METAL CHURCH have unveiled "Dead to Rights," their 14th studio album, set for an April 10 release via Rat Pak Records. The album marks a significant new chapter for the veteran heavy metal outfit, featuring a revamped lineup that includes ex-MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson alongside founding guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof.
The new configuration sees Vanderhoof joined by Rick Van Zandt on guitar, Ellefson on bass, Ken Mary on drums — the latter known for his work with FLOTSAM AND JETSAM — and Brian Allen handling vocal duties. The first single "F.A.F.O." was produced by Vanderhoof himself and mixed and mastered by Zeuss, whose credits include work with HATEBREED, QUEENSRYCHE, and ROB ZOMBIE.
Vanderhoof spoke candidly about finding the right chemistry after a period of uncertainty. "The band found itself at a crossroads after our recent Australia tour," he explained. "It's really nice to be working with people that are on the same page." The sentiment suggests that "Dead to Rights" benefits from a renewed sense of unity and shared purpose within the camp.
Ellefson, whose career spans decades at the highest levels of thrash and heavy metal, expressed genuine enthusiasm for the project. "The new METAL CHURCH album is something I'm extremely proud of," he stated. His presence brings not only elite musicianship but also a level of name recognition that should draw new eyes to a band that has quietly remained one of heavy metal's most consistent forces since their 1984 debut.
METAL CHURCH have weathered numerous lineup changes, personal tragedies, and shifting industry landscapes across four decades. "Dead to Rights" appears to represent a band that has found stable footing once again, ready to deliver the kind of muscular, riff-driven heavy metal that first put them on the map.