Get Ready for a Metal Uprising! METAL CHURCH is Back and Ready to Unleash Their Fury!
Prepare yourselves, metalheads! The legendary West Coast thrash titans, METAL CHURCH, are about to drop their 13th studio album, aptly titled 'Dead To Rights', on April 10th via Rat Pak Records. This release isn't just another album; it's a powerful declaration of their enduring legacy, marking the first outing with their electrifying new lineup. At the helm, we have founding guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof, alongside longtime shredder Rick Van Zandt. But here's where it gets truly exciting: they're joined by the formidable David Ellefson (yes, that David Ellefson from MEGADETH on bass!), the thunderous Ken Mary on drums, and the dynamic new voice of Brian Allen on vocals. This is a band reborn, and they're here to remind everyone why they've been a force for over four decades.
From the moment the aggressive opening track, 'Brainwash Game', kicks in, you'll know METAL CHURCH hasn't lost an ounce of their signature intensity. They power through with riff-driven anthems like 'My Wrath', proving their relentless drive is as potent as ever. Tracks like 'Deep Cover Shakedown', 'The Show', and 'Wasted Time' deliver that classic, unmistakable METAL CHURCH sound that fans have cherished for years. And this is the part most people miss: the sheer craftsmanship and energy poured into each song are palpable, making this a must-listen for both long-time devotees and newcomers alike.
Their first single, 'F.A.F.O.', dropped last November and has already garnered over 400,000 views on its accompanying video – a testament to the massive anticipation for this album. The entire 'Dead To Rights' album was expertly produced by Kurdt Vanderhoof himself and then polished to perfection with mixing and mastering by the acclaimed Chris "Zeuss" Harris at Planet Z.
Vanderhoof himself shared his immense pride: "This new album is very special to me for one reason: the band was over, and I honestly didn't see it being resurrected. But somehow, it brought itself back to life — again!" He continued, "I'm incredibly proud of these new songs; they hit hard. Brian Allen brings the classic METAL CHURCH sound to the vocals, and adding a rhythm section with musicians of the caliber of Dave Ellefson and Ken Mary makes this a force to be reckoned with. If you enjoy classic METAL CHURCH, you're going to love this record."
Curious about what's in store? Here's the full tracklist for 'Dead To Rights':
- 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
But the METAL CHURCH onslaught doesn't stop with the album! They're gearing up for an extensive 'Dead To Rights' tour this year, with dates already announced and many more on the horizon. Get ready to experience this new era live!
A Look Back: The Enduring Legacy of METAL CHURCH
Emerging from the fiery crucible of the early '80s West Coast metal scene, METAL CHURCH quickly carved out a reputation for being not just loud, but remarkably sophisticated musicians. Their early albums, the self-titled 'Metal Church' and 'The Dark', released on Elektra Records, are considered foundational pillars of heavy metal. Their rise coincided with the burgeoning U.S. metal wave, even leading to tours with labelmates METALLICA, solidifying their image of precision, power, and unyielding intensity.
Through the late '80s and early '90s, with vocalist Mike Howe, they explored deeper lyrical themes on acclaimed albums like 'Blessing In Disguise' and 'The Human Factor'. While many bands chased fleeting commercial trends, METAL CHURCH remained steadfastly true to their heavy metal roots, a loyalty that cultivated a devoted global fanbase.
Their comeback in 2016 with Mike Howe for the eleventh studio album, 'XI', was monumental, debuting at No. 57 on the Billboard Top 200 and charting internationally. This success was followed by the equally potent 2018 release, 'Damned If You Do', which continued their chart dominance and underscored their lasting relevance.
In a poignant turn of events, Marc Lopes joined METAL CHURCH in the summer of 2022, stepping in after the tragic passing of Mike Howe in July 2021. Lopes's sole studio album with the band, 'Congregation Of Annihilation', was released in May 2023, produced by Vanderhoof.
Now, with Vanderhoof, Van Zandt, Ellefson, Mary, and Allen forming the core, METAL CHURCH is entering a thrilling new chapter. Their energy is palpable, their legacy spans over four decades, and their worldwide fanbase is rapidly expanding. They continue to be a formidable force, pushing boundaries and evolving, all while remaining unmistakably METAL CHURCH.
But here's where it gets controversial... In an era where many legacy bands are seen as resting on their laurels, is METAL CHURCH's current iteration, with a new vocalist and a legendary bassist, a genuine revitalization or a clever re-branding? Does the inclusion of such high-profile musicians overshadow the band's original essence, or does it inject a fresh, vital energy that ensures their future? What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!
