David Ellefson

All posts tagged David Ellefson

EMP Label Group Creates Ariescope Music Imprint With Iconic Horror Director/Producer Adam Green, Debut Release From Green’s Band HADDONFIELD Out In October

Posted by tarjavirmakari on July 26, 2017
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EMP LABEL GROUP, the label founded by Megadeth’s DAVID ELLEFSON, has signed a deal with iconic horror director/writer/producer ADAM GREEN (Hatchet, Holliston) to create ARIESCOPE RECORDS, Green’s own label imprint which will be manufactured, marketed, and distributed by EMP. The imprint label will focus on hard rock and metal acts, as well as the scores and soundtracks for Green’s own film and television projects.

The first release for ArieScope Records will be GHOSTS OF SALEM, a special live release from Green’s own band HADDONFIELD, which will be available September 15th on digital, and Friday, October 13th, on limited edition LP.

HADDONFIELD formed in Green’s hometown of Boston in the late 90’s, and became a large regional draw through legendary live performances. Though forced to relegate the band to a side project when his film career took off in the mid 2000’s, Green fully reactivated HADDONFIELD in 2017 after receiving an overwhelming response to two of the band’s songs played during a special live charity broadcast of THE MOVIE CRYPT podcast the previous summer. Those tracks, and the rest of a classic band era live recording will be released this fall as Ghosts of Salem, and HADDONFIELD will perform live the very next night during this October’s annual “Rock And Shock” horror and music festival in Worcester, MA.

Green is a cult icon within the horror genre having written and directed 10 feature films to date including 2010’s Sundance darling FROZEN, 2014’s genre bending and ground breaking DIGGING UP THE MARROW, and the hugely successful HATCHET franchise in which he created the modern day slasher icon “Victor Crowley.” Green is also the creator, writer, director, showrunner, and one of the stars of the popular television sitcom HOLLISTON. After an extended hiatus due to the tragic death of main cast member Dave Brockie (GWAR’s “Oderus Urungus”), HOLLISTON will continue on with its third season next year.

Green’s weekly podcast THE MOVIE CRYPT (which he hosts with fellow HOLLISTON co-star Joe Lynch) has become one of the most popular entertainment podcasts on the internet over the past 4 years. Hailed as one of Entertainment Weekly magazine’s “Top 20 podcasts on the internet” in 2015, THE MOVIE CRYPT has been ranked in iTunes Top 25 “What’s Hot” in TV/Film podcasts every day of the week for the last 2 years.

Established in 1998, Green’s production company ArieScope Pictures has been a leader in genre fare for 2 decades. In addition to producing all of Green’s feature films and television series, ArieScope.com has become a destination site for horror and comedy fans around the world offering over 100 free short films and multiple seasons of original weekly series like “Adam Green’s Scary Sleepover” and “Horrified.”

“I’m honored to partner with EMP for this new musical division of ArieScope Pictures,” says Green. “As a lifelong metal and hard rock fan, I’ve always found ways to bring the music and the artists I love into my various film and television projects but I’ve missed performing music myself in a huge way over these last several years. Starting an ArieScope imprint label, bringing HADDONFIELD back to the forefront, and getting to work with people I admire like David Ellefson and Thom Hazaert is just incredible.”

EMP Operations Manager Thom Hazaert says, “We are huge fans of Adam and his work, and it’s truly an honor to be the musical Robin to his Batman. He is a true music fan, and artist, and that said, music is never far from the pulse of his film projects, Holliston, Hatchet etc. We are extremely excited and look forward to bringing you the fruits of this unholy union.”

Green is currently finishing his first novel and overseeing new issues of both the HATCHET and HOLLISTON comic book series. His 10th feature film will be released in theaters this fall.

 

MARK SLAUGHTER’s ‘Halfway There’ Voted As Loudwire’s Most Anticipated Release

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 1, 2017
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SLAUGHTER vocalist MARK SLAUGHTER is set to release his ‘Halfway There’ album worldwide on May 26 via EMP LABEL GROUP, (May 10th in Japan via EMP/UNIVERSAL) the US based label of Megadeth bassist David Ellefson.

Loudwire readers have voted the Slaughter frontman’s new solo album “Halfway There” as the May 2017 Release of the Month.

Loudwire issues:
“We asked the readers for their most anticipated release of May, and “Halfway There” pulled head midway through the voting and expanded the lead in the final week. The disc bested Seether’s Poison the Parish, Linkin Park’s One More Light and Papa Roach’s Crooked Teeth, which also put up solid voting totals.”

