West Coast thrash veterans Metal Church have officially confirmed their return to the forefront of the heavy metal scene with the announcement of their thirteenth studio album, Dead To Rights. The record is slated for release on April 10 via Reaper Entertainment in Europe.
This upcoming release marks a significant chapter in the band’s history, showcasing a powerhouse new lineup. Founding guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof and longtime axeman Rick Van Zandt have joined forces with bassist David Ellefson (ex-Megadeth), drummer Ken Mary (Alice Cooper, Fifth Angel), and new vocalist Brian Allen (Vicious Rumors).
Produced by Vanderhoof himself, Dead To Rights was mixed and mastered by the renowned Zeuss at Planet Z Studios. The album promises to deliver the band’s trademark aggression, anchored by the lead single “F.A.F.O.”, which premiered last November and has already garnered over 400,000 views online.
According to Vanderhoof, the creation of this record was anything but guaranteed. In a candid statement, the guitarist revealed that he believed the band had reached its conclusion prior to this recording cycle.
“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! 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.”
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“
Metal Church will also be supporting Testament on select dates in their upcoming 2026 summer tour.
Testament Summer 2026 Tour Dates:
- 06/29 – Antwerp, BEL – Middenvijver
- 07/01 – Viveiro, SPA – Resurrection Fest
- 07/03 – Villaava, SPA – Sala Totem Aretoa (feat. Hellripper)
- 07/04 – Barcelona, SPA – Rock Fest
- 07/05 – Cartagena, SPA – Rock Imperium Festival
- 07/07 – Zaragoza, SPA – Teatro de las Esquinas (feat. Hellripper)
- 07/08 – Toulouse, FRA – Le Bikini (feat. Hellripper)
- 07/29 – Bergen, NOR – Beyond The Gates Festival
- 07/31 – Rejmyre, SWE – Skogsrojet Festival
- 08/01 – Gothenburg, SWE – Pustervik (feat. Metal Church & Armored Saint)
- 08/02 – Lund, SWE – Mejeriet (feat. Metal Church & Armored Saint)
- 08/04 – Kiel, GER – Die Pumpe (feat. Metal Church)
- 08/05 – Leer, GER – Zollhausverein (feat. Death Angel)
- 08/06 – Schlotheim, GER – Party San
- 08/07 – Cologne, GER – Essigfabrik (feat. Death Angel & Metal Church)
- 08/08 – Kortrijk, BEL – Alcatraz Festival
- 08/09 – Derbyshire, UK – Bloodstock Open Air
- 08/11 – Karlsruhe, GER – Substage (feat. Death Angel & Metal Church)
- 08/12 – Obertraubling, GER – Airport-Eventhall (feat. Death Angel & Metal Church)
- 08/13 – Krakow, POL – Klub Studio (feat. Metal Church & Armored Saint)
- 08/14 – Moravsky Krumlov, CZE – Rock Castle
- 08/15 – Dinkelsbuehl, GER – Summer Breeze
- 08/16 – Eindhoven, NET – Dynamo Metalfest
