Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Dead to Rights is the 14th studio album by the American heavy metal band Metal Church, released on April 10, 2026 by Rat Pak Records (with distribution by Reaper Entertainment in some markets). Produced by Kurdt Vanderhoof (guitarist and founder of the band) and mixed/mastered by Zeuss, the album marks a new phase with a renewed lineup full of veterans: vocalist Brian Allen (ex-Trauma and Vicious Rumors), bassist David Ellefson (ex-Megadeth), and drummer Ken Mary (known for Fifth Angel and Flotsam & Jetsam), alongside Vanderhoof.
The album delivers classic heavy metal with strong West Coast thrash influences, faithfully maintaining Metal Church's signature sound—heavy and precise riffs, aggressive and powerful vocals, blazing guitar solos, and dynamic and incisive drumming. It's not a revolutionary work, but rather a confident and mature evolution of the sound the band has built over decades.
Many critics highlight that it sounds like a "rediscovered 80s classic," with energy, punk/thrash attitude at times, and a crystal-clear production that showcases each instrument. The lyrics address current themes such as media manipulation, control, opportunism, and more personal/dark reflections, all delivered with the typical aggression of the genre.
The first reviews are very positive: the album is praised for its consistency, the sharp performance of the new lineup, and for bringing back the band's characteristic "fire." Critics say that if you enjoy the classic Metal Church sound (albums like The Dark or Blessing in Disguise), you'll love Dead to Rights. It's described as powerful, uncompromising, well-executed, and with a great balance between speed, groove, and melody.
In short, Dead to Rights is a solid and exciting return from the American heavy metal legend, proving that even after more than 40 years in the business, Metal Church continues to deliver high-quality material true to its roots. Perfect for fans of old-school thrash/heavy metal with modern production. If you like razor-sharp riffs, angry vocals, and a band that knows exactly what it's doing, this album won't disappoint!
MEMBERS
Kurdt Vanderhoof - Guitars
Rick van Zandt - Guitars
David Ellefson - Bass
Ken Mary - Drums
Brian Allen - Vocals
TRACKLIST
1. Brainwash Game | 00:00
2. F.A.F.O | 04:30
3. Dead to Rights | 08:17
4. Deep Cover Shakedown | 14:24
5. Feet to Fire | 18:46
6. The Show | 24:29
7. Heaven Knows (Slip Away) | 29:40
8. No Memory | 34:15
9. Wasted Time | 38:45
10. My Wrath | 42:44
11. Blood and Water | 47:17
SOCIAL MEDIA
Deezer: deezer.com/artist/266681
Facebook: facebook.com/OfficialMetalChurch
Instagram: instagram.com/MetalChurchOfficial
Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/0exvkfkATkqWOJgugTjJhP
COPYRIGHT
All music written and produced by Metal Church. All rights reserved to TuneCore and WMG on behalf of Rat Pak Records. Streaming is cool, but buying the physical album is what really keeps the band alive.
#metalchurch #heavymetal #thrashmetal
⚡️PROMOTION - Promote new independent bands or the publication of albums that have already been released in previous years that deserve to be highlighted. 🔇Please let me know by commenting the video if you're seen in the video or own the copyright and don't like my promotion! Ofcourse I'll pull down the video if you ask! It's all done for the love of your music!
Dead to Rights is the 14th studio album by the American heavy metal band Metal Church, released on April 10, 2026 by Rat Pak Records (with distribution by Reaper Entertainment in some markets). Produced by Kurdt Vanderhoof (guitarist and founder of the band) and mixed/mastered by Zeuss, the album marks a new phase with a renewed lineup full of veterans: vocalist Brian Allen (ex-Trauma and Vicious Rumors), bassist David Ellefson (ex-Megadeth), and drummer Ken Mary (known for Fifth Angel and Flotsam & Jetsam), alongside Vanderhoof.
The album delivers classic heavy metal with strong West Coast thrash influences, faithfully maintaining Metal Church's signature sound—heavy and precise riffs, aggressive and powerful vocals, blazing guitar solos, and dynamic and incisive drumming. It's not a revolutionary work, but rather a confident and mature evolution of the sound the band has built over decades.
Many critics highlight that it sounds like a "rediscovered 80s classic," with energy, punk/thrash attitude at times, and a crystal-clear production that showcases each instrument. The lyrics address current themes such as media manipulation, control, opportunism, and more personal/dark reflections, all delivered with the typical aggression of the genre.
The first reviews are very positive: the album is praised for its consistency, the sharp performance of the new lineup, and for bringing back the band's characteristic "fire." Critics say that if you enjoy the classic Metal Church sound (albums like The Dark or Blessing in Disguise), you'll love Dead to Rights. It's described as powerful, uncompromising, well-executed, and with a great balance between speed, groove, and melody.
In short, Dead to Rights is a solid and exciting return from the American heavy metal legend, proving that even after more than 40 years in the business, Metal Church continues to deliver high-quality material true to its roots. Perfect for fans of old-school thrash/heavy metal with modern production. If you like razor-sharp riffs, angry vocals, and a band that knows exactly what it's doing, this album won't disappoint!
MEMBERS
Kurdt Vanderhoof - Guitars
Rick van Zandt - Guitars
David Ellefson - Bass
Ken Mary - Drums
Brian Allen - Vocals
TRACKLIST
1. Brainwash Game | 00:00
2. F.A.F.O | 04:30
3. Dead to Rights | 08:17
4. Deep Cover Shakedown | 14:24
5. Feet to Fire | 18:46
6. The Show | 24:29
7. Heaven Knows (Slip Away) | 29:40
8. No Memory | 34:15
9. Wasted Time | 38:45
10. My Wrath | 42:44
11. Blood and Water | 47:17
SOCIAL MEDIA
Deezer: deezer.com/artist/266681
Facebook: facebook.com/OfficialMetalChurch
Instagram: instagram.com/MetalChurchOfficial
Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/0exvkfkATkqWOJgugTjJhP
COPYRIGHT
All music written and produced by Metal Church. All rights reserved to TuneCore and WMG on behalf of Rat Pak Records. Streaming is cool, but buying the physical album is what really keeps the band alive.
#metalchurch #heavymetal #thrashmetal
⚡️PROMOTION - Promote new independent bands or the publication of albums that have already been released in previous years that deserve to be highlighted. 🔇Please let me know by commenting the video if you're seen in the video or own the copyright and don't like my promotion! Ofcourse I'll pull down the video if you ask! It's all done for the love of your music!
