CROCE ROSSA ITALIANA, the Italian Red Cross, who are at the frontlines of the war on Covid-19, coordinating the nation's pandemic response with Italy’s Ministry of Health.

David Ellefson donates all proceeds of the new single to the Italian Red Cross. Photo Credit: Melody Myers.

This is also the first sign that a follow up album to the 2019 release "Sleeping Giants" has been worked on in the recent time with the line-up of vocalist Thom Hazaert, with Italian guitarist and drummer Andy Martongelli and Paolo Caridi. 

The group have worked on the album remotely recording tracks in Italy, London, Phoenix, and Wisconsin during quarantine.

Says Ellefson, “We actually wrote the song in Milan during a tour rehearsal, and a lot of it was recorded there. We’ve gone back and forth with Andy in Italy, from the Platinum Underground in Phoenix, and with our mixer and co-engineer Alessio Garavello in London. While we’re all staying positive and just keeping busy, it’s heartbreaking to see what’s going on over there with the death toll climbing every day."
He adds, "We played several shows in Italy on our European 'MORE LIVE WITH DETH' tour last year, and I was just there with Megadeth back in February. It’s absolutely devastating to see what the country is going through right now.  The people, and it's culture, have been so welcoming to me over the years, that i’m honored to do anything I can to give something back to them during this time of need"

Thom Hazaert explains the special meaning of the new track: "Lyrically, the song is really about not giving up, and not taking any shit. Tuning out the noise and going after your dreams no matter what, and not letting anyone tell you can’t do something.”

More information can be found in the meantime at:

combatrecs.com
davidellefson.com

Donate to the Italian Red Cross here: https://www.cri.it/home

David Ellefson and Chris Poland reunite for Japan/Australia Tour in May

This sounds like a tour that won't happen ever again!David Ellefson and Chris Poland will hit the road in May 2020 for a double headliner tour featuring full sets from Ellefson and Poland,  with an epic finale any thrash fan will not want to miss.

If it wouldn't happen in Australia and Japan I would like to attend these shows myselves.

The tourposter for the Australia leg of the Ellefson / Poland tour package.

Here are the exact dates of the Ellefson / Poland tour.

JAPAN
Sunday 17 May - Trad, Osaka
Monday 18 May - Liquid Room, Tokyo

AUSTRALIA
Friday 22 May – Max Watts, Melbourne
Saturday 23 May – Manning Bar, Sydney
Sunday 24 May – Crowbar, Brisbane
Monday 25 May – The Basement, Canberra
Tuesday 26 May – Enigma Bar, Adelaide

Tickets & VIP upgrades on sale
www.destroyalllines.com

In addition to these great news it has been announced that the first Chris Poland record "Return to Metalopolis", celebrating its 30 year anniversary in 2020 will see a reissue from Ellefson’s Combat Records, in stores in the US, and digitally worldwide on Friday 2/21.

To skip the waiting time listen to the single "Hammer comes down" of the David Ellefson record "Sleeping Giants" that features Chris Poland on guitars.

Fatal Opera to release final album after 20 years

Some bands are a bit legendary for me since they were using a sound formula not to be heard too often. It's like this with Fatal Opera, a band from the US that featured ex Megadeth drummer Gar Samuelson and his brother Stew Samuelson.

They had a jazz influenced way to set up the songs and the first album "Fatal Opera" to me personally also feels a bit as if Jimi Hendrix's feeling for exploring heavy guitar sounds mixed with various rhythm was continued by the band.

A old band picture of Fatal Opera, Photo Credit unknown after 20 years.

These days I'm surprised to learn that the band had a third album "Fatal Opera III" in the makings before Gar Samuelson died. Now 20 years later the results of these writing sessions are about to be released but in a special way with many upgrades and specials.

The street date for the LP has been announced to be Summer 2020 via Combat Records.

