Congregation of Annihilation

Description

American metal veterans Metal Church will release their 13th studio album, Congregation of Annihilation, on May 26, 2023 via Reaper Entertainment-Atomic Fire. Produced by founding guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof, the album marks the first release since the tragic death of legendary frontman Mike Howe in July 2021. It is also the first album to feature new singer Marc Lopes (Ross the Boss - Let Us Prey), who came on board in the summer of 2022. Congregation of Annihilation is a return to the band’s musical roots, continuing the vibe of the self-titled debut album and The Dark. Kurdt Vanderhoof says of the album: "With this new album, a new chapter in the legacy of Metal Church begins. I really love this album. It’s a new approach for us on one hand, but also a return to the beginnings of Metal Church as part of the "New American Thrash Metal" movement. This record contains some of the most aggressive songs we’ve ever recorded. I hope the fans love it as much as we do." Marc Lopes comments: "I am beyond honored to carry this legacy into a new era of Metal Church. Working with Kurdt and a band that had such a huge influence on me growing up was a surreal experience to say the least. We wanted to revisit the early years and the sound that built the band, but I also had the freedom to bring my more aggressive and reimagined vision of what I do to this new album. I couldn’t be happier with the result. There was no need for me to try to imitate something that was already done perfectly. So we started a new chapter with respect for the past and here we are!" Congregation of Annihilation offers 11 new Metal Church tracks and continues to build on the iconic sound the band created more than three decades ago. From the first guitar riff of the album opener Another Judgment Day to the driving outro of the closing track Salvation, it is clear that Metal Church is back and better than ever. Pick A God and Prey, Children of the Lie, Congregation of Annihilation and These Violent Thrills showcase the sonic songwriting that made Metal Church’s early albums Metal Church and The Dark fan favorites. The haunting musical pieces Me the Nothing and Making Monsters showcase the 2023 musicianship for which Metal Church was known. With clever lyrics, thunderous guitar riffs and Marc’s aggressive vocals, Congregation of Annihilation takes the band’s sonic evolution to the next level and will captivate metal fans around the world. Line up: Kurdt Vanderhoof: Guitars --- Marc Lopes: Vocals --- Stet Howland: Drums --- Steve Unger: Bass --- Rick Van Zandt: Guitars.