Photo Credit: Rat Pak Records

West coast thrash veterans Metal Church have announced their 13th studio album, Congregation of Annihilation, set to arrive on May 26th via Rat Pak Records. The album marks the first release since the tragic death of legendary frontman Mike Howe and features new vocalist Marc Lopes. The record takes the band back to their musical roots and returns to the vibe of their classic 1984 self-titled record. Today (23rd), the group has unveiled a lyric video for the first single, “Pick A God and Prey.”  

Kurdt Vanderhoof comments: 

“This new album is starting a new chapter in the Metal Church legacy. I really love this album. It’s a fresh approach for us in one way, but also a return to the very beginnings of Metal Church as part of the New American Thrash Metal movement. This record contains some of the most aggressive songs we have recorded. I hope the fans will like it as much as we do.”

Lopes adds: 

“I am beyond honored to be part of carrying on this legacy into a new era of Metal Church. Working with Kurdt and a band that was a huge influence of mine growing up was a surreal experience to say the least. For me there was no point in trying to imitate what was already done to perfection. So, with respect to the past, we moved forward to a new chapter and here we are!”

Watch the clip below and pre-order the album here:

Track List:

01) Another Judgement Day

02) Congregation of Annihilation

03) Pick A God and Prey

04) Children of the Lie

05) Me The Nothing

06) Making Monsters

07) Say a Prayer with 7 Bullets

08) These Violent Thrills

09) All That We Destroy

10) My Favorite Sin (Bonus Track)

11) Salvation (Bonus Track)