Slaughter says, “My first solo record was kinda getting back on the horse, so to speak. I mean doing everything and recording … I’m taking on a lot more tasks as an engineer/producer/ writer on all this … because I’m doing everything. Ultimately at the end of the day, anybody who is a Slaughter fan, will certainly understand that I am a large part of the Slaughter sound and vibe, so obviously if you like that, it’s in there. It’s just that I take a lot more liberties on the solo side that I probably wouldn’t do when it’s a group effort.”

He continues, “The record is basically … I spend a lot of time writing songs and things just grow out of me. I’ll be woken up in the middle of the night from nowhere and the song’s just in my head and I just exorcize the demons and there you have it. I guess what it is is, an artist makes art. And I’ve really come to the fact that since we haven’t made a Slaughter record in so long, it’s one of those things that I still have to make the art. That’s what I do. That’s what I love to do, and that’s what I’ll continue to do.”

The album is being released by the EMP Label Group, led by Megadeth bassist David Ellefson, who said of his relationship with Slaughter, “I have been friends with Mark for over 30 years, since he was in Vinnie Vincent Invasion, and there’s a lot of shared history. So when we started talking about the idea of putting this record out, yes, it was a great and natural fit. Mark is such a tremendous talent and songwriter, and the scope of that is truly evident on Halfway There. We’re extremely proud, and excited, to have been able to partner with him on it, and can’t wait for the World to hear it.”

Read the whole article here!

Just recently MARK SLAUGHTER released the first track teaser preview video Ep. 1, featuring Mark discussing and previewing the album track “Conspiracy”, watch it here:

MARKSLAUGHTER-cover

SLAUGHTER Vocalist Mark Slaughter Signs Worldwide Deal With EMP Label Group For Release Of New Solo Album “Halfway There”, Out In May

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 2, 2017
Posted in: Int. News. Tagged: , , , , . Leave a comment

MarkSlaughter

Legendary Hard Rock vocalist Mark Slaughter has announced the upcoming release of his sophomore solo release “Halfway There”, being released in May Worldwide via EMP LABEL GROUP, the US based label of Megadeth bassist David Ellefson.

“Halfway There”, the follow up to 2015’s independently released “Reflections in a rear view mirror”, is a stunning return to form for Slaughter, channeling the familiar Hard Rock sensibility of classic-era SLAUGHTER releases like Stick it to Ya and The Wild Life on “Hey You” and emotionally-charged title track “Halfway There”, with a mature, progressive, Metal bent, evidenced on cuts like “Devoted”, “Conspiracy”, and “Reckless”.

Produced and co-mixed by Slaughter with John Cranfield (AFI, Andy Grammer), with art by famed horror/album artist “Mister” Sam Shearon (Rob Zombie, Iron Maiden, KISS, Clive Barker) “Halfway There” is slated to be released May 26th in North America by EMP LABEL GROUP/AMPED, and EMP/SPV in Europe, and May 10th in Japan via EMP LABEL GROUP/UNIVERSAL.

Mark will tour Japan in May with Slaughter, supporting RATT, in conjunction with the Japanese release of the LP, with shows in Nagoya, Osaka, and a performance at the Tokyo Metal Summit, May 14th with Ratt, Sebastian Bach, E’nuff Z’nuff, and more.

Not only is HALFWAY THERE a blistering showcase of Slaughter’s seemingly never-ending vocal abilities, but a glowing testament to his perpetually underserved prowess as a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, handling all production, engineering, songwriting, arrangements, guitar, and the bulk of the album’s instrumentation himself.

Slaughter says, “My first solo record (Reflections in a Rear View Mirror) was kinda getting back on the horse, so to speak. I mean doing everything and recording… I’m taking on a lot more tasks as an engineer/producer/ writer on all this… because I’m doing everything. Ultimately at the end of the day, anybody who is a SLAUGHTER fan, will certainly understand that I am a large part of the Slaughter sound and vibe, so obviously if you like that, it’s in there. It’s just that I take a lot more liberties on the solo side that I probably wouldn’t do when it’s a group effort.”

