David Ellefson has formed a new band, ‘DIETH’ with members of Entombed A.D and Decapitated. The band is gearing up to release their debut album, ‘To Hell and Back’ which drops June 2nd. Metal Wani’s Jessie David took the time to chat with Ellefson about the highly anticipated album.
This is Ellefson’s heaviest band, and it came as a natural transition from his Thrash background. The idea of the album name was inspired by someone who has come from hell and back and now the story has been told. Ellefson said ‘it’s kind of a concept album without setting out to make a concept album. The title says it all, and most listeners have been, in some form, to hell and back.” The album was written very organically, nothing was forced but it did come full circle.
Coming from a thrash background, and DIETH being death metal, some challenges are sure to come up but as Ellefson explained, musicians don’t really think or write in genres. However, he did say, he had to become somewhat of a student when it comes to the genre.
The track ‘Don’t Get Mad Get Even’ was inspired by the experience. Ellefson, “My thought as I wrote it is you kind of think of some situations where you say screw that guy. One form of ‘Don’t Get Mad Get Even, is an eye for an eye.” As he continues, he went on to say the other form was the best revenge is living better. “Holding a grudge isn’t cool.”
The album, ‘To Hell and Back” does feature a ballad track that showcases David Ellefson on lead vocals. The track is called, “Walk with Me Forever.” Ellefson saw it as a fun gift to perform a song as a lead. Ellefson “As you’re singing you really become at one with the story.” The song was recorded in a key that was comfortable for him, and it does fit with the flow of the album.
With the release and tour that follows the upcoming album, that’s not all Ellefson is focusing on. He also is working on a project with Jeff Young, called “Kings of Thrash.” Where they’ll be performing the MEGADETH albums “Killing is My Business….and Business is Good” and “So Far, So Good… So What” live.
During the interview, Ellefson said, “These fans have really wanted to hear these songs…” The goal for this tour is to deliver songs that are rarely heard live and give the fans an opportunity to hear them. Ellefson, “This year is 40 years of Megadeth and there are many generations behind that now that want to go back and hear these earlier records. That’s what sets the tone for why there was a Rust in Peace. Killing is my Business is the reason there became a Peace Sells.” Kings of Thrash will also be working on a new album, with the idea being a one-off single instead of a full album.
With many side projects and new bands, David Ellefson is not only exploring a new chapter but reflecting on some of the highlights from his past. Make sure to check out DIETH’s debut album ‘To Hell and Back’ on June 2nd
