METAL CHURCH have provided a deeper look at their upcoming thirteenth studio album "Dead To Rights," set for release April 10 via Rat Pak Records. The album is the first to feature the band's powerhouse new lineup: founding guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof alongside bassist David Ellefson (ex-MEGADETH), drummer Ken Mary, vocalist Brian Allen, and guitarist Rick Van Zandt. The combination of Vanderhoof's signature riffing style with Ellefson's thunderous low end has created a sonic partnership that both musicians have described as instantly natural.
From the opening assault of "Brainwash Game" to the riff-driven finale "My Wrath," the album delivers signature METAL CHURCH aggression with a modern production sheen courtesy of Kurdt Vanderhoof himself, who handled all production and mixing duties. Tracks like "Deep Cover Shakedown" and "The Show" promise to satisfy longtime fans with their classic power-thrash approach, while cuts such as "Needle's Eye" and "Punisher" explore darker, more progressive territory that pushes the band's sound forward.
Vocalist Brian Allen, who joined the band in 2014 and previously sang on "XI" and "Damned If You Do," has delivered what Vanderhoof calls his most powerful vocal performance yet. Allen's range and intensity have been a cornerstone of METAL CHURCH's modern era, and the new material showcases both his melodic sensibility and his ability to deliver aggressive passages with conviction.
The debut single "F.A.F.O." has already amassed over 400,000 views on YouTube, signaling strong fan interest in the new lineup. A second single is expected before the album's release. Extensive touring is planned for 2026, with both North American and European dates being finalized. The band have expressed particular excitement about bringing Ellefson's stage presence and pedigree to the METAL CHURCH live experience.