Kings of Thrash, the thrash-metal combo featuring Megadeth alumni David Ellefson and Jeff Young, plus Fred Aching (Dead Groove) and Chaz Leon (Absolution) are back with a brand new single – but you’ll have to move fast because there’s just 50 copies pressed.
The highly-anticipated fifth release in Cleopatra Records’ newly-launched STRICTLY LIMITED series of instant collectors’ item, this unique coupling of “Bullets Ready” and “Lockdown” features guest appearances from Chris Poland (Megadeth), Zetro (Exodus, Hatriot, Legacy) and Gabriel Connor (Red Devil Vortex).
Packaged in authentic white-label style packaging with a one-sided sleeve card and poly bag, this thunderous release is succinctly described by David Ellefson as “Two powerhouse thrash songs designed to be old-school in their production and their bite. The new made old and the old made new…thrash never dies, it just changes generations! “
STRICTLY LIMITED is an extraordinary new series of 7-inch singles featuring rare, archival and unreleased tracks by some of the legends of rock’n’roll. Past releases include:
New York Dolls – “Looking for a Kiss” (7-inch, 50 copies)
Thor – “Quest for the Hammer” (7-inch, 35 copies)
Angel – “Lady of the Lake” (12-inch, 50 copies) SOLD OUT!
Future STRICTLY LIMITED releases include releases by Linda Gail Lewis with Hillbilly Moon Explosion, Femme Fatale and Dee Snider, and King Stott (ex-Plasmatics).
Available only from the Cleopatra Records web store, here.
TRACK LISTING
SIDE A “Bullets Ready” (featuring Zetro and Gabriel Connor)
Cleopatra Records proudly announces “Bullets Ready,” the latest release from the iconic thrash metal group, KINGS OF THRASH – featuring former Megadeth bassist and co-founder David Ellefson and ex-Megadeth guitarist Jeff Young.
The band’s newest original song delivers a powerful vocal duet between KINGS OF THRASH vocalist Chaz Leon and Gabriel Connor – frontman of the rising Los Angeles theatrical rock group Red Devil Vortex. The track also features a special guest appearance by former Exodus vocalist Steve “Zetro” Souza. “Bullets Ready” was mixed by Grammy winning producer Cameron Webb, known for his work with Motörhead, Danzig and Godsmack.
Guitarist and co-composer Jeff Young reflects on the origins of the song:
“During the making of the Nick Menza film, I acquired several demo recordings of Nick playing various drum progressions. In essence, the introduction, verses & chorus of ‘Bullets Ready’ came from playing along to one of Nick’s energetic grooves. During the So Far, So Good… So What! tour, it was often David, Nick & myself that would conduct the soundchecks. It was a surreal & nostalgic feeling to be playing along and writing riffs with my long, lost friend. Nick’s playing inspired so much of this song and his spirit is forever encapsulated inside this recording.”
TOUR DATES FOR 2026
05.01.26 ROCKPILE WEST TORONTO, ONTARIO 05.02.26 PIRANHA BAR MONTREAL, QUEBEC 05.03.26 THE RAINBOW BISTRO OTTAWA, ONTARIO
05.05.26 THE VAULT NEW BEDFORD, MA 05.06.26 EMPIRE UNDERGROUND ALBANY, NY 05.07.26 HALFTIME NEWARK, DE 05.08.26 REVERB READING, PA 05.09.26 MORSBERGERS CATONSVILLE, MD
05.22.26 CAPITAL MUSIC BOGOTA, COLUMBIA 05.23.26 ROCK PLAZA PEREIRA, COLUMBIA 05.24.26 THE GREEN MEDELLIN, COLUMBIA 05.26.26 MUNICIPAL MUSICA VIVA BUCARAMANGA, COLUMBIA
08.25.26 THE UNDERWORLD LONDON, UK 08.26.26 THE PATRIOT CRUMLIN, WALES, UK 08.27.26 QUEENS HALL NUNEATON, UK 08.28.26 STONEDEAD FEST CHESHIRE, UK 08.29.26 WATERLOO BLACKPOOL, UK 08.30.26 WAREHOUSE LIMERICK, IRELAND 09.01.26 THE SOUND HOUSE DUBLIN, IRELAND 09.02.26 VOODOO BELFAST, IRELAND
THE STORY OF KINGS OF THRASH
KINGS OF THRASH was formed in April 2022, following a special appearance by Ellefson and Young at Ultimate Jam Night at the legendary Whisky A Go-Go in Hollywood, California. The event was honoring the legendary “Big Four” of thrash metal—Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax.
During the evening, Ellefson and Young performed three classic Megadeth songs alongside vocalist Chaz Leon. The electrifying performance sparked an immediate chemistry that led to the formation of Kings of Thrash.
The band was built around a concept envisioned by Ellefson: creating a live experience celebrating early Megadeth albums and rarely performed deep cuts from his decades-long tenure with the thrash metal pioneers. This vision became known as “The MEGA Years.”
