Interview to David Ellefson of Megadeth

Interview by Luis Landeo
Welcome David, for me is a real pleasure have this interview with you, because I grow up listening Megadeth music, well I will start this interview asking about the new sound of Megadeth, many fans and reviewers says Megadeth isnt Thrash Metal anymore, but every band have the desition of have an evolution in their sound, but how can you define this new sound or evolution in Megadeth music? can we say now Megadeth is more mature in their sound and lyrics too?
It is more mature but I agree that it is a sound that evolves, too. The earliest fans are always going to like Megadeth sounding like we did in 1985-90. But those who came along during “Countdown To Extinction” or later will know another side of Megadeth as their first introduction to our sound. So, I think it depends on when you first started listening to the band that will determine your definition of our sound.

What great experiences can you tell about the show of: The Big Four in Europe? and how was share stage with your friends of: Metallica, Anthrax and Slayer?
They were amazing shows. As much for the bands as the fans. It was the first time we all came together as a team to support our genre. In years past we were more like competitors because we were all out to prove ourselves and grow and fans. But, in 2010 that role changed to become one of unity and solidarity for our genre.

I had the chance to read Megadeth visited an orchestra of kids in Paraguay, how was share time with them? and how born the idea of teach music to this kids from Paraguay?
I was introduced to it by the producer of the film “Landfill Harmonic”, who lives by me in Arizona. She informed me that the orchestra were comprised of young kids who live in a landfill and made instruments out of the garbage so they could learn to play music. She informed me they were big Megadeth fans. That led to my visit to Paraguay and then the orchestra finally performing with the band last month on our USA tour. It is a beautiful and heart warming story of the power of music, and how it can provide amazing hope to people all around the world.

Well this question isnt about Megadeth music but is about the situation of Metal, and well in firsts album of Megadeth some lyrics was about Black magic and Occultism like "The Conjuring", "Five Magics", actually Megadeth members are Christians, but in this days a lot bands sing songs about: Antichristianity, occultism, satanism, what is your oppinion about it? and what is your opinion about Death Metal and Black Metal?
Metal has always had a fascination with the occult and those things that scare us. It’s just who we are as metal musicians and fans. While we haven’t written songs about those themes in quite a few years I think our earlier albums were as good as it got for those subjects. To me, metal is always about extremes and if those subjects interest bands and fans, then go ahead and write about them. But, I think there is a lot of misunderstanding about Satanism and the Occult. In fact, the few bands that truly tried to live that lifestyle as part of their act have not had very much success. I think that pretty much tells the story, more than the lyrics!

In all Megadeth albums, the fontcovers had Vic Rattlehead like principal image, but the Megadeth pet is always in constant change of image, first was an skull, then had a military and dictatorial image, in "United Abominations" the image of Vic Rattlehead was like somekind of "Terminator", but now the image of Vic Rattlehead is like a Robot cyborg, so how do you took desition in change the image of your pet? and what is the message behind the change of image of Vic Rattlehead? 
The story of Vic Rattlehead was told in the songs “The Skull Beneath The Skin” and even “Looking Down The Cross” on the ‘Killing Is My Business…and Business is Good’ album. Read those lyrics and you will understand Vic’s origin. Vic has evolved and has taken on various characters on the album covers but he is still Vic through and through. His purpose and his presence is undeniable.

Megadeth had serious political lyrics, but I would like ask you about the political situation in your country and the threat of a possible war in Siria, what is your opinnion about it and your opinnion about Barack Obama´s Goverment?
I’m not going to comment on world politics at this time, but I do think metal fans and musicians look to music for liberation andfreedom from so many things in our lives. From my world travels all these years that explains whywe are so passionate about it regardless of our nationality, creed, race and so forth. When our minds and our souls are freed, we feel empowered. That is the magic of music and that is the one thing we as musicians and songwriters can do as our little part to help change the world.

This questions will sound like the questions of a fan (not journalist) but what is your favorite Megadeth album? and why? and when you returned to play in Megadeth do you think you returned with better ideas to give to the band? 
I like them all for various reasons. Each album was created at a certain time that reflects the moments, emotions and events of those days. To hear them back is like looking back through a family photo album and reliving those memories. I hope it is the same for the fans, too; reliving moments of their lives when they hear those songs. I’m glad we have so many records to pull songs from now because as we perform them live there is a consistency to them all, regardless of the age we wrote and recorded them. To me, they still sound timeless and as a band that is a remarkable accomplishment to look back on in our own lives. 

David it was a great interview do you have a message to southamerican Megadeth fans and Arsenal Del Metalero readers? 
It is no secret that South America is one of my favorite continents to play, and the hospitality shown to Megadeth is just incredible. We look forward to seeing everyone in October on the Black Sabbath/Megadeth tour. Thank you to the readers and fans everywhere. Adios!

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