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MEGADETH’s DAVID ELLEFSON Sets Dates For Midwest Coffee Tour, Launches Ellefson Coffee Stout With Hydra Beer Company, Combat Blood And Bullets Cabernet And Hard Cider

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 16, 2018
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Fresh off of a hugely successful NAMM SHOW exhibiting with Ellefson Coffee Co, and his labels EMP LABEL GROUP and COMBAT, MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson has announced a string of March Midwest appearances including the launch of the URBAN LEGEND COFFEE STOUT with Sioux Falls microbrewery HYDRA BEER COMPANY.

DavidEllefson-MidwestCoffeeTour

The URBAN LEGEND release comes on the heels of the successful January launch of COMBAT BLOOD AND BULLETS CABERNET, a 2015 California Cabernet, and COMBAT HARD CIDER, a Hard Cider infused with Ellefson Coffee, both cellared and bottled by Scottsdale, AZs DESERT ROCK WINERY, announced officially on Sirius XM with EDDIE TRUNK during NAMM. Currently available online from combatwines.com, both are slated to launch in multiple retail locations, including all Arizona TOTAL WINES locations this Spring.

Also appearing on several of the dates are the RON KEEL BAND, celebrating the EMP release of Keel’s debut outlaw country/Southern Rock release METAL COWBOY RELOADED, also featuring Frank Hannon of Tesla, and guest appearances from Eric Brittingham and Jeff Labar of Cinderella, Paul Shortino, Troy Lucketta of Tesla, and more, in stores 3/23 via EMP OUTLAW/EMP LABEL GROUP.

Says Ellefson, “It’s always fun to get out and meet the fans, especially when I can get back home to the Midwest. Minnesota ALWAYS shows us a great time. With my brand manager, and partner, Thom Hazaert, we’ve launched a lot of exciting new things this year, and it’s really great to get out and meet fans and spread the word and get their feedback.”

“We’re all really excited about these collaborations. DESERT ROCK and HYDRA are both amazing companies, who make an exceptional high-end product. They came to us with a strong vision for a branded collaboration, and saw it through, and we couldn’t be happier. We’ve launched so many unique and exciting brand partnerships this year, and these are no exception.

Honestly, they are all incredibly cool, with amazing artwork by our COMBAT/ECC artist MELODY MYERS, and people will buy them as much for memorabilia, to put on the shelf next to their TROOPER and MEGADETH beers. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that they are just as great inside the bottle, for those who do want to enjoy responsibly.”

Meet David at the following locations:
Friday 3/16 7 PM
HYDRA BEER COMPANY, SIOUX FALLS, SD
URBAND LEGEND COFFEE STOUT LAUNCH/
RON KEEL METAL COWBOY RELOADED CD RELEASE

Saturday 3/17 2 PM
DOWN IN THE VALLEY, MINNEAPOLIS, MN
MEET AND GREET WITH DAVID ELLEFSON
8020 OLSON MEMORIAL HWY
GOLDEN VALLEY MN 55427

SATURDAY 3/17 7 PM
WHATSUP LOUNGE – MANKATO, MN
RON KEEL METAL COWBOY RELOADED CD RELEASE
WITH MEET AND GREET WITH DAVID ELLEFSON

SUNDAY 3/18 2 PM
KNOW NAME RECORDS, MINNEAPOLIS, MN
MEET AND GREET WITH DAVID ELLEFSON
6009 PORTLAND AVE. SO. MINNEAPOLIS, MN

For More Information:
http://www.davidellefson.net
https://ellefsoncoffeeco.com
http://www.combatwines.com
http://hydrabeercompany.com

David Ellefson: “MEGADETH is going to honour 1 album per month this year, for our 35 Year Anniversary”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 30, 2018
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TheMetalVoice-DavidEllefson

Jimmy Kay from Canada’s The Metal Voice spoke to MEGADETH’s Bassist and CEO of EMP Label Group David Ellefson at this years NAMM show January 26, 2018 at the EMP Label Group Booth.

Ellefson spoke about his branded coffee and wine lines, Megadeth’s 35 year anniversary celebrations, his faith and what stage Megadeth is at in regards to writing their next album. Furthermore, The Metal Voice also talked to Operations Director Thom Hazaert about EMP prodcut lines.

