Metal Allegiance - Volume II: Power Drunk Majesty (2018)

Built around the core group of David Ellefson (Megadeth), Alex Skolnick (Testament), Mike Portnoy (Winery Dogs), and principal partner Mark Menghi, all-star metal outfit Metal Allegiance was formed in 2011 with the intention to "unite a collection of hard rock and heavy metal’s most notable musicians in a setting born under one ideal, a love of music and performing." Initially conceived as a covers band, the group, along with a rotating cast of high-profile crooners and shredders, played a string of successful shows before inking a deal with Nuclear Blast and heading into the studio to record an album. Featuring nine original songs, the eponymous 2015 debut LP features appearances from a bevy of hard rock/metal heroes, including Philip H. Anselmo, Charlie Benante, Chuck Billy, D. Randall Blythe, Rex Brown, Ron 'Bumblefoot' Thal, Phil Demmel, Alissa White-Gluz, Matthew K. Heafy, Gary Holt, Jamey Jasta, Chris Jericho, Andreas Kisser, Misha Mansoor, Mark Osegueda, Tim 'Ripper' Owens, Doug Pinnick, Troy Sanders, Cristina Scabbia, Alex Skolnick, Steve "Zetro" Souza, and Ben Weinman. ~ James Christopher Monger