The album will include guest appearances from Megadeth’s Chris Poland and David Ellefson, who will appear on the track “The Raven”, which will mark the first time Poland, Ellefson and Samuelson have appeared on a track together since Megadeth’s seminal Peace Sells.. But Who’s Buying, as well as additional guest appearances from Poland, and New Yorkers bassist Robbie “Pags” Pagliari, marking the first time the original lineup of The New Yorkers (Poland and Samuelson’s pre-Megadeth Jazz/fusion project, also featuring guitarist Stew Samuelson) has appeared together on a commercial recording.

Also making a guest appearance on “The Raven” is Ellefson vocalist, and COMBAT Records A&R, Thom Hazaert.

Fatal Opera III, is the final chapter in the band’s legacy, featuring the final recordings of Samuelson, who passed away in 1999. Fatal Opera began work on a new album prior to Gar’s passing, and the tracks sat for almost 20 years, until they were finally revisited. Enough tracks were found to create Fatal Opera III, produced and mixed by Andy Freeman. The remaining members joined forces to finish the album that was started so many years ago, released in a fitting tribute and celebration to the legacy of Gar Samuelson, and Fatal Opera.

Vocalist Andy Freeman says, “It was a long time in the making, but it truly was a labor of love, putting together this final release. It was an honor and a privilege to work with David and Thom, who helped make this album possible, and getting Chris and David together with Gar once again brought the whole project full circle. We are very pleased that it will finally see the light of day, and hope that it will be an offering to our fans, and a fitting final musical tribute to Gar."

Megadeth bassist, and Combat Records owner, David Ellefson says, “Gar was one of the more unorthodox, unpredictable, and musically compelling drummers I've ever played with. His legacy continues to grow with the passage of time. So, it's an honor for me to have this posthumous performance with Gar, in honor of his incredible musicianship and legacy he left for us all to enjoy.”

Make sure to keep a eye on Combat Records Facebook page for further announcements of this release.

New David Ellefson track feat. legendary hip-hop MC Darryl “DMC” McDaniels

News coming in from the David Ellefson camp. The title track of the new album has been uploaded to YouTube. It's a great pushing track that helped me to move on with my life on a day when things seemed to be down all the way. You know these situations when things don't turn out the way you want them to and you just sit there thinking of how to change for the better.

David Ellefson at the set of the "Sleeping Giants" video

At this moment the song came in. Music is like fuel for me. Nothings goes without. It centers me when I don't know where to go. Make sure to stay on the screen once the song finishes. It's well worth and a fine smiler.



Besides all of these good news even more showed up. They say that the album will also come out in Europe in November 2019 and shows over here in Europe are in a planning stage for that time frame!

Next week will see the Ellefson troop moving around in America showcasing more live music and looks behind the scenes of David Ellefson's career with Megadeth and his other projects.

BASSTORY MORE LIFE WITH DETH 2019 DATES

Thursday 9/5 – Fullerton, CA – The Slidebar (w/ SYMBOLIC)
Friday 9/6 – Ramona, CA – Ramona Mainstage (w/ SYMBOLIC)
Saturday 9/7 - Phoenix, AZ - Joe's Grotto (w/Fatal Malady)
Tuesday 9/10 – Phoenix, AZ – Changing Hands (Book signing/Q&A)

Attention! Chris Poland will perform live with David Ellefson Thursday, September 5th in Fullerton, CA at The Slidebar, as part of David Ellefson’s BASSTORY tour.

See David Ellefson's Basstory Facebook page for further info and updates.

David Ellefson to tour with new solo album and memoir

Want to hear how the new David Ellefson solo record "Sleeping Giants" sounds like in advance? Do you have questions regarding his bassplaying techniques?

You are in luck. You can have both. A new leg of the "Basstory" tour has been announced for the US in July 2019 .

The shows will feature a Q&A/discussion, with co-author and partner Thom Hazaert, about Ellefson’s upcoming memoir MORE LIFE WITH DETH, in stores 7/16 via Jawbone Press, and a full live-band set including songs from the companion album SLEEPING GIANTS, in stores 7/19 via COMBAT RECORDS. Have a very short 30 second preview on three album tracks:
Plus you can check out some bands from the label roster of the EMP Label Group in live format. Please check local show listings for info which band will perform at your town. So far WRATH, Archer Nation, Last Crack, Bleed/Crawl, Voodoo Terror Tribe have been confirmed.

