Los Angeles, California – Kings of Thrash—featuring Megadeth alumni David Ellefson (bass) and Jeff Young (guitar), alongside Chaz Leon (vocals/guitar) and Fred Aching (drums, Dead Groove/BulletBoys), with special guest and fellow ex-Megadeth member Chris Poland—return with a searing new single and a bold evolution in sound.
The band first made waves by igniting one of the most powerful live albums in recent memory, The Mega Years, a reinvention of Megadeth’s foundational works: Killing Is My Business…And Business Is Good (1985), Peace Sells…But Who’s Buying? (1986), and So Far, So Good…So What? (1988)—albums that helped shape and define the thrash metal genre.
Guitarist Jeff Young summed up the spirit of their globe-spanning “Mega Years” tour: “The mission here is to create a sense of connection and goodwill through music—by uniting friends, musicians, and our extended thrash tribe. In times when people need something uplifting, there’s nothing more powerful than the music that’s become the soundtrack of our lives.”
Today, Kings of Thrash break new ground with the release of their latest original single, “Lockdown”—a fiery track that marks the band’s move beyond their Megadeth roots, while doubling down on the ferocity and musicianship that earned them legendary status.
“‘Lockdown’ has it all,” says Chris Poland. “Killer riffs, a hook-heavy chorus, and a rhythm section that’s locked in tight. I’m honored to have been invited to be part of it.”
STREAM “Lockdown” HERE
“‘Lockdown’ blends classic ’80s thrash energy with raw punk attitude—and yes, there are four guitar solos!” says Jeff Young. “We had an absolute blast bringing this track to life.”
“‘Lockdown’ really channels the essence of old-school thrash,” adds bassist David Ellefson. “The lyrics feel especially relevant given the turbulent times we’re all navigating.”
The track arrives alongside a gripping new music video—directed and edited by drummer Fred Aching with his Dead Groove bandmate Holly West—which premiered today via Metal Injection. The video features the band tearing it up live in the studio, and fittingly, performing from behind bars.
WATCH the VIDEO: https://metalinjection.net/video/kings-of-thrash-ex-megadeth-stays-thrashy-with-new-single-lockdown
More Kings of Thrash action is coming soon as they celebrate the 30th anniversary of Megadeth’s Youthanasia and other thrash classics. Their “Thrashin’ SoCal” mini-tour kicks off at the Whisky on September 4, followed by “Thrashin’ The East” starting in Frenchtown, NJ on October 17. As guitarist Jeff Young puts it, “We’re excited to hear everyone singing the ‘Lockdown’ chorus live with us!”
For more information on all of these events please visit:
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