Professionally filmed footage of METAL ALLEGIANCE covering the METALLICA classic "Whiplash" has been released from their annual all-star concert on January 22 at the House of Blues in Anaheim, California. The pro-shot video captures one of the most electrifying moments from a night that brought together some of heavy metal's most celebrated musicians for an evening of covers, collaboration, and celebration of the genre's rich heritage.
The "Whiplash" performance featured a jaw-dropping lineup: Troy Sanders of MASTODON handled vocal duties with his signature growl and melodic power, while Andreas Kisser of SEPULTURA and Doc Coyle of GOD FORBID traded ferocious guitar leads. The rhythm section was anchored by METAL ALLEGIANCE core members Mike Portnoy of DREAM THEATER on drums and Mark Menghi on bass. In a particularly touching detail, Menghi performed using the late Cliff Burton's bass, brought to the venue by Burton's family — a moment that connected the evening directly to METALLICA's earliest days.
"Whiplash," originally featured on METALLICA's 1983 debut "Kill 'Em All," is one of the definitive thrash metal songs and a natural choice for an all-star assembly of this caliber. The METAL ALLEGIANCE rendition stays faithful to the original's breakneck tempo while benefiting from the unique tonal qualities each guest musician brings to the arrangement.
METAL ALLEGIANCE's annual Anaheim gathering has become one of the most anticipated events in the metal calendar, typically held in conjunction with the NAMM convention. Previous editions have featured members of SLAYER, ALICE IN CHAINS, ANTHRAX, TESTAMENT, and dozens of other major acts. The 2026 edition also included covers of MEGADETH, JUDAS PRIEST, and BLACK SABBATH, each featuring different combinations of guest musicians.
The pro-shot footage was captured by a multi-camera crew and features pristine audio mixing, making it one of the best-documented METAL ALLEGIANCE performances to date.