The show that FatBoy Authentics presents on July 27 in Indianapolis promises to be something special. On that evening they will be unveiling the “Masters of the Bass” Series which David Ellefson will be the first to be featured! These cards will be available at FatBoy Authentics table while supply’s last.

Get  your tix here for the Indianapolis show.

2019 BASSTORY: More Life After Deth Tour

 Satuday 7/6 - Providence, RI - Fete Music Hall
Sunday 7/7 - Long Branch, NJ - Brighton Bar
Monday 7/8 - N. Branford, CT - Strangeland (Book Signing)
Wednesday 7/10 - New Bedford, MA - Vault Music Hall
Thursday 7/11 - Waterbury, CT - Shamrock Pub and Grill
Friday 7/12 - Halethorpe, MD - Fish Head Cantina
Sunday 7/14 - Long Island, NY – Revolution
Weds 7/17 - Lakewood, OH - The Winchester
Thursday 7/18 - Pekin, IL - Twisted Spoke Saloon
Friday 7/19 - Lombard, IL – Brauerhouse
Sunday 7/21 - Green Bay, WI - SV2
Monday 7/22 - Rockford, IL - Whiskey's Roadhouse
Wednesday 7/24 - Tama, IA - Tama Ballroom
Saturday 7/27 - Indianapolis, IN - Citadel Music Hall
Monday 7/29 - Minneapolis, MN - Turf Club
Tuesday 7/30 - Mankato, MN - What's Up Lounge
Saturday 9/7 - Phoenix, AZ - Joe's Grotto (w/Fatal Malady)

More dates TBA. See the Facebook page of Basstory for all the updates and links to purchase tickets.

David Ellefson to release companion LP to upcoming memoir More Life With Deth

Today we received news from the David Ellefson camp that couldn't have surprised me more. There wasn't a glimpse to be seen of it before but Ellefson will be coming up with a Compact Disc that works as a companion to the upcoming memoir. What a cool idea to give readers of the book the chance to listen to some material of the time he is writing about. Here are more details:

Megadeth bassist David Ellefson has announced the release of SLEEPING GIANTS, a companion LP to be released July 5th (CD/DIGITAL, Aug 30th on LP) on COMBAT RECORDS, in conjunction with his upcoming memoir MORE LIFE WITH DETH, in stores July 16th via Jawbone Press. Co-written with Ellefson’s business partner Thom Hazaert, MORE LIFE WITH DETH is the follow up to Ellefson’s celebrated MY LIFE WITH DETH, and delves deeper into the later stages of Ellefson’s career, as well as a thorough exploration of the earliest days of Megadeth and beyond.

The cover of Sleeping Giants, (c) by David Ellefson, used with kind permission

Featuring cover art by Melody Myers (Altitudes and Attitude, Marc Rizzo, Escape The Fate), SLEEPING GIANTS will be a retrospective featuring several new tracks recorded by Ellefson and Hazaert, plus a collection of demos, and unreleased material, from F5 and David’s other projects, including the unreleased demo “If You Were God”, featuring John Bush (Anthrax, Armored Saint), plus several unreleased demos featuring House of Lords/Giuffria vocalist David Glen Eisley. The CD version will also include a second bonus disc, featuring a compilation of EMP and COMBAT RECORDS Artists.

Produced by Ellefson and Hazaert, with additional production from ICON guitarist John Aquilino at the Platinum Underground in Phoenix, Sleeping Giants is tentatively set to include a multitude of guests including legendary MC Daryl “DMC” McDaniels, who shares vocals with Hazaert on the title track, Ken Mary (Alice Cooper, Flotsam and Jetsam), Steve Conley (Flotsam and Jetsam, F5), Ethan Brosh, Bumblefoot, Dave Sharpe and Opus Lawrence of Dead By Wednesday, Mark Tremonti, Juan Garcia (Abbatoir, Body Count), Illias Papadakis (Memorain), Dave McClain (Machine Head, Sacred Reich), a remix by Game of Thrones star Kristian Nairn, and more.

