Metal Church To Release New Album "Dead To Rights" In April; Pre-Orders Now Live

West Coast thrash metal legends Metal Church are back with their 13th studio album, "Dead To Rights," scheduled for release on April 10, via Reaper Entertainment in Europe. The album marks the first release from the band’s new lineup, featuring founding guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof, longtime guitarist Rick Van Zandt, bass icon David Ellefson, powerhouse drummer Ken Mary, and dynamic new vocalist Brian Allen. You can pre-order the album here.

The album delivers Metal Church’s signature heavy, riff-driven sound, from the aggressive opening assault of "Brainwash Game" to the riff-heavy finale "My Wrath." Fans will also recognize the classic Metal Church style in tracks like "Deep Cover Shakedown," "The Show," and "Wasted Time." The album’s first single, "F.A.F.O.," released last November, has already amassed over 400,000 views for its official video. Dead To Rights was produced by Kurdt Vanderhoof and mixed and mastered by Zeuss at Planet Z.

Kurdt Vanderhoof explains:
"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."

Tracklisting:

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 with more to come. All information on touring plans and links to tickets can be found at 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