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 below:
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 400,000 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.
Dead To Rights tracklisting:
“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”
“F.A.F.O.” video:
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:
May
17 – San Luis Potosí, Mexico – San Luis Metal Fest
July
30 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Pumpehuset (w/ Armored Saint)
31 – Ostergotland – Sweden – Skogsröjet Festival
August
1 – Gothenburg, Sweden – Pustervik (w/ Testament & Armored Saint)
2 – Lund, Sweden – Mejeriet (w/ Testament & Armored Saint)
4 – Kiel, Germany – Die Pumpe (w/ Testament & Armored Saint)
5 – Josefov, Czech – Brutal Assault Festival
8 – Cologne, Germany – EssigFabrik (w/ Testament & Death Angel)
8 – Kortrijik, Belgium – Alcatraz Festival
9 – Geiselwind, Germany – Keep It True Festival
11 – Karlsruhe, Germany – Substage (w/ Testament & Death Angel)
12 – Obertraubling, Germany – Eventhall Airport (w/ Testament & Death Angel)
13 – Krakow, Poland – Klub Studio (w/ Testament & Armored Saint)
14 – Leipzig, Germany – Parkbuhne (w/ Black Label Society)
September
18 – Westland, MI – The Token Lounge
19 – Madison, WI – Blades of Steel Metal Festival
Born out of the explosive West Coast metal scene of the early ’80s, Metal Church quickly established themselves as one of the genre’s most formidable and musically sophisticated bands. After signing with Elektra Records, the group released two landmark albums — their self-titled debut Metal Church and its follow-up The Dark — both of which remain essential listening in the heavy metal canon. As the U.S. metal wave surged, Metal Church hit the road with labelmates Metallica, further solidifying their reputation for precision, power, and uncompromising intensity.
The band continued to evolve into the late ’80s and early ’90s, tackling political and social themes with vocalist Mike Howe on the acclaimed albums Blessing in Disguise and The Human Factor. While many peers shifted toward the era’s commercial trends, Metal Church stayed true to their heavy roots — a commitment that earned them a loyal global following.
In 2016, the band reunited with Howe for their eleventh studio album XI, which debuted at #57 on the Billboard Top 200 and charted internationally, marking one of the strongest comebacks in modern metal. Its 2018 successor, Damned If You Do, continued that momentum with additional worldwide chart success and reaffirmed the band’s enduring relevance.
Now entering a powerful new chapter, Metal Church features founding guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof, longtime guitarist Rick Van Zandt, bass legend David Ellefson, elite drummer Ken Mary, and dynamic vocalist Brian Allen. With renewed energy, a legacy spanning over four decades, and a rapidly expanding worldwide fanbase, Metal Church remains a driving force in modern heavy metal — still pushing forward, still evolving, and still unmistakably Metal Church.
(Photo – Rick Moyer)
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