He adds, “The record is basically.. I spend a lot of time writing songs and things just grow out of me.. Ill be woken up in the middle of the night from nowhere and the song’s just in my head and I just exorcize the demons and there you have it. I guess what it is is, an artist makes art. And I’ve really come to the fact that since we haven’t made a Slaughter record in so long, it’s one of those things that I still have to make the art. That’s what I do. That’s what I love to do, and that’s what I’ll continue to do.”

EMP A&R director Thom Hazaert chimes in, “It’s been such an incredible honor to put this record together with Mark, who truly, in my humble opinion, is one of the greatest Hard Rock singers and songwriters of our generation, and, what a lot of people don’t realize, just a phenomenal player as well. We spent almost a year going back and forth about the idea of putting the record out together, obviously Mark and David (Ellefson) have a great longstanding friendship, so it really was an amazing fit.

From the first time I heard the working demos of these songs, I knew Mark was working on something very, very special. Growing up (and still) a huge Slaughter fan, I think these songs are going to not only resonate with the people who already love Mark and what he does, but carve a niche far beyond.“

Ellefson adds, “I have been friends with Mark for over 30 years, since he was in Vinnie Vincent Invasion, and there’s a lot of shared history. So when we started talking about the idea of putting this record out, yes, it was a great and natural fit. Mark is such a tremendous talent and songwriter, and the scope of that is truly evident on Halfway There. We’re extremely proud, and excited, to have been able to partner with him on it, and can’t wait for the World to hear it.”

For More Information Please Visit:
Mark Slaughter Facebook
Mark Slaughter Website
EMP Label Group
EMP Facebook

Grand Opening Of ELLEFSON COFFEE CO JACKSON April 7-9, More Details Announced

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 1, 2017
Posted in: Int. News. Tagged: , , , . Leave a comment

Ellefson-coffee-grand-opening-details

Ellefson Coffee Co., the boutique Coffee brand of Grammy-Winning Megadeth bassist and EMP Label Group‘s President DAVID ELLEFSON, has announced additional details about the GRAND OPENING of their Brick and Mortar store in David’s hometown of Jackson, MN April 7-9. As previously announced, 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.

Additionally, 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.

In addition to serving a variety of custom blends of Ellefson Coffee Co brands, including ROAST IN PEACE, SHE WOLF, KENYA THRASH, and URBAN LEGEND, ECC also serves as a retail outlet for Ellefson Coffee products and memorabilia, as well as a satellite retail outlet for titles and merchandise from Ellefson’s EMP LABEL GROUP. Additionally, the store will also act as an official retailer for JACKSON GUITARS and SIT STRINGS, as well as select items from PUCK HCKY, DEAN GUITARS, and more!

Says Ellefson, “As the GRAND OPENING draws nearer, it’s amazing to see the excitement build and be able to announce some more killer things we have planned for the Grand Opening and beyond!! We have people traveling from all over the country to join us in this celebration of all things COFFEE and METAL, and we’re going to show them all a GREAT time!!”

ECC Marketing Director Thom Hazaert adds, “The Ellefson Coffee Co. store has turned out to be an amazing way for David to have a permanent face in his hometown, while being able to tie in EMP, Jackson, Dean, SIT, and everything else in our universe. With the huge sense of Megadeth history in Jackson, we are excited to be able to create a really unique and amazing fan (and Coffee) experience, that, as predicted, is turning out to not only be a highlight for the people of Jackson, but a destination for Megadeth fans from around the World.”

Join the party at Ellefson Coffee Co. April 7-9th at 404 Second St, Jackson, MN, 56143.

More information at:
ELLEFSON COFFEE COMPANY: http://www.facebook.com/ellefsoncoffeecojackson – http://www.facebook.com/ellefsoncoffeeco – http://www.ellefsoncoffeeco.com
EMP Label Group: http://empmerch.com – http://emplabelgroup.com
ALPHA OMEGA Management: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialAlphaOmegaManagement

THE LETTER BLACK Sign With EMP Label Group; to Release Third Album “Pain” in May

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 14, 2017
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The_letter_Black

THE LETTER BLACK, who first burst onto the hard rock landscape with their Tooth & Nail debut “Hanging on my a Thread” in 2010, are back with a new record and a new label. The band is set to release their third album, “Pain” May 26th on EMP LABEL GROUP. Produced by guitarist Mark Anthony, and mixed by the legendary Ben Grosse (Blink 182, Disturbed, Starset), the album, an aggressive step forward, shows the band venturing into heavier new territory.