In November 2022, Kings of Thrash took to the stage with four proof-of-concept concerts in San Diego, Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Hollywood. Their performance at the Whisky A Go-Go on the Sunset Strip was filmed and recorded resulting in the acclaimed release “The Best of the West – Live at the Whisky A Go-Go.”
The double live album and DVD were released by Cleopatra Records in Spring 2023 in both digital and vinyl formats.
ORIGINAL MUSIC
In 2025, Cleopatra Records released the band’s first thrash\punk inspired trek, “Lockdown.” With its accompanying music video, directed by KOT drummer Fred Aching, the group distinguished themselves as more than just a nostalgic tribute band.
The new music video for “Bullets Ready” was shot in Hollywood, California and again, directed by Fred Aching. Additional scenes were filmed at the infamous Nelson Valley Ghost Town in El Dorado Valley, Arizona – the same location as seen in the movie, 3000 Miles to Graceland.
Now, with the progressive strains of “Bullets Ready,” Kings of Thrash continues expanding its musical scope, while performing worldwide on their massive Global Thrash Tour. Dates in Canada, US, Norway, Ireland and U.K. are on the docket at www.kingsofthrash.com
“BULLETS READY” – CREDITS Written by: music: Jeff Young, David Ellefson lyrics: Jeff Young, David Ellefson, Chaz Leon, Fred Aching, Gabriel Connor
Musicians: Jeff Young – Rhythm & Lead Guitars David Ellefson – Bass Fred Aching – Drums Chaz Leon – Vocals Gabriel Connor – Lead Vocals Steve Souza – Guest Vocals
Mixed by: Cameron Webb Engineer Arizona: John Aquilino Engineer Las Vegas: Jason Froberg Song Produced by: Kings of Thrash Video Directed by: Fred Aching and Holly West A&R by Fred Aching
Kings of Thrash, the acclaimed union of Megadeth alumni David Ellefson (bass) and Jeff Young (guitar), plus Chaz Leon (vocals, guitar) and Dead Groove/BulletBoys drummer Fred Aching, with special guest (and fellow ex-Megadeth-er) Chris Poland, return to the fray with a stunning new single, and a dramatic shift in attitude, too.
The band, after all, is most renowned as the sonic spark that detonated one of the recent past’s most incendiary live albums, the mighty The Mega Years reinvention of Megadeth’s first and three studio LPs, Killing Is My Business…And Business Is Good(1985) andSo Far, So Good…So What? (1988), plus highlights from the intervening Peace Sells…But Who’s Buying! (1986). The albums, in other words, upon which the entire thrash metal genre was built and defined in the first place.
As guitarist Young put it at the outset of the continent-devouring Mega Years tour, “The mission here is to bring a connection of goodwill through the music, with a collaboration of musicians and friends in our community. Our thrash tribe casts a wide net to give people hope in a time when they’re looking for something positive and uplifting. What better way than to do that than through the music which has become the soundtrack to our lives.”
Released today, the new single “Lockdown,” however, sees the Kings of Thrash step out of the shadow of their old band, while both maintaining, and even amplifying all the qualities that made those albums so wildly influential.
A brand new Kings of Thrash original, “‘Lockdown’ has it all,” confirms guitarist Poland. “Great riffs. A super catchy chorus. And a rhythm section that is locked up tight”! And I’m honored to have been invited to be a part of it.
“Lockdown” is what Young describes as “a cool mix of 80s thrash and punk vibes, plus four guitar solos (!!!) We had a lot of fun bringing this song to life!”
“’Lockdown’ captures the true spirit of old school thrash metal,” says bassist Ellefson, “with a lyric that can be seen as timely in this chaotic world we now live in.”
A stunning new video, directed and edited by drummer Aching and his Dead Groove bandmate Holly West, made it’s debut today on Metal Injection, capturing the band both live in the studio and, appropriately, behind bars.
There’s more Kings of Thrash on the way, too, as they celebrate the 30th anniversary of Megadeth’s Youthanasiaand other thrash classics. Their Thrashin’ SoCal mini tour ignites at the Whisky on September 4, before Thrashin’ The East begins in Frenchtown NJ on October 17. And, concludes Young, “We can’t wait to hear everybody singing the ‘Lockdown’ chorus with us live!”
KINGS OF THRASH announce their long-awaited “Anarchy in the UK” tour with special guests Andry and Hellgrimm. The tour is set to kick off October 24, 2024 and run through November 02, 2024. This highly anticipated tour will feature none other than Grammy Award Winning Bassist David Ellefson and guitarist Jeff Young, drummer Fred Aching and vocalist/guitarist Chaz Leon.
The tour promises an electrifying experience for fans as Kings Of Thrash makes its debut in the United Kingdom, paying homage to the birthplace of heavy metal. This tour holds special significance as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of the groundbreaking album “Youthanasia,” platinum (USA) and gold (UK) a milestone in Ellefson’s illustrious career.
“We are super thrilled to finally bring Kings Of Thrash to the UK, in many ways the origins of heavy metal,” said David Ellefson. “Even more so, celebrating some highlights of the 30th anniversary of the ‘Youthanasia’ album. The UK has been such a fantastic supporter for more than 40 years of our music, so it’ll be great to bring to our fans rare tracks and highlights of some of the most monumental albums in thrash metal history.”
