Guitar World recently caught up with MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson to discuss his new project with ANTHRAX four-stringer Frank Bello, ALTITUDES & ATTITUDE. An excerpt is available below:

GW: Who is doing what as far as instruments and vocals?

Ellefson: "Frank plays guitar on 'Booze And Cigarettes' and 'Tell The World', and I play guitar on 'Here Again'. We wrote those songs on guitar so it’s natural that we'd play those parts. Frank sings on everything and I play bass on everything.

The really fun and creative twist to the session happened when we picked up Frank’s eight-string bass to do some overdubs. I asked Frank to bring it to the studio because I thought that is the one bass-register instrument that could really embellish the harmony of the songs. As it turns out, it became our go-to solo instrument for both of us. You can hear the lead bass licks we both play on 'Here Again'. It really took the clinic-type approach of ripping solos to a whole new level on the record."

Go to this location for the complete interview.

Ellefson and Bello began writing music together while traveling the world during clinics now known as Metal Masters.

“What started out as simple bass ideas quickly developed into some really great songs together,” says Ellefson. “Our fans would probably never suspect that a couple of metal bass players would have songs like these inside of us. It’s exciting to write melody with diversity while still pushing the limits of lead-bass playing. Frank’s singing, and both of us playing guitars and other instruments, gave us a whole new dimension for creative opportunities.”

“We thought it would be cool to let fans hear something they wouldn't expect from us- which is what Altitudes & Attitude is,” adds Bello.

Tracklisting:

'Booze & Cigarettes'

'Tell The World'

'Here Again'

Listen to an advanced preview at this location.

Altitudes & Attitude EP credits:

Frank Bello - lead vocals, electric guitar, 8 string bass guitar

David Ellefson - 4, 5 and 8 string bass guitars, rhythm guitars

Jeff Friedl (A PERFECT CIRCLE) - drums and percussion

Special guest: Gus G. - lead guitar on 'Here Again'.