By Andrew Bansal
David Ellefson and Frank Bello, world-renowned as bass players for Megadeth and Anthrax respectively, came together recently to form a collaborative project called Altitudes & Attitude. In his latest interview with Metal Assault conducted around the time of his book release, he was questioned about his future plans and he clearly hinted at making more music outside of Megadeth. “Because we’re all songwriters we often write things that don’t work in Megadeth, and I’m enjoying finding some other partnerships where I can do something with those songs and that music … that’s a season of my life that I’m exploring right now, and having some fun with it”, he said. And sure enough, at the Bass Player Live event last November where he held a joint clinic with Frank Bello, the duo officially announced this project and performed an instrumental version of one of the tracks. Today, on January 14 2014, they are ready for the digital release of a self-titled 3-track EP via Megaforce Records.
This EP brings forth the individual musicianship of Ellefson and Bello, which is obviously not in focus in their respective main bands, and for the first time ever, it gives listeners a glimpse into what transpires when the two come together to create music. As far as this duo is concerned, the EP ventures into unexplored territory with Ellefson experimenting with 5 and 8 string bass and contributing with rhythm guitars, a and Frank Bello presenting himself as a lead vocalist and guitarist, and delving into the 8-string bass himself. Handling drums and percussion is Jeff Friedl, who has worked with bands like A Perfect Circle and Puscifer. The EP also features a guest appearance by guitarist Gus G, and overall, this EP has plenty going in its favor to entice a metalhead into giving it a listen.
The EP starts with ‘Booze And Cigarettes’, a fast-paced, upbeat tune that highlights Frank Bello’s vocal talents more than anything, and the music that goes along with his vocals has a melodic undertone to it. It’s certainly the poppiest piece of music anyone has ever heard from either of these musicians, and right off the bat, it’s absolutely clear that this project sounds nothing like Megadeth or Anthrax. But with that said, things get much heavier and definitely more metal on the next track ‘Here Again’, where the bass licks are a lot more prominent and the impact of Gus G on lead guitar is there for everyone to hear. The EP ends with a slower, mellower tune ‘Tell The World’ which is more along the lines of the opening track in terms of its vibe and musical arrangement.
For hardcore fans of heavy metal, this EP is by no means an instant classic, aside from the ‘Here Again’ track which should find immediate appreciation among all Megadeth and Anthrax fans. But, the project is supposed to showcase these musicians in an altogether different light, allowing them to express themselves in a manner that’s unfamiliar to potential listeners at present, and it certainly does that. It’s an interesting offering for people who’re willing to accept these musicians in this brand new form, and with their Megadeth and Anthrax commitments keeping them incredibly busy for most of the time, this might be a rare, once-in-a-while kind of thing. The tracks ‘Booze And Cigarettes’ and ‘Tell The World’ have a poppy element in them and might be geared towards garnering radio play, but if and when the duo gets together to make a full-length Altitudes & Attitude album, one would hope for more songs in the vein of ‘Here Again’.
Altitudes & Attitude definitely has its moments, and could lay the foundation for a great new collaboration.
Rating: 8/10
Record Label: Megaforce
Release Date: January 14th 2014
Track Listing:
1. Booze And Cigarettes
2. Here Again
3. Tell The World
Links:
facebook.com/altitudesandattitude
Catch Altitudes & Attitude live at the House Of Blues Anaheim at the ‘Metal Masters’ show on January 22nd! Get your tickets here.