West Coast metal veterans Metal Church are back with their 13th studio album 'Congregation of Annihilation'. The new album is the first release since the tragic death of legendary frontman Mike Howe, who passed away in July 2021. It is also the first album with new vocalist Marc Lopes (Ross the Boss / Let Us Prey), who came on board in the summer of 2022, and with the current lineup consisting of founding guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof, guitarist Rick Van Zandt, bassist Steve Unger and drummer Stet Howland. The new songs are a return to the band's musical roots, recalling the mood of the self-titled first album and 'The Dark'.
Kurdt Vanderhoof says of the album, "This new album starts a new chapter in the legacy of Metal Church. I really love this album. It's a new approach for us on one hand, but also a return to Metal Church's beginnings as part of the New American Thrash Metal movement. This record contains some of the most aggressive songs we have ever recorded. I hope the fans will like it as much as we do."
Marc Lopes comments, "I am more than honored to carry this legacy into a new era of Metal Church. Working with Kurdt and a band that greatly influenced me in my youth was a surreal experience to say the least. For me, there was no point in trying to imitate what had already been done to perfection. So with respect for the past, we turned over a new leaf and here we are!"
Limited edition 180g black vinyl pressing
Tracklisting
Side A:
1. Another Judgement Day
2. Congregation of Annihilation
3. Pick A God and Prey
4. Children of the Lie
5. Me the Nothing
Side B:
6. Making Monsters
7. Say a Prayer with 7 Bullets
8. These Violent Thrills
9. All That We Destroy
10. My Favorite Sin
11. Laughter