He says Ellefson was dedicating more time to Metal Allegiance - which boasts a rotating all-star line-up including Alex Skolnick of Testament, Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater, Charlie Benante from Anthrax and Slayer's Gary Holt.

The supergroup released its self-titled debut album in September. The 54-year-old frontman tells Full Metal Jackie (via Blabbermouth): "You know, at the beginning of 2015, I didn't even have a full band. But I had a vision, and I was determined.