METAL CHURCH – Dead To Rights (2026) *HQ*

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Legendary veteran metal act METAL CHURCH return with their 13th studio album, “Dead To Rights“, out April 10, 2026 via Rat Pak Records. The record marks the first release from the band’s latest, stellar line up, featuring founding guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof alongside longtime guitarist Rick Van Zandt, joined by bass icon David Ellefson (ex MEGADETH), powerhouse drummer Ken Mary (ex HOUSE OF LORDS), and dynamic new vocalist Brian Allen (ex VICIOUS RUMORS).

From the aggressive opening assault of “Brainwash Game” to the riff-driven finale “My Wrath,” METAL CHURCH prove they still possess the same relentless drive that has earned them fans for over four decades.
Tracks such as the the fantastic title track “Dead To Rights” demonstrate an innate understanding of how to create metal which is powered by melody but also rips your face off. Searing choruses play off fiery riffs, with Allen’s vocal performance bringing to mind Udo Dirkschneider in his pomp.
‘Deep Cover Shakedown’ features a rattling rhythm section which helps drive the song into its soaring chorus. ‘Feet To The Fire’ introduces a mellow middle eight not common for METAL CHURCH, while ‘The Show’ almost drowns in its self importance but is actually a bit of a grower. A dark track which insinuates its way into your soul. Very heavy.

‘Heaven Knows (Slip Away)’ is driven by galloping riffs, vocals in the the classic Halford scream, and a chaotic rhythm section, it’s head-banging manna after previous slower tracks. ‘No Memory’ aims for the middle of road hard rock banger, and pulls it off with some aplomb.
The fireworks of the earlier tracks may have died down but they continue to give it a good go on ‘Wasted Time’. ‘My Wrath’ does finish the album off on a high, as it sneers its way through its tumultuous way. It’s a last gasp of defiance from a band who have seen it all over the years.

For a band this far into their career, and essentially a new one carrying the legacy of the old, ”Dead To Rights” is a decent enough album. It certainly deserves to be heard and hopefully will find a home with Metal Church fans old and new. That they still breathing fire after all these years, albeit in a different guise, is worthy of your entry alone.
Highly Recommended

01. Brainwash Game
02. F.A.F.O.
03. Dead To Rights
04. Deep Cover Shakedown
05. Feet To The Fire
06. The Show
07. Heaven Knows (Slip Away)
08. No Memory
09. Wasted Time
10. My Wrath
11. Blood and Water (Bonus Track)

Kurdt Vanderhoof – rhythm guitar
Rick Van Zandt – lead guitar
Brian Allen – lead vocals
David Ellefson – bass
Ken Mary – drums

Pre order:
amazon.com/Dead-Rights-Metal-Church/dp/B0GK2C41BX