Watch the interview here:

When asked why he got into the Coffee business
“Cause I drink coffee everyday, I don’t even play music everyday and so it’s kind of a natural fit. I have been drinking Coffee pretty much my whole adult life. “

When asked about a Megadeth update on future initiatives
“Just this week we announced the 35 year anniversary of Megadeth. That is 15 studio albums. Therefore, we are going to honour an album per month throughout the year, sometimes two a month. This month is Dystopia and So Far. So good. So What? Which both came out in the month of January? We are honouring them by postings and probably in the live shows, we are going to incorporate more of those songs from those albums. There are also some merchandising for fans. Just making a whole extravaganza to thank our fans for giving us 35 years of the band.”

When asked if being public about his Christian faith if it can cause tensions in the Metal genre
“Faith is always a tough thing, quite honestly until I wrote my Autobiography I never did talk too much about it because there is so much prejudice about it. Kind of like watch what we do not what we say is the ultimate testimony of faith belief but you know we are all human. We are under satanic attack of the sinful fallen nature that the bible talks about from the beginning of time. None of us is perfect. I see people fall the hardest when they start to have a little success because human nature is we start to take credit for our success, what I did , rather then what he (God) did. I have been an atheist, Christian, Agnostic and somewhere in between. I got into as serious drug and alcohol habit and when I got sobered up, when I got clean that is when I sort of realized the reliance on a higher power thing.”

When asked what stage Megadeth is in writing a new album
It’s just getting started I’m thinking it’s going to be next year 2019 before we really get anything out but we are working on the album this year that’s the goal in the midst of the 35 year anniversary of Megadeth. We want to take our time and really make a great record. We took our time with Dystopia and that diligence paid off.”

More information at:
ELLEFSON COFFEE CO.: https://ellefsoncoffeeco.com – https://www.facebook.com/ellefsoncoffeeco
EMP LABEL GROUP: http://empmerch.com – http://emplabelgroup.com
MEGADETH: https://www.facebook.com/Megadeth – https://www.megadeth.com

CAELESTIA: Release ‘Chamber of Torments’ Music Video

Posted by aliblackdiamond on December 1, 2017
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Greek Symphonic Extreme Metal band, CAELESTIA, have releases a new music video for the song ‘Chamber of Torments‘. The track is taken from the new album “Thanatopsis”, out on December 8th via EMP Label Group/SPV. The album was mixed and mastered at Fredman Studios (Gothenburg, Sweden) by Fredrik Nordström(Dream Evil). The video can be viewed here:

The tracking and editing of the band’s second album titled “Thanatopsis” was successfully concluded in February 2017. The mixing and mastering of the new album was concluded by “Fredman Studios” (Gothenburg / Sweden), in the experienced hands of none other than Fredrik Nordström, a producer responsible for the creation of the famous “Gothenburg sound” (April 2017).

CAELESTIA Chamber of Torments

Like in the first album, there were appearances of renowned guest artists of the international metal community, i.e. drummer Jason Bittner (Overkill, ex-Flotsam & Jetsam, Shadows Fall etc). The album’s cover and artwork was prepared by French artist Gogo Melone (GM+ Studio). The band’s official album photography was trusted to Nikos Mylonas and Cosmas Hiolos (Krieg-Design) completed the graphic designs.

CAELESTIA is:

Dimitra Talamantes Vintsou – Vocals
Nikos Palivos – Vocals
Vassilis Thomas – Guitars
Socratis Panagouleas – Drums
Stelios Varotsakis – Bass
Vangelis Evangelou – Guitars

www.facebook.com/caelestiaband

CAELESTIA Thanatopsis Cover Art

 

David Ellefson And EMP Label Group Ressurrect COMBAT Records, New Releases From RAVEN, DEAD BY WEDNESDAY, And More

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 29, 2017
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EMP-logo

David Ellefson of MEGADETH, via his label EMP Label Group, has announced the relaunch of COMBAT Records, the seminal Punk/Thrash label that started MEGADETH’s career.

Most will remember Combat Records as one of the seminal thrash labels of the 1980s, their most prominent artist being, of course, Megadeth. Combat was also home to Helstar, Circle Jerks, Exodus, Nuclear Assault, and many of the most influential Metal and Punk bands of all time.