“When we met to talk about the new record, it was unanimous that we wanted to do what we’ve been wanting to do all along, Metal. Though we have had those moments in the past, we were always restricted for various reasons. Those barriers are gone now, and that allowed us to create the record the way we wanted. This album is The Letter Black. For the first time, I feel we have successfully delivered the most honest and true music in the band’s history” recalls Mark.

Vocalist Sarah Anthony adds, “I wanted to really explore my vocals on this effort. I wanted to dive more into the aggressive side matching the more aggressive music but also touching on some more intimate moments on a few songs as well.”

In late 2016, the band, Vocalist Sarah Anthony, Guitarist Mark Anthony, and drummer Justin Brown, began talking to (Megadeth bassist) David Ellefson and Thom Hazaert of EMP LABEL GROUP. Through these talks, the band found themselves inking a new deal with EMP opening up a new direction for 2017.

“We are beyond excited to be working with David and Thom over at EMP. We really feel like they get what we are about. We have never spoken with anyone so open to letting us just go with it and create the album that we want to. That kind of trust makes us even more determined to do them proud and deliver the best album we ever have” states Mark.

“The band’s previous releases had been a huge for the band at Tooth and Nail, and they have always been an amazing hard-working band.”, says Hazaert. “So when the opportunity came to bring them into the fold at EMP we jumped at the chance. The Letter Black is one of the hardest-working bands out there, and we couldn’t be happier to welcome them to the family.”

THE LETTER BLACK released “Hanging on my a Thread”, and the 2013 follow-up “Rebuild” on Tooth and Nail, before departing the label before the recording of “Pain”. The band has since played over 100-150 shows a year, including support for Skillet, Thousand Foot Krutch, and more.

Formed in 2015, EMP has quickly become one of the go-to labels in the Worlds of Metal and Rock. Distributed by AMPED in North America, and SPV in Europe, EMP boasts a diverse roster including Cage9, Doyle, Mark Slaughter, Broken Teeth, Ancient, Doll Skin, Another Lost Year, Helstar and more!

For More Information Please Visit:

EMP Label Group
EMP Facebook
EMP Merch
The Letter Black
The Letter Black Facebook

DAVID ELLEFSON to Unleash New Signature “Dawn Patrol” Chorus Pedal with Pro Tone Pedals

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 5, 2017
Posted in: Int. News. Tagged: , , , , . Leave a comment
davidellefson-dawn-patrolpedal

Photo by Clayton Lancaster Photography

At the London Bass Guitar Show this weekend, Grammy-Winning MEGADETH bassist and EMP Label Group‘s President DAVID ELLEFSON announced his collaboration with celebrated stompbox merchant PRO TONE PEDALS, to create the ‘DAWN PATROL’ CHORUS.

Says Ellefson, “When Pro Tone approached me with the idea of making some signature pedals, as a bass player, CHORUS is one of my go-to effects live, an ace weapon in my arsenal, and in many regards, helped me transition my signature tone from studio to live on classic songs like “Dawn Patrol”. So the idea of developing a great chorus pedal was really a no-brainer.

Dennis and the Pro Tone team are technical wizards, and developed the DAWN PATROL to my exact specifications, and together we’ve created a high quality, hand-built stompbox pedal that I’m positive will find a special place in any bassist’s rig.”

David joins the the elite family of Pro Tone Signature artists including Tosin Abasi and Reeves Gabrels, and a superb artist roster including Jeff Loomis, Fear Factory, Alice in Chains, Prong, Deftones, Living Colour, Overkill, 30 Seconds To Mars and more.

Pro Tone Pedals was founded in 2004 to provide hand-built high-quality guitar effects for the modern player. The Charleston, SC based company is known for making the best overdrives on the planet, among other custom designed inspirations in chorus, delay, phase shifters and more. The unyielding commitment to excellence has brought Pro Tone together with some of the biggest names in rock and metal today such as Ozzy, Arch Enemy, Whitechapel, The Cure, Fear Factory, Ministry, Overkill, Prong and many more

The DAWN PATROL CHORUS will be available from Pro Tone for a special limited introductory price of $189.99.

More information at:
DAVID ELLEFSON: http://davidellefson.com – https://protonepedals.com/ellefson
PRO TONE PEDALS: https://protonepedals.com
EMP Label Group: http://empmerch.com – http://emplabelgroup.com
ALPHA OMEGA Management: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialAlphaOmegaManagement