When Metal Church pulled in another singer after Mike Howe's death in 2021, I was a bit hesitant. I loved Mike Howe and wasn't sure that I cared enough to follow the band without him, but surprisingly, I found that Metal Church still sounded great and so I picked up their new record in 2023. Then when I heard that Metal Church was bringing in another new singer for their 2026 release, Dead To Rights, I rolled my eyes. Between the revolving door of musicians and my struggle to find interest in new metal this year, I figured that I'd be keeping my distance on the new Metal Church record. 
I checked one of the newer songs and I was surprised with how much I enjoyed it. It was cool to have Dave Ellefson from Megadeth playing bass here, and the new guy on the mic fucking rips... sounding very reminicent of David Wayne. I loved what I was hearing and obviously needed to order the vinyl.
I know that I haven't been paying any attention to new metal releases, but Dead To Rights is easily the most exciting this year. It is such a good thrash record... from start to finish I'm banging my head. It gives me exactly what I want and pulls me out of my other music obsessions sounding fresh and exciting.
I grabbed the red and black swirl from Rat Pak with the autographed album cover art insert. That vinyl looks great!
After picking up the new Armored Saint album this summer, I found that it lit a little spark within me for new metal. Harnessing that excitement, I figured that I'd give the new Metal Church record a chance.
