Everybody is very aware of the fact that whatever METAL CHURCH might do, it will always be compared to their unsurmountable and simply perfect debut album "Metal Church". That 1984 album is not only a classic in its own right, it doesn't have one second music that doesn't fit in with the rest. Their second album "The Dark" comes close. After that, they made many more albums, 13 in total. I have to admit that although I'm a massive METAL CHURCH fan, the last two albums just didn't do it for me. The work of the band leader with his projects like PRESTO BALLET and (at least as important for me) VANDERHOOF was filled with a lot more substance and promise, so much so that I have been looking forward to more releases by both those bands (very unrealistically, I know).

Now, in 2026, band leader Kurdt Vanderhoof has decided that it is time to resurrect the band, only with a complete new line up. You only have to look at the names underneath this review and you'll have to agree that whatever the outcome of this album, the musicians can't be the problem. Let me put your mind at ease; you have nothing to worry about. On their 14^th album, "Dead To Rights",  you will hear and invigorating and extremely inspired METAL CHURCH, very aware of the fact that they will not only have to meet, but also exceed a lot of the expectations that the Metal public will have concerned this new release.

That, readers and listeners,  is exactly what the band has achieved. Of course it starts by Kurdt Vanderhoof having such good ideas that the band is able to gather enough rope to spin them into proper songs. Well, it is an understatement to say that they have done alright. They have done brilliantly. Together the musicians have given METAL CHURCH a new lease of life, and with "Dead To Rights" they have delivered one of the best albums the band has released in this century. It has all the elements you want to hear from this band. It is Heavy, it is fast, it is convincing. I keep going on about the musicians, but I mustn't forget singer Brian Allen. He puts down a stellar performance, so much so that he almost becomes the star of the show. But he isn't, the collective band is, making "Dead To Rights" one of the most elementary that ever has come out the top hat of METAL CHURCH.