Get ready to bang your head, because thrash metal icons METAL CHURCH are back from the dead – and they're angrier than ever. Their 13th studio album, 'Dead To Rights,' drops April 10th via Rat Pak Records, marking a triumphant return for a band that, by their own admission, shouldn't even exist anymore. But here's where it gets controversial: can a band truly resurrect itself after seemingly calling it quits? And this is the part most people miss – METAL CHURCH isn't just back, they're reinventing themselves while staying brutally true to their roots.
Founding guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof, alongside longtime axeman Rick Van Zandt, have assembled a dream team for this new chapter. Megadeth legend David Ellefson on bass, drumming powerhouse Ken Mary, and the raw, dynamic vocals of newcomer Brian Allen form a lineup that's both familiar and refreshingly new.
From the blistering opener 'Brainwash Game' to the riff-heavy closer 'My Wrath,' 'Dead To Rights' is a relentless assault that proves these veterans still have the fire. Tracks like 'Deep Cover Shakedown' and 'The Show' deliver the classic METAL CHURCH sound fans crave, while showcasing a renewed energy that's impossible to ignore.
The album's first single, 'F.A.F.O.,' dropped last November, with its video racking up over 400,000 views and proving the world is ready for this metal resurrection. Produced by Vanderhoof and mixed/mastered by the legendary Chris 'Zeuss' Harris, 'Dead To Rights' is a testament to the band's enduring power.
'This album is special,' Vanderhoof declares. 'The band was finished, but somehow, it rose again. These songs hit hard, and Brian Allen's vocals perfectly capture the classic METAL CHURCH sound. With Dave Ellefson and Ken Mary in the rhythm section, this is a force to be reckoned with. If you loved classic METAL CHURCH, you're going to worship this record.'
But is it too much of a good thing? Some might argue that relying too heavily on the past can stifle innovation. Can METAL CHURCH truly evolve while staying so closely tied to their classic sound? Let us know what you think in the comments.
'Dead To Rights' Tracklist:
- Brainwash Game
- F.A.F.O.
- Dead To Rights
- Deep Cover Shakedown
- Feet To The Fire
- The Show
- Heaven Knows (Slip Away)
- No Memory
- Wasted Time
- My Wrath
METAL CHURCH is hitting the road hard in support of 'Dead To Rights,' with a massive tour kicking off in May 2026. Catch them at festivals and venues across Europe and North America, including:
- May 17: San Luis Potosí, Mexico - San Luis Metal Fest
- July 30: Copenhagen, Denmark - Pumpehuset (w/ Armored Saint)
- July 31: Ostergotland, Sweden - Skogsröjet Festival
- Aug. 1: Gothenburg, Sweden - Pustervik (w/ Testament & Armored Saint)
- Aug. 2: Lund, Sweden - Mejeriet (w/ Testament & Armored Saint)
- Aug. 4: Kiel, Germany - Die Pumpe (w/ Testament & Armored Saint)
- Aug. 5: Josefov, Czech Republic - Brutal Assault Festival
- Aug. 8: Cologne, Germany - EssigFabrik (w/ Testament & Death Angel)
- Aug. 8: Kortrijik, Belgium - Alcatraz Festival
- Aug. 9: Geiselwind, Germany - Keep It True Festival
- Aug. 11: Karlsruhe, Germany - Substage (w/ Testament & Death Angel)
- Aug. 12: Obertraubling, Germany - Eventhall Airport (w/ Testament & Death Angel)
- Aug. 13: Krakow, Poland - Klub Studio (w/ Testament & Armored Saint)
- Aug. 14: Leipzig, Germany - Parkbuhne (w/ Black Label Society)
- Sep. 18: Westland, MI - The Token Lounge
- Sep. 19: Madison, WI - Blades of Steel Metal Festival
Born from the fiery West Coast metal scene of the early 80s, METAL CHURCH quickly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with. Their self-titled debut and its follow-up, 'The Dark,' remain essential listening for any metalhead. Touring alongside Metallica further cemented their reputation for precision, power, and unrelenting intensity.
The band continued to evolve, tackling political and social issues with vocalist Mike Howe on albums like 'Blessing In Disguise' and 'The Human Factor.' While many of their peers chased trends, METAL CHURCH remained steadfastly true to their heavy roots, earning them a loyal global following.
Their 2016 reunion with Howe for 'XI' marked a triumphant comeback, charting internationally and proving their enduring relevance. 'Damned If You Do' in 2018 continued this momentum, solidifying their place as one of metal's most enduring acts.
Following the tragic passing of Howe in 2021, Marc Lopes stepped in, fronting the band for the 2023 release 'Congregation Of Annihilation.' Now, with Brian Allen at the helm, METAL CHURCH enters a new era, fueled by renewed energy and a legacy spanning over four decades.
With a rapidly growing fanbase and a sound that's both classic and contemporary, METAL CHURCH remains a driving force in modern heavy metal. They're still pushing boundaries, still evolving, and still undeniably METAL CHURCH.
Photo Credit: Rick Moyer
So, are you ready to join the congregation? 'Dead To Rights' is out April 10th – prepare to be baptized in thrash!
