METAL CHURCH
‘Dead To Rights’
2026 Rat Pak Records

2026 is quickly turning out to be the year of the supergroup. METAL CHURCH’s new lineup is a concrete example. Bassist Steve Unger, vocalist Marc Lopes, and drummer Stet Howland (all legends in their own right) have exited the band lineup, only to be replaced by veterans David Ellefson (ex-MEGADETH), Ken Mary (FIFTH ANGEL, FLOTSAM & JETSAM) and Brian Allen (TRAUMA, ex-VICIOUS RUMORS), respectively. These three titans join longtime guitarists Rick Van Zant and (band founder) Kurdt Vanderhoof. What a lineup!

By my count, ‘Dead To Rights’ (a great album title, by the way) is METAL CHURCH’s 14th studio album, so congratulations and hail to Mr. Vanderhoof for keeping the faith and rocking and rolling all these years. Not that the band’s previous album ‘Congregation of Annihilation’ (2023) was a misstep by any means (I loved that album) but there is a fire on ‘Dead To Rights’ that wasn’t as prevalent on that album. Lyrically, the theme seems to be inner struggles, denunciation of society, and some politics. You know, the usual good stuff.

The band intensity is apparent from the first track, “Brainwash Game” (Video HERE), which wastes no time getting down to business. I love the straight-ahead energy of this track (and the album’s vitality overall). I am a fan of Brian Allen’s vocals; his work with VICIOUS RUMORS was underrated and I was disappointed when he left that band, but since then, his work with TRAUMA and here with METAL CHURCH have proven to be a windfall. His voice is similar enough to other vocalists the band has had, (David Wayne and Mike Howe immediately come to mind), and his ability to hit the high notes like Marc Lopes and Ronny Munroe helps. Drummer Ken Mary has proven to be an MVP to many bands in recent years, and his presence is immediately felt here. His precision drumming and fills are always music to the ears. “F.A.F.O.” is an acronym that some people are going to recognize, and if you don’t get it, don’t worry (it’s spelled out for you in the song itself). The song is filled with the punk-influenced attitude that originally kicked thrash into gear back in the day. The title track, “Dead To Rights” is next, and the chorus is nice and infectious. The whole song is an instant classic.

The album mix and production are noteworthy, as this album sounds absolutely incredible, with every instrument mixed perfectly. Check out the serious dynamics and separation of guitars in your speakers during the excellent “Deep Cover Shakedown”. Meanwhile, “Feet To The Fire” and “The Show” both feature some of David Ellefson’s best contributions to the album; both are standout tracks for sure. “Heaven Knows (Slip Away)” might be my favorite song on the album. It begins with a quick guitar solo, followed by Allen screaming a nice catchy chorus, mixed with short solos between the verses. I love the middle eight section with the big chords. (Kudos to Kurdt and Rick for the killer riffs and solos found throughout the album). Then it goes right back into the chorus. More solos ensue. “No Memory” is a solid riffing track, and “Wasted Time” keeps the pedal to the metal with chugging riffs and tasty leads added here and there. The album ends with possibly the heaviest and angriest track, “My Wrath”. There’s some exorcising of demons on this one.

Bottom line: Compliments to the band– ‘Dead To Rights’ is a great album; it stayed in my stereo for quite a while and was an instant purchase for me. In my opinion, there’s not a filler moment in the 10 songs on the album. I think every track deserves to be performed live, and I hope I get to see the band again, touring for this album. I would put ‘Dead To Rights’ in my “Top 5 METAL CHURCH albums”– it’s that good.

5.0 Out Of 5.0