After a handful of ownership changes and attempted reboots, COMBAT went dormant in the mid-2000s, the catalog got absorbed by SONY, and the label itself ceased to exist. In 2016, David Ellefson, with his partner Thom Hazaert from EMP Label Group, did the due diligence to research and acquire the intellectual property for the COMBAT RECORDS brand, and bring it home to the EMP family.

CombatRecords

With the utmost respect to the legacy of the past, COMBAT will relaunch in 2018 as an imprint of EMP LABEL GROUP, releasing not only new releases from classic Thrash and Metal artists, but as a home for new and up and coming artists as well. The first tentative COMBAT releases in 2018 will be the North American release of the upcoming studio album from legendary NWOBHM titans RAVEN, a limited edition classic B-sides release from HELSTAR, (both original COMBAT artists) and new releases from CT Hardcore/Metal staples Dead By Wednesday and 80’s progressive thrash favorites WRATH.

Says Ellefson, “Today is a really exciting day, as after over a year, it was finally announced the we will be relaunching the legendary Combat Records as a new label through EMP Label Group. So excited and honored to be able to revive such an iconic brand that was so instrumental to my history. Even though we signed to Capitol after Killing is my Business, Combat’s logo was on all the MEGADETH releases through Countdown To Extinction, and it truly was/is one of the most iconic Metal labels of all time, even being home to some of the other artists who would end up on the EMP roster, like Helstar. The same independent spirit that drove COMBAT in those early days, is truly the same spirit that drives what we do with EMP, and we are honored to launch another amazing conduit to support new and established Metal artists, with great respect to the legacy of the past.

And to clarify, we do not own any rights to the COMBAT back catalog. That is owned, and controlled by SONY, and they have done a great job of curating it through other imprints. COMBAT RECORDS will solely focus on NEW releases under the COMBAT banner. As always, thank you for your support, and stay tuned for more details!”

COMBAT will be distributed through EMP LABEL GROUP, via AMPED DISTRIBUTION in North America, and SPV in Europe.

More information at:
EMP Label Group: http://empmerch.com – http://emplabelgroup.com
COMBAT Records: https://www.facebook.com/combatrecordsofficial
ALPHA OMEGA Management: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialAlphaOmegaManagement

DAVID ELLEFSON Returns To Jackson Minnesota For End Of Year Party At New Ellefson Coffee Co Retailer And Launches New Blend

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 2, 2017
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Grammy-Winning MEGADETH bassist and EMP Label Group‘s President DAVID ELLEFSON will return to his hometown of Jackson, MN, Saturday, November 18th for a special end of the year/birthday celebration at Kat’s Hog Heaven, the newest Ellefson Coffee Co retail location. Located at 608 2nd St, Kat’s is the pride of Jackson, serving a full BBQ dining menu, and now serving, and a retail outlet for Ellefson Coffee Co. coffee and merchandise. Additionally, Kat’s will be displaying various memorabilia from Ellefson’s MUSEUM OF DETH, featuring memorabilia from Ellefson’s life and career.

DAVID-ELLEFSON-Returns-To-JacsonMinnesota

Also appearing will be legendary rocker RON KEEL, who with his RON KEEL BAND has signed a deal with EMP OUTLAW, the new Southern Rock/Outlaw Country imprint of Ellefson’s EMP LABEL GROUP. Keel will be performing, and taking part in a special meet and greet with Ellefson.

The event will also mark the release of ECC’s JACKSON HOUSE BLEND, a conservatively priced, entry level addition to the ECC coffee lineup.

Says Ellefson, “I am so excited to return to Jackson and welcome our newest ECC retailer Kat’s Hog Heaven, and unveil the JACKSON HOUSE BLEND! Since we started ECC we have scoured the World to find a reasonably priced coffee that will adhere to the high quality standards we have set for ECC, and we are sure we have hit the jackpot with the Jackson House Blend. I am also extremely excited to welcome my old friend Ron Keel to Jackson, and showcase the latest addition to the EMP FAMILY!”

ECC’s Thom Hazaert adds, “The last time we went to Jackson, it was an absolute blast. We’re so stoked to go back and introduce our new blend that pays homage to David’s hometown, and the great people of Minnesota! And this time we’re dragging Ron Keel along for the ride! We’ll also have tons of giveaways and surprises, so definitely get down and see us at Kat’s!!! (And try some of Donnie’s amazing BBQ.)”

More information at:
ELLEFSON COFFEE COMPANY: 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

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.