West Coast thrash metal legends Metal Church are returning with their 13th studio album, Dead To Rights, scheduled for release on April 10 via Rat Pak Records. Dead To Rights was produced by Kurdt Vanderhoof and mixed and mastered by Zeuss at Planet Z.
The album marks the first release from the band’s latest lineup, featuring founding guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof alongside longtime guitarist Rick Van Zandt, joined by bass icon David Ellefson, powerhouse drummer Ken Mary, and dynamic new vocalist Brian Allen.
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 “Deep Cover Shakedown,” “The Show,” and “Wasted Time” deliver the signature sound the band has long been known for. The album’s first single, “F.A.F.O.,” was released last November, with its accompanying video surpassing 400,000 views to date.
“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!” exclaims Kurdt Vanderhoof. “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.”
Pre-order Dead To Rights in various bundles here.
Metal Church plan to tour extensively this year on the Dead To Rights Tour 2026. A few dates have been announced with more to come. All information on touring plans and links to tickets can be found here.
“Dead To Rights” Tour 2026 Dates
- 05/17 – San Luis Potosí, Mexico – San Luis Metal Fest
- 07/30 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Pumpehuset (w/ Armored Saint)
- 07/31 – Ostergotland – Sweden – Skogsröjet Festival
- 08/01 – Gothenburg, Sweden – Pustervik (w/ Testament & Armored Saint)
- 08/02 – Lund, Sweden – Mejeriet (w/ Testament & Armored Saint)
- 08/04 – Kiel, Germany – Die Pumpe (w/ Testament & Armored Saint)
- 08/05 – Josefov, Czech – Brutal Assault Festival
- 08/07 – Cologne, Germany – EssigFabrik (w/ Testament & Death Angel)
- 08/08 – Kortrijik, Belgium – Alcatraz Festival
- 08/09 – Geiselwind, Germany – Keep It True Festival
- 08/11 – Karlsruhe, Germany – Substage (w/ Testament & Death Angel)
- 08/12 – Obertraubling, Germany – Eventhall Airport (w/ Testament & Death Angel)
- 08/13 – Krakow, Poland – Klub Studio (w/ Testament & Armored Saint)
- 08/14 – Leipzig, Germany – Parkbuhne (w/ Black Label Society)
- 09/18 – Westland, MI – The Token Lounge
- 09/19 – Madison, WI – Blades of Steel Metal Festival
