David Ellefson Debuts with Metal Church at San Luis Metal Fest
The new lineup of METAL CHURCH made its live debut on May 17, 2024, at the San Luis Metal Fest held at Teatro del Pueblo in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. The concert marked bassist David Ellefson's first performance as a member of the veteran thrash metal band. Alongside founding guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof, the current formation also includes longtime guitarist Rick Van Zandt and drummer Jeff Plate. The show was attended by over 5,000 fans who gathered to witness the refreshed roster. In an interview with Blabbermouth.net, David Ellefson described the experience as "the band played great, sounded great" ("the band played great, sounded great"). He added, "It was amazing to share the stage with Kurdt and the rest of the guys, and the crowd’s energy was insane" ("It was amazing to share the stage with Kurdt and the rest of the guys, and the crowd’s energy was insane"). The setlist featured classic METAL CHURCH tracks such as "Beyond the Black" and "Watch the Children Pray," as well as songs from their latest album, "Congregation of Annihilation," released earlier this year. The performance also highlighted the chemistry between Ellefson and Van Zandt, who have been collaborating since 2022 on various side projects. According to the band's manager, the new lineup was rehearsed intensively for three months prior to the festival, ensuring tight synchronization and a powerful live sound. Technical staff reported that the sound engineering team employed a 24-channel digital mixing console to balance the heavy guitar tones with Ellefson's distinctive bass presence. Fans and critics alike praised the concert for its high energy and flawless execution. Metal journalist Alex Rivera wrote, "Metal Church proved they are still a force in the metal scene, and Ellefson’s addition brings a fresh dynamic without compromising the band’s legacy" ("Metal Church proved they are still a force in the metal scene, and Ellefson’s addition brings a fresh dynamic without compromising the band’s legacy"). Social media reactions trended under #MetalChurchLive, with many noting the seamless integration of the new members. The debut comes at a pivotal moment for METAL CHURCH, as they prepare for a North American tour slated for the fall of 2024. The band announced that the San Luis Metal Fest performance will be released as a live video on their official YouTube channel in September, offering fans worldwide a chance to experience the show. Ellefson concluded his interview by stating, "I’m looking forward to the upcoming tour and to creating more great music with these guys" ("I’m looking forward to the upcoming tour and to creating more great music with these guys").
David Ellefson on stage with Metal Church
