Get ready for a thrilling comeback! METAL CHURCH, the iconic West Coast thrash metal band, is back with a bang! Their 13th studio album, 'Dead To Rights', is set to drop on April 10th, and it's a testament to their enduring legacy.
But here's where it gets controversial... METAL CHURCH has undergone a lineup transformation, yet again! Founding guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof leads the charge, joined by longtime guitarist Rick Van Zandt. The addition of former MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson, powerhouse drummer Ken Mary, and the dynamic new vocalist Brian Allen, creates a powerhouse ensemble.
From the album's opening track, 'Brainwash Game', to the epic finale, 'My Wrath', METAL CHURCH showcases their unwavering drive and signature sound. Tracks like 'Deep Cover Shakedown', 'The Show', and 'Wasted Time' are sure to satisfy long-time fans.
The first single, 'F.A.F.O.', dropped last November and has already amassed over 400,000 views.
'Dead To Rights' was produced by the legendary Kurdt Vanderhoof and mixed and mastered by Chris 'Zeuss' Harris at Planet Z. Vanderhoof shares his excitement, "This album is a resurrection! I never thought we'd get here, but here we are! Brian Allen brings the classic METAL CHURCH vocals, and with Dave Ellefson and Ken Mary on board, we're a force! If you love classic METAL CHURCH, this record is for you."
The track listing for 'Dead To Rights' is a journey through METAL CHURCH's evolution:
- 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 for an extensive tour, and the dates are already creating a buzz.
'Dead To Rights' Tour Dates:
May 17 - San Luis Potosí, Mexico
July 30 - Copenhagen, Denmark
July 31 - Ostergotland, Sweden
Aug. 1 - Gothenburg, Sweden
Aug. 2 - Lund, Sweden
Aug. 4 - Kiel, Germany
Aug. 5 - Josefov, Czech Republic
Aug. 8 - Cologne, Germany
Aug. 8, 2026 - Kortrijik, Belgium
Aug. 9, 2026 - Geiselwind, Germany
Aug. 11 - Karlsruhe, Germany
Aug. 12 - Obertraubling, Germany
Aug. 13 - Krakow, Poland
Aug. 14 - Leipzig, Germany
Sep. 18 - Westland, MI
Sep. 19 - Madison, WI
METAL CHURCH's journey began amidst the explosive West Coast metal scene of the '80s. They quickly rose to prominence with their sophisticated sound and powerful presence. Signing with Elektra Records, they released iconic albums like 'Metal Church' and 'The Dark', solidifying their place in heavy metal history.
As the U.S. metal scene surged, METAL CHURCH toured with METALLICA, showcasing their precision and intensity. They evolved with the times, tackling political and social themes with vocalist Mike Howe on 'Blessing In Disguise' and 'The Human Factor'. While others followed commercial trends, METAL CHURCH stayed true to their heavy roots.
In 2016, they reunited with Howe for 'XI', a comeback that charted internationally. Its successor, 'Damned If You Do', continued their success. Unfortunately, Howe passed away in 2021, and singer Marc Lopes stepped in, releasing 'Congregation Of Annihilation' in 2023.
Now, METAL CHURCH enters a new era with Vanderhoof, Van Zandt, Ellefson, Mary, and Allen. With their legacy intact and a growing global fanbase, they continue to shape modern heavy metal.
And this is the part most people miss... METAL CHURCH isn't just a band, they're a force that refuses to be silenced. Their music speaks to the ages, and their live performances are legendary. So, will you join the congregation and experience the power of METAL CHURCH live?
(Photo credit: Rick Moyer)
