Metal Church - Dead To Rights - review
Metal Church - Dead To Rights - review
Tracklist
01. Brainwash Game02. F.A.F.O.
03. Dead To Rights
04. Deep Cover Shakedown
05. Feet To The Fire
06. The Show
07. Heaven Knows (Slip Away)
08. No Memory
09. Wasted Time
10. My Wrath
A review by
omne metallum April 23, 2026
Long time metal institutions Metal Church have, much like their religious counterparts, had their ups and downs in recent years: from loss and rebirth, to highs and lows. The congregation thinned somewhat since, well, Congregation Of Annihilation; however, with a changing of acolytes, Metal Church have refound their spark and make a statement of intent with their fourteenth, and latest, album, Dead To Rights. While it likely won't have many suddenly seeing the light, it will preach to the converted and give them many new psalms and hymns with which to indulge themselves.
Having decided last year to reshuffle the deck, Metal Church of 2026 is a far different prospect than that of a few years ago; with a line-up that boasts alumni of bands such as Megadeth and Flotsam And Jetsam, it is a collection with pedigree and potential for sure. This is perhaps why Dead To Rights is one of the band's strongest releases in several years, seeing a coalescence of talent and songwriting that rewards listeners who give the album a chance.
With undiluted heavy metal served in audible and well produced form, Dead To Rights is the good kind of fan service. Tracks like "Feet To The Fire", "Wasted Time", and album highlight "Heaven Knows (Slip Away)" offer plenty of quality material with which to interest and entertain the gathered mass. The production for the most part frames the music perfectly so that it is tight and audible, giving the likes of "The Show" a mix that highlights their best qualities.
As alluded to earlier, the line up change certainly sees an improvement in some departments, particularly in the vocals. As mentioned in my review for Congregation Of Annihilation, I was not a fan of Marc Lopes' style, so to see him replaced was an interesting prospect. Brian Allen is an improvement on the whole, and does a good job on tracks like "Deep Cover Shakedown". Allen, however, does have a tendency to skirt remarkably close to the same tendencies I disliked Lopes for on tracks like "F.A.F.O", but he restrains himself just enough to avoid the same pitfalls. Alas, as much as I like Allen, it does seem whoever takes the spot behind the microphone is going to have to contend with the looming shadows of Mike Howe and David Wayne hovering over them, two talents that are rare finds and extremely hard to replace.
In contrast, the additions of Ken Mary and David Ellefson on drums and bass, respectively, are upgrades in their positions, though ones that don't get the opportunity to truly show it. As referenced earlier, the production, for the most part, is enjoyable, but I find Ellefson's bass work is too often lost in the mix, crowded out by everyone else, which is a shame as, when he is audible on tracks like "The Show", his bass work adds to the overall track. Alas, the biggest missed opportunity was Ellefson not finishing his theological studies, as Metal Church could have had an actual pastor in their midst (Stryper, eat your heart out).
While unlikely to spark a religious revelation or conversion among listeners, Metal Church will certainly entertain their flock and right the wrongs of their last outing. Dead To Rights is an enjoyable album that will see a spark on the horizon, if not the holy light wash over you.
Rating breakdown
| Performance: | 8 |
| Songwriting: | 7 |
| Originality: | 7 |
| Production: | 6 |
Written on 23.04.2026 by
Written on 23.04.2026 by
Just because I don't care doesn't mean I'm not listening. Comments
Comments:
1
Visited by
51 users
|
Posts: 998  |
Posts: 998
Could have used another fast song or 2 but still a good listen and definitely a good one for this point in their career
Loading...
|
Hits total: 970 | This month: 13