David Ellefson Joins Metal Church, First Song Off New Album Drops…
In a surprise development that has electrified the metal community, former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson has officially joined Metal Church, marking one of the most significant lineup moves in the band’s recent history. The announcement came earlier today, accompanied by the release of the first single from their upcoming studio album a record that now carries heightened anticipation with Ellefson’s presence.
Metal Church, a cornerstone of American heavy metal since the early 1980s, has experienced several lineup changes over the years, but Ellefson’s entry represents a major new chapter. Known for his signature precision, melodic aggression, and decades-long contribution to Megadeth’s genre-defining sound, the veteran bassist brings a powerful new dynamic to the group. His involvement also comes at a crucial moment for Metal Church, who have been working to re-establish a strong creative identity following past member shifts and the tragedy of vocalist Mike Howe’s passing in 2021.
According to the band’s official statement, Ellefson joined during the late stages of the album’s recording process, contributing bass tracks that the band describes as “a perfect fit with the classic Metal Church sound.” Guitarist and founding member Kurdt Vanderhoof praised Ellefson’s addition as both energizing and creatively inspiring, noting that the bassist’s performance elevates the new record’s overall intensity and composition.
The newly released track, serving as the lead single for the album, showcases exactly that. Packed with thrash-driven riffs, commanding vocals, and Ellefson’s tight, thunderous bass lines, the song blends old-school heaviness with modern production flair. Fans have already flooded social media with enthusiastic reactions, applauding both the song’s energy and Ellefson’s unmistakable influence.
For Ellefson, this move represents both a fresh beginning and a return to form. Since his departure from Megadeth in 2021, he has participated in several music projects, but joining a long-respected band like Metal Church signals a renewed focus on his roots in classic heavy metal. In a brief personal statement, Ellefson expressed excitement about collaborating with musicians he has admired for years, adding that the new album “feels like a true celebration of metal in its purest form.”
Industry analysts note that Metal Church’s upcoming album their first with Ellefson could become one of the most discussed metal releases of the year. The band’s reinvigorated lineup, combined with a sound that harks back to their influential early records, places them in a strong position to reconnect with longtime fans while attracting a new generation of listeners.
The yet-untitled album is expected to arrive later this year, with additional singles and touring plans to be announced soon. For now, the debut track offers a powerful preview of what’s to come a fierce, tightly executed statement that Metal Church is entering a bold new era with David Ellefson at the helm of the low end.
Metal fans worldwide will no doubt be watching closely as the band prepares to unleash what could be one of the most important chapters in their storied career.
