Cleopatra Records proudly announces “Bullets Ready,” the latest release from the iconic thrash metal group, KINGS OF THRASH – featuring former Megadeth bassist and co-founder David Ellefson and ex-Megadeth guitarist Jeff Young.
The band’s newest original song delivers a powerful vocal duet between KINGS OF THRASH vocalist Chaz Leon and Gabriel Connor – frontman of the rising Los Angeles theatrical rock group Red Devil Vortex. The track also features a special guest appearance by former Exodus vocalist Steve “Zetro” Souza. “Bullets Ready” was mixed by Grammy winning producer Cameron Webb, known for his work with Motörhead, Danzig and Godsmack.
Listen to “Bullets Ready” here:
https://orcd.co/kingsofthrash_bulletsready
Guitarist and co-composer Jeff Young reflects on the origins of the song:
“During the making of the Nick Menza film, I acquired several demo recordings of Nick playing various drum progressions. In essence, the introduction, verses & chorus of ‘Bullets Ready’ came from playing along to one of Nick’s energetic grooves. During the So Far, So Good… So What! tour, it was often David, Nick & myself that would conduct the soundchecks. It was a surreal & nostalgic feeling to be playing along and writing riffs with my long, lost friend. Nick’s playing inspired so much of this song and his spirit is forever encapsulated inside this recording.”
TOUR DATES FOR 2026
05.01.26 ROCKPILE WEST TORONTO, ONTARIO
05.02.26 PIRANHA BAR MONTREAL, QUEBEC
05.03.26 THE RAINBOW BISTRO OTTAWA, ONTARIO
05.05.26 THE VAULT NEW BEDFORD, MA
05.06.26 EMPIRE UNDERGROUND ALBANY, NY
05.07.26 HALFTIME NEWARK, DE
05.08.26 REVERB READING, PA
05.09.26 MORSBERGERS CATONSVILLE, MD
05.22.26 CAPITAL MUSIC BOGOTA, COLUMBIA
05.23.26 ROCK PLAZA PEREIRA, COLUMBIA
05.24.26 THE GREEN MEDELLIN, COLUMBIA
05.26.26 MUNICIPAL MUSICA VIVA BUCARAMANGA, COLUMBIA
08.19.26 BYSCENEN TRONDHEIM, NORWAY
08.20.26 GOLDIE OSLO, NORWAY
08.21.26 TELEROCK NOTODDEN, NORWAY
08.22.26 OVENPAA KOPERVIK, NORWAY
08.23.26 OGNA SCENE OGNA, NORWAY
08.25.26 THE UNDERWORLD LONDON, UK
08.26.26 THE PATRIOT CRUMLIN, WALES, UK
08.27.26 QUEENS HALL NUNEATON, UK
08.28.26 STONEDEAD FEST CHESHIRE, UK
08.29.26 WATERLOO BLACKPOOL, UK
08.30.26 WAREHOUSE LIMERICK, IRELAND
09.01.26 THE SOUND HOUSE DUBLIN, IRELAND
09.02.26 VOODOO BELFAST, IRELAND
KINGS OF THRASH was formed in April 2022, following a special appearance by Ellefson and Young at Ultimate Jam Night at the legendary Whisky A Go-Go in Hollywood, California. The event was honoring the legendary “Big Four” of thrash metal—Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax.
During the evening, Ellefson and Young performed three classic Megadeth songs alongside vocalist Chaz Leon. The electrifying performance sparked an immediate chemistry that led to the formation of Kings of Thrash.
The band was built around a concept envisioned by Ellefson: creating a live experience celebrating early Megadeth albums and rarely performed deep cuts from his decades-long tenure with the thrash metal pioneers. This vision became known as “The MEGA Years.”
In November 2022, Kings of Thrash took to the stage with four proof-of-concept concerts in San Diego, Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Hollywood. Their performance at the Whisky A Go-Go on the Sunset Strip was filmed and recorded resulting in the acclaimed release “The Best of the West – Live at the Whisky A Go-Go.”
The double live album and DVD were released by Cleopatra Records in Spring 2023 in both digital and vinyl formats.
In 2025, Cleopatra Records released the band’s first thrash\punk inspired trek, “Lockdown.” With its accompanying music video, directed by KOT drummer Fred Aching, the group distinguished themselves as more than just a nostalgic tribute band.
The new music video for “Bullets Ready” was shot in Hollywood, California and again, directed by Fred Aching. Additional scenes were filmed at the infamous Nelson Valley Ghost Town in El Dorado Valley, Arizona – the same location as seen in the movie, 3000 Miles to Graceland.
Now, with the progressive strains of “Bullets Ready,” Kings of Thrash continues expanding its musical scope, while performing worldwide on their massive Global Thrash Tour. Dates in Canada, US, Norway, Ireland and U.K. are on the docket at www.kingsofthrash.com
Musicians:
Jeff Young – Rhythm & Lead Guitars
David Ellefson – Bass
Fred Aching – Drums
Chaz Leon – Vocals
Gabriel Connor – Lead Vocals
Steve Souza – Guest Vocals
For more information on all of these events please visit:
