The Metal Voice recently interviewed Metal Allegiance and Testament guitarist Alex Skolnick about the Metal Allegiance show September 6 in Sayreville, NJ at the Starland Ballroom.
Alex also gave an update on the upcoming Testament studio album in the chat.
When asked about the new Testament studio album
“Our current drummer Chris Dovas, I think he’s really lit a fire under everyone. I think everybody’s gonna be really impressed. We’ve had some amazing drummers. I think that’s one of the reasons why, I’ll call it, the resurrection period of the Testament has gone so well, uh with all due respect to Louie (Clemente) who’s still a great friend of ours, the original drummer. He wasn’t like a drummer’s drummer and when he left the band he never joined another band. Everyone we have since then has been a drummers’ drummer. So when I came back to the band in the mid 2000s we always had a drummer’s drummer. And we did a tour cycle with Dave Lombardo which was amazing but scheduling conflicts were too much. And to really do a new album with this band (With Lombardo) especially for the drummer it’s such a level of commitment. I would have been surprised if that worked out so I know some people were hoping that would continue and they would see us with Dave Lambardo but I’ll tell you nobody’s complaining. Something new is happening with Chris and it’s very well captured on this record. There is something for everybody on this record. There’s super fast high energy songs, there is a slow song that we haven’t done for a long time. The type that we haven’t done with some elements that we’ve never done before. I think it’s definitely going to be a Testament record but it’s going to have a lot of diversity as well.”
When asked about if he has song contributions to the new Testament album
“I have, yes. We met a few times and worked like we used to kind of bouncing ideas off each other. This one there’s a lot more contributions and people seem to like it when we write together. I have a whole song, at least one whole composition on this record. “
METAL ALLEGIANCE began as a celebration of heavy metal, powered by the almost tribal bond shared between the extreme music community’s most revered trailblazers, armed with a list of contributors onstage (and off) that read like a Wikipedia entry on the genre itself – whose “core 4” is comprised of David Ellefson, Mark Menghi, Alex Skolnick, and Mike Portnoy.
On September 6th, 2024, the band will rock the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, New Jersey, on a bill that will also feature Meanstreak and Held Hostage. As with their previous shows, expect a setlist that balances original material with classic covers of metal royalty.
Public On Sale: https://www.axs.com/events/579121/metal-allegiance-tickets
The Starland show will come nine months after the group’s last performance in January, at the House of Blues Anaheim, as part of NAMM, and this will be the first Metal Allegiance show to feature the group’s core 4 in six years on the East Coast.
“Metal Allegiance’s performance at the Anaheim House of Blues stood as a resounding triumph, exceeding the lofty expectations of fans and critics alike. The band’s mastery of their craft, coupled with an unwavering commitment to delivering an unforgettable live experience, solidified their status as torchbearers of modern metal… Metal Allegiance is alive and well and their 10th anniversary show solidified their righteous spot on the altar of all things metal.” Says thevinyldistrict.com
As with previous shows, expect several guests, this time including Troy Sanders (Mastodon), John Bush (Armored Saint) and Dave Davidson (Revocation), among others.
“It’s time once again, for our metal summit with Metal Allegiance! This time we celebrate in heavy metals founding father state of New Jersey… the launch pad to so many legendary careers of our genre. The set list is sure to be blistering as we wrap up the summer together…see you there!” – David Ellefson
“After 10 years of performing as Metal Allegiance, it’s now finally time for us to take a trip across the GW and pay our friends in Jersey a visit…see ya soon Slayerville.” -Mark Menghi
“Metal Allegiance is beyond pleased to announce our long overdue return to the East Coast. In addition to making up for lost time, this gig will mark the first time, after a number of noteworthy shows in the New York area, that we finally make the pilgrimage across the river. New Jersey may be a State that those of us from NY kid around with, but its place in metal history, both on the musician and industry side, is no joke. So join us September 6, 2024, as Metal Allegiance and Jersey finally meet!” – Alex Skolnick
“Looking forward to throwing down with my Metal Allegiance brothers again… it’s always such a blast! While New York and Southern California are the two usual locations for our bashes, it will be fun to venture into NJ for the 1st time. On a personal note, I’m also excited that the gals in Meanstreak will be joining us for this special one-off show.” – Mike Portnoy
“Happy as hell to see Metal Allegiance playing in New Jersey! There is always a great crowd at the Starland Ballroom and I’m thrilled to go back. Good times are ahead my friends.” – Troy Sanders
“Jersey! I’m pumped to be a part of Metal Allegiance alongside some truly legendary musicians. This show is gonna be epic, see you in the pit on September 6th!” – Dave Davidson
“Looking forward to playing the all-mighty New Jersey for another east coast Metal Allegiance extravaganza! Love playing and hanging with the guys. Always a fun time and you never know who will attend to join the fracas.” – John Bush
Also available will be a Meet & Greet VIP package, which will include:
• Early access into the venue
• Exclusive pre-show Meet & Greet with members of Metal Allegiance
• Personal photograph & autograph signing with members of Metal Allegiance
• Collectible show poster (which they’ll happily sign for you)
• Official Meet & Greet VIP laminate
• Crowd-free access to the merchandise booth
VIP packages can be purchased here: metalallegiance.bigcartel.com/product/starland
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Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 