Check out a teaser video of the title track right here:

Pre-order SLEEPING GIANTS on CD, LP, and in bundle configurations at this location: http://empmerch.com/?submit=&s=sleeping%20giants&post_type=product&fbclid=IwAR2P1_lRbOKxiq2kWAsBDnKG2cVS-TqZ844yyEsyqRguJeWO8CVorrAtGH0

Note: I changed the URL of the pre-order link. The old one seemed to be corrupted so I think it's safe to do do.

Says Hazaert, “David and I were in Tampa for PBX - Playback Independent Music Expo, and had just finished an amazing run of BASSTORY, where I ended up performing with him, and several of our friends, including Bumblefoot, and Dave Sharpe and Opus from Dead By Wednesday. We capped it off with an amazing all-star BASSTORY jam at the Brass Mug in Tampa with Dirk Verbeuren, Troy Sanders from Mastodon, Jason Bieler of Saigon Kick, Head from Korn, Kyle Sanders from Hellyeah. It was insane. So, we went into a local studio, MASTERSOUND in Tampa, with the Dead By Wednesday guys, and ended up writing and tracking “VULTURES”.

He adds, “David had all these other amazing instrumental songs and parts, laying around, that I had always loved, and we just ended up getting a bunch of guests to play on them, polished some of them up, I wrote lyrics, laid down vocals, and the rest is history.”

Says Ellefson, “I love to collaborate and It’s timely and fitting to work up these song ideas with my friends, and get to break out and release some of these great demos and oddities from over the years, the stories behind many of which are told in the book. And to be able to include many of the EMP and COMBAT artists, I think it really brings another dimension to the stories we’re telling in More Life With Deth.”

Adds Hazaert, “It truly was just writing and making music from the purest place of writing and making music… like, buddies in the garage jamming on songs. And while everyone knows him as a bassist, David is such an incredible guitar player, and songwriter, and I love that we can finally showcase that. And to have a bunch of our friends who are IN the book play on it, and for me and David to collaborate the way we did. I think it’s really special. And, at first, we really didn’t know what to do with it, or if we would even do anything with it, for that matter. We’d discussed the idea of releasing the new tracks as singles, then an EP, and then we came up with the idea to create a sort of “island of misfit toys” b-sides release, with all this killer stuff David had been involved with over the years, and it really all just kinda fell into place.”

The tracklist of "Sleeping Giants":

1. Vultures
2. Sleeping Giants (ft. DMC).
3. Hammer Comes Down
4. Vultures (Kristian Nairn Remix)
(Unreleased Demo)
4. If You Were God” (ft. John Bush)
(F5 Demos)
5. Deadman Rise
6. I Fall
7. Bleeding
8. Why Can’t We Die
9. Dying on The Vine
10. Faded
11. Undeniable
12. Feel Your Pain
(Unreleased Demos)
13. Out In The Rain (ft. David Glen Eisley)
14. Voices (ft. David Glen Eisley)

David Ellefson to tell his Basstory on upcoming clinics

Do you remember the bass riff that opens the song "Peace sells but who's buying"? I've heard it many times and sure as that it is one of the many great one's that can beard in the music of Megadeth. Just think of "Architecture of Agression" of the Countdown to Extinction album.

So how are these riffs played and how did they came to life? David Ellefson himself is going to give some insight into his playing techniques as well as he will tell background stories that have not been shared before in the string of upcoming clinics.

The flyer for the Basstory clinic sessions, many more dates can be found below

Be sure to visit his bass clinics entitled "Basstory" already starting this week in the US and continuing over the next couple of weeks further to Europe.

There will be opening acts on many nights so be sure to show up early - you will not want to miss the opportunity to warm up with some music. Those special guests vary from date to date. So far Bumblefoot (ex-Guns N’ Roses, Sons of Apollo), Dead By Wednesday as well as Green Death and Wrath have been confirmed. Please check the list for all the details.

BASSTORY will also include special VIP meet and greets, exclusive merchandise, and more.

