David Ellefson Reflects on Grunge’s Impact on Heavy Metal

Revisiting a Metal Debate

On a recent episode of the “100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal” podcast, hosted by Brian Slagel, former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson revisited a long-standing debate in the metal community: Did grunge truly extinguish hard rock and metal in the early ’90s, or did it simply push bands to evolve? With years of hindsight, Ellefson offered insights that shifted the focus from resentment to understanding.

The Narrative of the ’90s

The common narrative tells a familiar story: the explosive rise of Seattle’s music scene, the dominance of flannel shirts on MTV, and the subsequent decline of Sunset Strip glam metal. While Ellefson acknowledges this storyline, he emphasizes that the grunge movement wasn’t directly targeting established metal bands like Megadeth, Slayer, or Metallica.

Survival in Show Business

Ellefson articulates a pivotal question that encapsulates the ’90s for legacy metal bands: “Do you wanna survive or not?” He argues that the decade was not about preserving musical purity but rather adapting to the realities of the music industry. He bluntly states, “Look, we played the game. Because it’s a game. When you’re in showbiz, it’s a game. And so you play the game.” This perspective highlights the necessity of catering to audience expectations while maintaining a career.

Facing the Public’s Demands

Even a band as iconic as Megadeth had to align its trajectory with public demand rather than an idealized vision of thrash metal. Ellefson recalls conversations that shed light on this dynamic, including discussions with journalist Greg Prato. He noted that many grunge musicians were fans of thrash metal, indicating a mutual respect rather than outright opposition.

Adapting to Change

As grunge reshaped the musical landscape, the challenge for Megadeth was to navigate this new reality without compromising their identity. Ellefson reflects on how the rise of grunge forced the band to reconsider their path. He acknowledges that their 1999 album, Risk, represented a significant shift, admitting, “We lost the plot — we did.” This period marked a transition toward a more melodic sound that diverged from their thrash roots.

Musical Evolution and Missteps

Ellefson recalls that while their album Cryptic Writings (1997) was a successful endeavor, Risk illustrated a misalignment with the prevailing musical trends. He explains, “We zigged, and the rest of the world zagged,” signifying their move toward a lighter sound when heavier music was gaining traction. This misstep took the band several years to correct and regain their footing in the metal scene.

Conclusion

David Ellefson’s reflections on the impact of grunge on heavy metal reveal a nuanced understanding of an evolving music scene. Rather than viewing grunge as a destructive force, he presents it as a catalyst for adaptation. For bands like Megadeth, the ’90s were not merely about survival; they were about recognizing the need to evolve while staying true to their roots. As the metal landscape continues to shift, Ellefson’s insights remind us that music is a dynamic interplay between artists and their audiences.

FAQs

Did grunge really kill metal and hard rock in the ’90s?

While many argue that grunge led to the decline of glam metal, others, like David Ellefson, suggest that it forced bands to evolve rather than outright destroy hard rock and metal.

How did Megadeth adapt to the rise of grunge?

Megadeth adapted by exploring a more melodic sound, especially evident in their album Cryptic Writings, but faced challenges with their subsequent release, Risk, which did not resonate with audiences as strongly.

What did Ellefson mean by “playing the game”?

Ellefson refers to the necessity for artists to cater to public demand in the music industry, suggesting that survival often requires a degree of compromise and adaptation to audience expectations.

Did grunge musicians respect metal bands?

Yes, many grunge musicians, including those in notable bands, were fans of metal bands like Megadeth, Slayer, and Metallica, indicating a level of mutual respect within the music community.