Metal Church Resurrected: Heavy Metal Icons Announce 13th Studio Album 'Dead To Rights'
West Coast metal legends Metal Church have officially announced their return with their 13th studio album, Dead To Rights, slated for release on April 10 via Rat Pak Records.
The announcement marks a triumphant turning point for the band, arriving with a revitalized lineup and a renewed sense of purpose. Produced by founding guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof and mixed/mastered by Chris "Zeuss" Harris, the album promises to deliver the high-octane, riff-driven sound that has defined the band's four-decade legacy.
A Powerful New Chapter
Dead To Rights introduces a formidable new incarnation of Metal Church. Alongside Vanderhoof and longtime guitarist Rick Van Zandt, the band has recruited heavy metal royalty in the form of former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson and powerhouse drummer Ken Mary. Taking over lead vocal duties is the dynamic Brian Allen, who Vanderhoof credits with bringing the "classic Metal Church sound" back to the forefront.
Reflecting on the band's journey, Vanderhoof admitted that this milestone seemed unlikely just a short time ago. "This new album is very special to me for one reason: the band was over, and I honestly didn't see it being resurrected," he shared. "But somehow, it brought itself back to life — again! I’m incredibly proud of these new songs; they hit hard."
First Look: "F.A.F.O."
The album's first single, "F.A.F.O.", was released this past November to immediate acclaim, with its music video already surpassing 400,000 views. From the aggressive opening of "Brainwash Game" to the closing intensity of "My Wrath," the ten-track record is designed to satisfy longtime fans of the "Second Wave" Bay Area thrash movement while proving the band's modern relevance.
Dead To Rights Track Listing:
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
Global Tour Dates
In support of the new release, Metal Church is set to hit the road extensively throughout 2026. The "Dead To Rights" tour will span across North America and Europe, featuring high-profile festival appearances and dates alongside fellow metal icons like Testament, Armored Saint, and Death Angel.
Confirmed dates include the San Luis Metal Fest in Mexico this May, followed by a heavy European run in July and August including the Brutal Assault Festival in the Czech Republic and Alcatraz Festival in Belgium. North American fans can catch them in September at venues like The Token Lounge in Michigan and the Blades of Steel Metal Festival in Wisconsin.
With a legacy rooted in the early '80s and a future fueled by one of their strongest lineups to date, Metal Church remains an unmistakable and driving force in heavy metal.