FROM THEIR 14TH STUDIO ALBUM DEAD TO RIGHTS
Photo Credit: Rick Moyer
West Coast thrash metal legends Metal Church have released the next piece of music from their 14th studio album, Dead To Rights, scheduled for release on April 10 via Rat Pak Records. “Brainwash Game” is a clinic in metal that the new 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 put on full display throughout the new album.
“‘Brainwash Game’ is really about the machinery behind the curtain,” says founding guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof. “We’re living in a time where the modern media cycle and the internet move so fast that truth often gets twisted, filtered, and repackaged to fit whatever narrative sells the most clicks. It’s not always about informing people anymore — it’s about steering them. The song dives into that idea of manipulation, how repetition and outrage can blur the lines between fact and fiction until people don’t even realize they’re being conditioned. It’s heavy, it’s aggressive, and lyrically it’s meant to challenge listeners to think for themselves in a world that constantly tries to think for them.”
A performance video for “Brainwash Game” – directed by Rick Moyer – can be seen here: https://youtu.be/LS3h7q0bj5A.
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 425,000 views to date. Dead To Rights was produced by Kurdt Vanderhoof and mixed and mastered by Zeuss at Planet Z.
“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: https://lnk.to/Metal-Church.
The track listing for Dead To Rights is:
- 1. Brainwash Game
- 2. F.A.F.O.
- 3. Dead To Rights
- 4. Deep Cover Shakedown
- 5. Feet To The Fire
- 6. The Show
- 7. Heaven Knows (Slip Away)
- 8. No Memory
- 9. Wasted Time
- 10. My Wrath
Metal Church plan to tour extensively this year on the Dead To Rights Tour 2026. A few dates have been announced been announced with more to come. All information on touring plans and links to tickets can be found at https://www.metalchurchofficial.com.
Dead To Rights Tour 2026 Dates
- Sun, May 17 – San Luis Potosí, Mexico – San Luis Metal Fest
- Thu, July 30 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Pumpehuset (w/ Armored Saint)
- Fri, July 31 – Ostergotland – Sweden – Skogsröjet Festival
- Sat, Aug 1 – Gothenburg, Sweden – Pustervik (w/ Testament & Armored Saint)
- Sun, Aug 2 – Lund, Sweden – Mejeriet (w/ Testament & Armored Saint)
- Tue, Aug 4 0 Kiel, Germany – Die Pumpe (w/ Testament & Armored Saint)
- Wed, Aug 5 – Josefov, Czech – Brutal Assault Festival
- Fri, Aug 8 – Cologne, Germany – EssigFabrik (w/ Testament & Death Angel)
- Sat, Aug 8, 2026 – Kortrijik, Belgium – Alcatraz Festival
- Sun, Aug 9, 2026 – Geiselwind, Germany – Keep It True Festival
- Tue, Aug 11 – Karlsruhe, Germany – Substage (w/ Testament & Death Angel)
- Wed, Aug 12 – Obertraubling, Germany – Eventhall Airport (w/ Testament & Death Angel)
- Thu, Aug 13 – Krakow, Poland – Klub Studio (w/ Testament & Armored Saint)
- Fri, Aug 14 – Leipzig, Germany – Parkbuhne (w/ Black Label Society)
- Fri, Sept 18 – Westland, MI – The Token Lounge
- Sat, Sept 19 – Madison, WI – Blades of Steel Metal Festival