METAL ALLEGIANCE performed their latest single "Black Horizon" live for the first time at the House of Blues in Anaheim, California on January 22. The all-star collective — featuring David Ellefson (formerly of MEGADETH), Alex Skolnick (TESTAMENT), Mike Portnoy (DREAM THEATER), and founder Mark Menghi — delivered a blistering set that showcased the unique chemistry between four of metal's most accomplished musicians.
The evening extended well beyond the "Black Horizon" debut, with the band treating the packed venue to deep cuts from their catalog and unexpected covers that had fans scrambling for their phones. The setlist drew from METAL ALLEGIANCE's two studio albums and featured guest appearances from musicians in attendance, a hallmark of these shows that makes each performance a one-of-a-kind event.
Pro-shot video from the performance has surfaced online within hours, showcasing Portnoy's extraordinary drumming precision, Skolnick's fluid lead guitar work, and the ensemble's ability to lock into tight arrangements despite their limited rehearsal time — a testament to the caliber of musicianship involved. Ellefson's bass lines provided a thunderous foundation, while Menghi's rhythm guitar and organizational vision held the project together.
The annual METAL ALLEGIANCE events, which began in 2011 as a jam session concept tied to the NAMM convention in Anaheim, have evolved into beloved traditions in the metal community. Each year brings different guest musicians and surprise setlist choices, creating moments that fans treasure as unrepeatable. The project has released two studio albums — "Metal Allegiance" (2015) and "Volume II: Power Drunk Majesty" (2018) — with Menghi hinting at new material in the works.