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

Defences stand up against negativity

In these times much too much negativity is floating all around us. This cannot go on. We need the positive power to move on and positive throughts are the most pure form of energy! So I appreciate more than ever that there are bands around putting out messages and videos that can have a uplifting effect on you when you feel down.

One of those examples just recently came along in the form of a brand new video of the metalcore formation Defences. Here is a quote about the meaning of the new moving picture:

“The song inspires the idea of not giving up when life’s got you down, getting back on your feet and coming out stronger than ever,” say the band.

“The accompanying music video applies the uplifting message behind the lyrics of the song to a real-life situation, in which we see someone re-evaluate, regroup and finally reclaim their independence in the face of adversity.”



I like the way the song is written and performed. All the elements work together. This starts with the vocals that add to each other - the raw as well as the softer elements. The same goes for the drums and all the guitars that are up. It feels like they surround each other. It's seldom that Metalcore tracks come around formed like this one does. It's fine-tuned metalcore sound, not only pure brutality going all the way through the music.

A promo shot of the band Defences in 2017, (c) by Defences, used with kind permission

Formed in Hertfordshire in 2013, Defences draw on electronic and stadium rock influences to offer a brand of alternative metal distinct from other modern rock acts. The group offers a fresh take on the female-fronted metal genre, with frontwoman Cherry Duesbury’s voice being described by Kerrang!’s Alex Baker as “deliciously androgenous”. The band heavily emphasise positivity, acceptance and self-improvement in their sound.

Make sure to stay in connection with them to keep track of the upcoming release of their debut album in May 2017 through social channels such as Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.