Metal Allegiance returns to the House of Blues Anaheim for another powerful performance during NAMM week

The House of Blues Anaheim was the place to be on January 22, 2026, for the return of thrash metal supergroup, Metal Allegiance, for their 11th annual performance during NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) show week in Southern California. In fact, in January 2015, it was at the old House of Blues in Anaheim, CA, where the band performed for the first time as Metal Allegiance.

First up were three opening bands, Lost Legacy, Red Reign, and Chained Saint. Kicking off the evening’s celebration of Metal was power metal band, Lost Legacy, from Bronx, NY. They were the optimal choice to start the show, playing with passion and talent and fueling the audience with energy.

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Next to perform was Richmond, Virginia based hard rock and power rock band, Red Reign, providing a heavy and melodic sound. A highlight was the balanced mix of crowd interaction and profound lyrics, combined with beautiful guitar sounds and intense, fast drums.

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Taking the stage next was thrash metal band, Chained Saint, out of south Florida. This energetic and youthful group did not hold back, delivering a high intensity, pedal to the metal performance, starting with the very first note.

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Everyone was fired up for the headliner. Metal Allegiance, comprising the core group of Mark Menghi, David Ellefson, Mike Portnoy, and Alex Skolnick, included featured guest musicians, and some surprise guests too. Those musicians joining Metal Allegiance on stage for various songs included Phil Demmel, William DuVall, Chuck Billy, Alissa White Gluz, Doc Coyle, Andreas Kisser, John Bush, Gary Holt, Jack Gibson, Troy Sanders, Becky Baldwin, and Chris Dovas.

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The whopping 20 song setlist included covers, such as “Shock Me” (a tribute to Ace Frehley), “Crazy Train” (a tribute to Ozzy Ozbourne), “Whiplash” by Metallica, and “Hangar 18” by Megadeth, as well as originals, such as “The Accuser,” “Can’t Kill the Devil,” and “Pledge of Allegiance.” In addition, the audience got a real treat, hearing Metal Allegiance’s first brand new single in 8 years, “Black Horizon,” live for the first time, featuring William DuVall of Alice In Chains on vocals.

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The evening was loud, heavy, and an incredibly fun display of metal power, which was the perfect combination the metal loving attendees were hoping for.