Ellefson-Soto Release Music Video for Single "Vengeance" Feat. Tim "Ripper" Owens ​ 

GRAMMY® Award winning bassist David Ellefson (Ex-Megadeth) and acclaimed metal vocalist Jeff Scott Soto have unleashed the official music video for “Vengeance,” featuring guest vocals from the legendary Tim “Ripper” Owens (KK’s Priest, ex-Judas Priest).

 

The track comes from Ellefson-Soto’s highly anticipated sophomore album Unbreakable, that is out now via Rat Pak Records. “Vengeance” showcases the band’s heavier, more aggressive sound while highlighting the commanding presence of Owens, whose dynamic performance adds an electrifying layer to the song, driving you into a true dark nightmare.

 

"One of the darker tracks from our new album. We are honored to have Tim 'Ripper' Owens with us on this one as he and Jeff tell the savory story of sweet revenge,"says Ellefson.

 

"I loved this song when I was the only singer on it, but I loved it even more when we got our friend Tim 'Ripper' Owens to duet with me on it. It’s heavy, tons of attitude and full metal assault!" adds Soto.

 

Stream or Download at: https://lnk.to/EllefsonSoto
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WGRV9D8 
Signed Vinyl & CD Bundles: https://tinyurl.com/5fjju9zk  

 

WATCH Ellefson-Soto "Vengeance" Featuring Tim "Ripper" Owens Official Video:

The video was directed by Elia Turra.

 

The duo Ellefson-Soto is joined by Italian guitarist Andy Martongelli and Paolo Caridion drums. Unbreakable features 11 studio tracks with guest appearances from Tim Ripper Owens (KK’s Priest) and Burning Witches front-woman Laura Guldemond.

 

Recorded at Rogue Studios in Wembley UK, by Alessio Garavello and produced by Chris Collier (Mick Mars, Korn, Flat Black) “Unbreakable” is a sonic assault packed with catchy riffs, melodic vocals, and thoughtful lyrics that blends their classic metal roots with modern rock intensity.

 

“This album digs even deeper,” says Ellefson. “It’s heavier, more personal, and shaped by everything we’ve experienced on and off the stage.” Soto adds, “The energy we poured into this one—it's the sound of two lifetimes colliding in riffs, rage, and redemption.”

 

Ellefson further comments, “One of the things I like most is I feel like you can hear a real sense of brotherhood on our records, that we're really in the creative process together as a band. The consistency of our sound has remained intact while allowing us to further build upon each other's strengths from our debut album. It's an honest, organic approach that blends well and lets us explore new sounds and musical paths.  At the end of the day, I don't think there is anything that an artist desires more than that!"

 

“Unbreakable” dropped August 15, 2025, and is available on all major streaming platforms with limited edition autographed Vinyl, CD & Cassette bundles exclusively through Rat Pak Records.

The Ellefson-Soto version of the Riot classic “Swords & Tequila” released via Ellefson’s Combat Records

www.ellefsonmusic.bandcamp.com and across all digital streaming outlets.The song was originally featured on the 1981 Riot LP Fire Down Under (Elektra). The play through video can be seen here.

The track was produced by David Ellefson & Andy Martongelli, mixed by Alessio Garavello in Wembley, England and mastered by Maor Appelbaum in Los Angeles, CA. The video is directed by Elia Turra for Fisheye Studio in Verona, Italy.

The ELLEFSON-SOTO recording lineup includes: 
David Ellefson- Bass 
Jeff Scott Soto- Lead Vocals 
Andy Martongelli- Lead & Rhythm Guitars 
Paolo Caridi- Drums 
*Featuring Rick Hughes- Lead Vocals (Swords & Tequila)

Says Ellefson, “Jeff and I have been friends for so many years that it’s great to finally collaborate on some material together. He has such a distinctive voice and perfect style for some new ideas my guitarist Andy Martongelli (Ellefson) and I have been composing. We are excited about the progress of it all and thought this would be a perfect time to give a little sneak preview. “

Jeff adds, “As COVID-19 became a big negative around the globe, it actually offered many artists a chance to finally collaborate with one another that might have never happened otherwise…as I have known David for many years, I knew from our other efforts outside of our day jobs that we could come up with some badass jams…and here we are, letting you in on our cool little secret!”.

As for the choice of cover song Ellefson reminisced, “The first time I ever heard of Riot was on the Castle Donington Monters of Rock album from 1980. For me, they were the USA representatives during the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. And, “Swords & Tequila”, along with the entire Fire Down Under album for that matter, show the band delivering it’s rowdy and high energy rock n roll like no other band in the USA was doing at that time. So, it is an honor to offer them much deserved reverence, as well as a reminiscent tribute to the mighty Guy Speranza, who fronted the band like a god during that period.

Soto adds, “What can I say? This was a classic metal track from Riot that we all knew growing up, when David brought up that we should cover it I was thrilled. But when we added Rick Hughes from the band Sword onto it, it truly came to life! 40 years after its release, we hope you dig this new version we built for you!”

Vocalist Rick Hughes is the founding front man of the iconic Quebec Power Metal group SWORD. The Canadian quartet formed in 1981 and have released a string of metal classics including their eponymous 1984 Aquarias Records debut Metalized which has been esteemed by fans and musicians alike including the likes of MetallicaMegadethMotorhead and many more. Hughes explains, “To me, music has always been the best medicine and that is why in this time of not being able to perform with live musicians in front of a live audience, I was more than happy to participate in this camaraderie of seasoned musicians.” Sword’s latest album In Kommand is now available via Combat Records.

More new tracks from Ellefson-Soto are in the works with release details to be announced.

Riot formed in New York City in 1975 and has produced a long list of classic hard rock albums for Victor Entertainment, Capitol & Elektra Records as well as re-issues by Metal Blade Records. Guy Speranza was a founding member and vocalist for the group and sang on the early albums Rock City (1977), Narita (1979) and Fire Down Under (1981). He was then succeeded by Rhett Forrester in 1982. Speranza passed away in 2003 from pancreatic cancer at the age of 47. Riot has since undergone several member and lineup changes but still remains active under the new name of RIOT V.

www.davidellefson.com

www.jeffscottsoto.com

www.swordmetalized.com

www.facebook.com/andymartongelli

www.facebook.com/paolocaridi

https://combatrecs.com/