West Coast thrash metal band Metal Church has released the music video for 'Brainwash Game,' the second single from their 13th studio album 'Dead To Rights.' The album, set for release on April 10 via Rat Pak Records, features a new lineup including former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson. Founding guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof describes the track as a commentary on media manipulation and the blurring of fact and fiction.
Metal Church, pioneers of the West Coast thrash metal scene since the early 1980s, announced their latest project with the premiere of the 'Brainwash Game' music video. This track serves as the second single from 'Dead To Rights,' the band's 13th studio album, scheduled for release on April 10 through Rat Pak Records. The album represents the debut recording from the group's refreshed roster, comprising founding guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof, longtime guitarist Rick Van Zandt, former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson, drummer Ken Mary, and new vocalist Brian Allen.
Vanderhoof provided insight into the song's theme, stating: "'Brainwash Game' is really about the machinery behind the curtain. We're living in a time where the modern media cycle and the Internet move so fast that truth often gets twisted, filtered, and repackaged to fit whatever narrative sells the most clicks. It's not always about informing people anymore — it's about steering them." He emphasized its aggressive tone and intent to encourage critical thinking amid pervasive conditioning.
Produced by Vanderhoof and mixed and mastered by Chris 'Zeuss' Harris at Planet Z, 'Dead To Rights' opens with 'Brainwash Game' and closes with 'My Wrath,' featuring tracks like 'Deep Cover Shakedown,' 'The Show,' and 'Wasted Time' that echo the band's signature sound. The first single, 'F.A.F.O.,' arrived in November, with its video accumulating over 400,000 views.
Reflecting on the album's significance, Vanderhoof noted: "This new album is very special to me for one reason: the band was over, and I honestly didn't see it being resurrected. But somehow, it brought itself back to life — again!" The full track listing includes: 01. Brainwash Game, 02. 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.
Metal Church plans an extensive tour this year to support the release. The band's history spans landmark Elektra Records albums like their self-titled debut and 'The Dark' in the 1980s, tours with Metallica, and later works such as the 2016 reunion album 'XI' with Mike Howe, who passed away in July 2021. Marc Lopes briefly fronted the band for the 2023 release 'Congregation Of Annihilation' before the current changes.