Says Jeff Young, “I can’t wait to get back to the UK! The last time I played there was with Megadeth in 1988 at Castle Donington for the “Monsters of Rock” festival, so this return trip is long overdue!”
In addition to commemorating the “Youthanasia” anniversary, the tour will also showcase select cuts from “Killing Is My Business…And Business Is Good”, “So Far…So Good… So What!”, and “Peace Sells…But Who’s Buying?” promising an unforgettable experience for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
The “Anarchy in the UK” tour will be a testament to Kings Of Thrash’s enduring legacy and their unwavering commitment to delivering high-octane performances that captivate audiences worldwide. Dates are as follows:
THURSDAY 24 OCTOBER – THE CAMDEN UNDERWORLD, LONDON, ENGLAND SATURDAY 26 OCTOBER – THE WATERLOO MUSIC BAR, BLACKPOOL, ENGLAND SUNDAY 27 OCTOBER – OLD FIRE STATION, CARLISLE, ENGLAND MONDAY 28 OCTOBER – LA BELLE ANGELE, EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND TUESDAY 29 OCTOBER – OPIUM LIVE!, DUBLIN, IRELAND WEDNESDAY 30 OCTOBER – LIMELIGHT 1, BELFAST, N.IRELAND FRIDAY 01 NOVEMBER – CORPORATION, SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND SATURDAY 02 NOVEMBER – ACADEMY 3, MANCHESTER, ENGLAND
Limited edition VIP upgrades, Stage Used basses, Best of the West on CD DIGIPAK and LP will be available.
KINGS OF THRASH “Best Of The West – Live At The Whisky A Go-Go” 3 DISC SET! Includes Two (2) Audio CDs and (1) DVD as an added bonus. Features GRAMMY® Award Winning Bassist David Ellefson with guitarists Jeff Young and Chris Poland, reuniting to perform the early Thrash classics, “Killing is My Business …and Business is Good!” and “So Far, So Good, So What!” albums in their entirety. Get it now at cleorecs.com
KINGS OF THRASH, featuring David Ellefson and Jeff Young, announced the first leg of their 2023 world tour that begins on February 16 in Joliet, Illinois at The Forge. The THRASHIN’ USA tour will cross the Midwest, East Coast, and southeastern part of the USA through March 15th. Kings of Thrash will be performing the Killing Is My Business…and Business Is Good and So Far, So Good…So What albums in their entirety. KINGS OF THRASH also feature Chaz Leon on vocals and guitar and Fred Aching on drums. Hatriot will be providing support for the tour.
In addition, the band has signed a worldwide deal with Cleopatra Records and will be releasing a live CD/DVD package called Best of the West…Live at the Whisky A Go Go on March 24. The 17-song set was recorded and filmed live during the band’s sold out show at the legendary Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood, CA on October 15, 2022 and also features performances with Chris Poland. The DVD was directed by Michael Sarna for Inmotion Entertainment.
WATCH KINGS OF THRASH – THRASHIN’ U.S.A. TOUR PROMO VIDEO – Featuring “LOVED TO DETH” LIVE IN PHOENIX, AZ:
Get your ticketsHERE!VIP packages will be available on all shows. Go HERE for more info.
Kings of Thrash – Best Of The West… Live At The Whisky A Go Go (2 CD + DVD) Pre-Order Preview VideoHERE
Pre-Order Kings of Thrash – Best Of The West – Live At The Whisky A Go Go (2 CD + DVD)HERE
Collector’s Edition Kings of Thrash Best of the West Dark Roast CoffeeHERE Official Kings of Thrash merchandise can be foundHERE
KINGS OF THRASH ON TOUR: 2/16 — Joliet, IL — The Forge 2/17 — Minneapolis, MN — Varsity Theater 2/19 — Madison, WI — Majestic Theatre 2/20 — Indianapolis, IN — The Vogue 2/21 — Columbia, MO — Blue Note 2/22 — Columbus, OH — King Of Clubs 2/24 — Flint, MI — The Machine Shop 2/25 — Cincinnati, OH — Legends Bar And Venue 2/27 — Cleveland, OH — Beachland Ballroom And Tavern 2/28 — Warrendale, PA — Jergels 3/1 — Buffalo, NY — Town Ballroom 3/3 — Poughkeepsie, NY — The Chance 3/4 — Sayreville, NJ — Starland Ballroom 3/5 — Harrisburg, PA — Midtown Arts Center 3/7 — Ardmore, PA — Ardmore Music Hall 3/8 — New York, NY — Gramercy Theatre 3/10 — Charlottesville, VA — Jefferson Theatre 3/11 — Greensboro, NC — Hangar 1819 3/12 — Asheville, NC — The Orange Peel 3/14 — Charleston, SC — Music Farm 3/15 — Atlanta, GA — The Masquerade (Hell)
THE ROCK ALCHEMIST – Italian Rock Band from Turin with a strong sonic identity that blends modern rock with progressive, hard, alternative, and pop elements!
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 