Tickets and limited VIPS are available for purchase at davidellefsonbasstory.com

BASSTORY US:
9/20 Portland, OR - Dante's
9/21 Spokane Valley, WA - The Roadhouse
9/22 Fife, WA - Louie G's
9/28 San Antonio, TX - Fitzgerald's
9/29 Houston, TX - BFE Rock Club
10/3 Bradley, IL – The Looney Bin (w/ Green Death)
10/4 Lombard, IL - Brauer House (w/ Green Death, WRATH)
10/5 Sturtevant, WI - Route 20 Outhouse(w/ Green Death, WRATH)
10/6 Ringle, WI - Q and Z Expo Center (w/ Green Death, WRATH)
10/7 Mankato, MN – What’s Up Lounge (w/ Green Death, WRATH, Kublai Khan)

NEWLY ADDED
11/16 Manchester, NH - Jewel Nightclub (w/ BUMBLEFOOT, Dead By Wednesday)
11/18 Holyoke, MA - Waterfront Tavern (w/ BUMBLEFOOT, Dead By Wednesday)
11/20 NYC - The Iridium (w/ BUMBLEFOOT, Dead By Wednesday)
11/21 Albany, NY – Chrome (w/ BUMBLEFOOT, Dead By Wednesday)
11/23 Niagara Falls, NY – Evening Star Concert Hall (w/ BUMBLEFOOT, Dead By Wednesday)
11/25 Waterbury, CT - Shamrock Pub (w/ BUMBLEFOOT, Dead By Wednesday)

BASSTORY EUROPE:
(Presented by Metal Casino)
15 October: BIMM-Bristol/UK+
16 October: ACM-Guildford/UK+
17 October: Rockhal-Esch Sur Alzette/Luxemburg (https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/5750754/david-ellefson-basstory-eschalzette-rockhal-luxembourg)
18 October: 013-Tilburg/Netherlands (https://www.ticketmaster.nl/event/225801?CAMEFROM=013&brand=nl_013web)
21 October: Le Relais des artistes-Les Bioux/Switzerland (Reservations via email only valprod.management@gmail.com
22 October: Riff Megastore-Warsaw/Poland
23October: Private Club-Berlin/Germany+

+Private events. No public ticketing available.

For more information:

Davidellefson.com

Davidellefsonbasstory.com

Facebook.com/davidellefson

Facebook.com/ellefsontouringagency

Grand Opening of Ellefson Coffee Outlet April 7-9 with

This event that takes place this coming weekend looks nice especially for Megadeth fans but also for all people loving the heavier side of music since it has many attractions that sound thrilling.

Having the chance to fetch some coffee that has been inspired by Megadeth bass guitar player David Ellefson along with music performances featuring songs of KIK TRACEE and ZFM along with a special event centered around the paranormal author and investigator Adrian Lee sound cool so here's the detailed info:

In addition to Ellefson himself, who will be in attendance all 3 days, the event will be co-hosted by special guest, comedian, and THAT METAL SHOW co-host Don Jamieson appearing on Saturday.

The grand opening will feature special acoustic performances by Kik Tracee/Zen From Mars vocalist Stephen Shareaux, with Bang Tango/ZFM guitarist Drew Fortier, who will play several sets over the weekend of KIK TRACEE and ZFM material.

Also joining the festivities on Satuday is Bryn Arens, frontman of local Minneapolis legends FLIPP, paranormal author and investigator Adrian Lee, who will lead Ellefson and co. on an exploration to LOON LAKE CEMETARY, the local Jackson burial ground that inspired the Megadeth classic “Mary Jane”, and local Jackson Stock Car driver Luke Sathoff, who will have his ELLEFSON COFFEE CO sponsored car on display.

Also on display is the “Museum of Deth” featuring permanently displayed artifacts and memorabilia from Ellefson’s personal collection, including highlights such as David’s Jackson High marching band uniform, as well as memorabilia from other artists including Machine Head, Max Cavalera, Coal Chamber, and fellow 2017 Grammy Nominees KORN.

You can pay ECC a visit at 404 Second St, Jackson, MN, 56143