Before the upcoming concert of HAIL! project in Athens, ex-Megadeth and currently F5 David Ellefson talks to Solid Rock about his career, music and how much he missed Greece.

Solid Rock: You have recently released the sophomore album by F5 entitled "The Reckoning". How is the album faring in relation to the debut album?

David Ellefson: I think "The Reckoning" has been received very well. I think my fans appreciate the heavier and more progressive nature of the music.

Solid Rock: To my ears this latest release sounds much more agressive than the previous one. Was that a conscious decision or did it just come out in the songwriting process?

David Ellefson: I think it just happened that way. With one album and USA tour under our belt we naturally started crafting this next record in a new way. Plus it is now several years later and time and life influence your music, too.

Solid Rock:  In Greece we will be seeing you with what can only be described as a metal superband, Hail, which features apart from yourself and Jimmy De Grasso, the talents of Andreas Kisser and of course Tim "The Ripper" Owens. How did this come about? Can we expect any releases from this project?

David Ellefson: It was an idea that me and our manager discussed for a couple years now. It is really about bringing the spirit of metal to our fans, and in particular going to counties and cities that don't get every band playing through their town all the time.  I'm not sure if we'll do any original recordings soon but there are a TON of live vides recorded with more being taped all the time.

Solid Rock: You are pretty active since Megadeth, playing in a number of bands at the same time. Is this because you didn't have the freedom to do it while you were in Megadeth?

David Ellefson:  I was fine being in one band and not doing outside activities for all those years. My heavy involvement with so many things now is really just a culmination of my interest to do it and my phone ringing with so many people asking me to be a part of these new endeavors. Everything I get involved in I go at it 100%, to really give and bring my best to them. I'm happy working with so many diverse bands and records. My experiences have taught me a lot and I find I'm very useful to many situations so why just limit myself to only one now.

Solid Rock: I have read that you've been musically trained on the keyboards and saxophone as a youngster. Do you think that musical training is a necessary thing for anyone looking for a musical career?

David Ellefson: I think it is, yes. Music is a language and the better you learn it the more you will be able to use it!

Solid Rock:  Do you have a message for your Greek fans?

David Ellefson: I am REALLY looking forward to seeing everyone again in Greece. It has been one of my favorite countries to play and visit and this trip has been a long time coming. See you in a few days!