Ex-DEMENTRA Frontman Reveals MEGADETH's VIC RATTLEHEAD Contest Submission

March 5, 2006

Brian D'Souza, former guitarist/vocalist for the India-based death metal band DEMENTRA, was one of the artists that took part in the contest to redesign MEGADETH's longtime mascot, Vic Rattlehead.

According to Reuters, Dave Mustaine — MEGADETH's founder, singer and guitarist — ran into licensing issues with the artist who originally drew the mascot in the early 1980s based on Mustaine's idea — a skull with jaws wired shut, steel visor and metal earplugs.

So he started a contest on Internet site deviantART (www.deviantart.com),where 2 million members post photographs, traditional and digital art, and even poetry.

The contest ended on February 14, and Mustaine has since announced the ten finalists, three of whom will receive one of his signature series ESP guitars. More than 600 submissions were reportedly entered in the first week alone.

The new mascot will appear on band merchandise and will grace the cover of MEGADETH's next record.

Commented D'Souza: "The results are finally out and Dave's made his choice. I was indeed excited when I heard about the Vic makeover contest back in February. I said 'Hey, I get a chance to design the mascot of one of my all-time favorite bands, MEGADETH,' a band that I grew up listening to. So got on the way to creating my redention of Vic. Well, I am happy Dave's seen and appreciated all the artists taking part. A big thank you to Dave and Deviant art for giving artists across the globe this oppurtunity to showcase their creativity. A big congrats to all the 10 finalists. Your designs fuckin' rock and to everybody who took part. Some really creative minds out there."

Check out D'Souza's artwork at this location.

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