Congregation of Annihilation features 11 all new tracks from Metal Church and continues to build upon their iconic sound the band established over three decades ago. From the first guitar riff of album opener "Another Judgement Day" through the driving outro of album closer "Salvation," it is clear Metal Church is back. "Pick A God and Prey", "Children of the Lie", "Congregation of Annihilation and "These Violent Thrills" showcase the sonically charged songwriting that made the early Metal Church albums" Metal Church" and "The Dark" such fan favorites. Haunting musical opuses "Me the Nothing" and "Making Monsters" each puts the musicianship that Metal Church was known for on full display in 2023. Infused with intelligent lyrical content, thundering guitar riffs, and Marc's aggressive soaring vocals, Congregation of Annihilation furthers the bands sonic evolution up to the next level.

Congregation of Annihilation features 11 all new tracks from Metal Church and continues to build upon their iconic sound the band established over three decades ago. From the first guitar riff of album opener "Another Judgement Day" through the driving outro of album closer "Salvation," it is clear Metal Church is back. "Pick A God and Prey", "Children of the Lie", "Congregation of Annihilation and "These Violent Thrills" showcase the sonically charged songwriting that made the early Metal Church albums" Metal Church" and "The Dark" such fan favorites. Haunting musical opuses "Me the Nothing" and "Making Monsters" each puts the musicianship that Metal Church was known for on full display in 2023. Infused with intelligent lyrical content, thundering guitar riffs, and Marc's aggressive soaring vocals, Congregation of Annihilation furthers the bands sonic evolution up to the next level.

Formed Seattle in 1982, Metal Church consisted of vocalist David Wayne, guitarists Kurdt Vanderhoof and Craig Wells, bassist Duke Erickson, and drummer Kirk Arrington. Their 1985 self-titled debut album, recorded when the thrash/speed metal genre was still evolving, made a huge splash on the scene, as did its similar follow-up, The Dark…

This is the album that so many bands are trying to sound like, whether they know it or not. They try to be "atmospheric" and "emotional" and for the most part, end up sucking greatly, because they don't know shit about songwriting (see: Dream Theater, Savatage when they try too hard, Blopeth, even later-era Metallica, etc etc …). If someone is looking for a very well-done atmospheric power-metal album, this is the one to find. No, this doesn't have 47 riffs in 35 seconds, and is not quite the followup everyone expected to "The Human Factor" (though if you heard "In Harms Way" enough, you'd understand), and also the cover art blows serious donkeys, but the songwriting on this album is absolutely impeccable.

Throughout the historical timeline of heavy metal, the 1980s is and will always be a hallmark decade spawning countless artists, many of whom are still active today. Metal Church is one such band that has maintained a fairly consistent stream of output since their debut album in 1984…

West Coast metal veterans METAL CHURCH will release "From The Vault" on April 10 via Rat Pak Records. "From The Vault" is a collection of previously unreleased songs from the Mike Howe era. ( New Studio Tracks, B-Side Tracks From The Damned If You Do Sessions, Cover Songs, USA Bonus Tracks From The XI Album )