The House of Blues was buzzing with energy on Thursday night as Metal Allegiance stormed the stage with a lineup that felt like a who’s who of heavy metal and thrash. From the moment the lights dimmed and DJ Will appeared on the HOB stage, fans of all ages knew they were in—it was 100% insanity. What followed was simply brilliant—a 2+ hour masterclass in musicianship, highlighting the raw power of live music on us all. It was an incredible performance and the perfect way to kick off NAMM week here in Orange County.
For the uninitiated, Metal Allegiance is not just a band, it’s a movement. Formed in 2014 by bassist and songwriter Mark Menghi, he quickly reached out to metal heavyweights David Ellefson, Alex Skolnick, and Mike Portnoy, and a supergroup was formed. Today, MA is still alive and kicking, with its core, along with a rotating collective of musicians who come together a few times a year to celebrate the music they love with fans.
With a lineup that often includes members of bands like Testament, Megadeth, Anthrax, and more, Metal Allegiance is a living, breathing tribute to the power of collaboration and the unifying spirit of heavy metal. Their performances are as much about the music as they are about the community, creating an experience that feels both intimate and intense.
The evening kicked off with Lost Legacy, whose blend of melodic and thrash metal set the tone for the night. Their intricate guitar work and commanding stage presence had the early crowd nodding along, a testament to their ability to captivate even the most discerning metalheads. Next up was Red Reign, bringing a classic hard rock vibe with a modern edge. Their anthemic choruses and tight rhythm section had the audience singing along, proving that their sound is as timeless as it is electrifying.
But it was Chained Saint, the third act, that truly stole the spotlight among the openers. Their performance was a revelation—a perfect storm of technical prowess and emotional depth from a band that is truly in its infancy stage out of South Florida in 2022. The lead vocalist, Sean Sterling, had an incredible vocal range, and the band’s dynamic interplay translated to a killer stage presence that left the crowd in awe. Watch out for Chained Saint—these four young men are going to be a force to be reckoned with.
When Metal Allegiance finally took the stage, the room erupted. Opening with “The Accuser,” featuring the legendary John Bush, the band immediately established its dominance. The setlist was a journey through metal’s rich history, blending original tracks with iconic covers that paid homage to the genre’s pioneers.
Highlights included “Bound By Silence,” a hauntingly powerful performance with Bush, and “Can’t Kill the Devil,” where Chuck Billy’s growls shook the very foundation of the venue. The crowd roared as Troy Sanders joined for a blistering rendition of Megadeth’s “Hangar 18,” and the live debut of “Black Horizon” with William DuVall was nothing short of magical.
My favorite tracks of the evening were “The Day I Tried to Live,” a Soundgarden cover with Alissa White-Gluz on vocals, and Iron Maiden’s “Purgatory” with John Bush back on the mic for a second time. These two songs highlighted just how special this collective is to me and so many others all around the world.
The encore was a metalhead’s dream, featuring “Shock Me” by KISS, Black Sabbath’s “Fairies Wear Boots,” and a star-studded rendition of Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train,” with all the guest vocalists and musicians joining forces one final time. It was a moment of pure metal madness that reminded us all why we gather in darkened rooms to share in the collective power of music.
Metal Allegiance’s show at the Anaheim House of Blues was more than a concert—it was a rousing celebration of the metal community at its finest. Each performance, from the openers to the final encore, was a testament to the genre’s enduring spirit and the unbreakable bond it fosters among its fans. For those lucky enough to be riding the rails on Thursday night, it was definitely one for the ages, and for those who missed it, the echoes of this legendary performance will surely linger in the annals of metal history here at the House of Blues.
METAL ALLEGIANCE
LOST LEGACY
RED REIGN
CHAINED SAINT
