A new lineup and a rejuvenated passion for what the band has done over the last forty-five plus years has yielded one of Metal Church’s best offerings to date. Founding member Kurdt Vanderhoef has managed to assemble a lineup that is worthy of carrying the Metal Church name with big hitters like Dave Ellefson on bass, Ken Mary on the drums and Brian Allen on vocals alongside longtime guitarist Rick Van Zandt.
The album opens with a bang in the shape of “Brainwash Game”, a full-on no-nonsense assault that leaves you gasping for more. Cutting riffs and a monster drum beat drive the track, and Allen’s cracking vocals announce a welcome return to form from the band. Lead single “F.A.F.O.” continues the onslaught with a pummeling drum beat and ripping riffs. Allen’s v
nd Van Zandt’s guitar solo shreds. This is relentless, and the Fuck Around Find Out title is pretty apt. Love it. Title track “Dead To Rights” is a slightly slower but heavier track that comes with a sinister vibe; the guitars are grittier with the bass rumbling underneath, Allen snarls his way through this one with menace, a longer track that allows each member to shine, and easily one of the best songs on the album. “Deep Cover Shakedown” is another monster that is rooted in the band’s classical sound, tight as fuck you would think these guys have been playing together for years, the benefit of having well seasoned musicians, a throwback if ever there was, and it is fucking awesome. “Feet To Fire” is a cool number with a massive groove; the killer drum-and-bass combo drives the track, with chugging riffs backing it up, and Allen gives it loads.
The slower tempo in the verses is savage before it ramps up at the chorus, one of the album’s standouts. The bass-driven “The Show” is immense, sonically it blows your ears out with its thick bass lines and killer riffery, while also being on the heavier side, Van Zandt’s class solo gives it an extra kick, a deadly track. “Heaven Knows(Slip Away)” is another shining example of how Metal Church have dragged the old school feel to their new material, propelled along by Mary’s savage drumming with Vanderhoof and Van Zandt tearing it up riff wise and Allen roaring his way through the track, it brings a sense of nostalgia with all the trappings of modern production, another massive track. Initially “No Memory” doesn’t seem that great but this is a grower that you appreciate the more you listen to it; from the groovy beat to Allen’s restrained vocals, for him anyway, to the amazing guitar work and blistering bass line, this is one of if not the best track on the album, nothing fancy or over the top just a kick ass metal song. Closing out the album is “Wasted Time” packed with fast heavy riffs and a thumping low end this is the band’s closing statement on how metal was and always should be; no frills, balls out!
Review: Conor
Dead To Rights is out April 10th via Rat Pak Records.
Dead To Rights Tracklist:
| 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 |
Metal Church are:
Kurdt Vanderhoof Rhythm guitar
Rick Van Zandt Lead guitar
Brian Allen Vocals
Dave Ellefson Bass
Ken Mary Drums
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