Congregation of annihilation (CD ) | Metal Church

American metal veterans Metal Church will release their 13th studio album Congregation of Annihilation on May 26, 2023, through Rat Pak Records (America) and Reaper Entertainment (Europe). The album was produced by founding guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof and marks 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 singer Marc Lopes (Ross the Boss / Let Us Prey), who joined the band in the summer of 2022. Congregation of Annihilation is a return to the band's musical roots, reminiscent of the mood of their self-titled first album and The Dark. Kurdt Vanderhoof says about the album: 'With this new album, a new chapter begins in the legacy of Metal Church. I really love this album. It is, on the one hand, a new approach for us, 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 have ever recorded. I hope the fans will like it as much as we do.'
Marc Lopes comments: 'I feel more than honored to carry on this legacy into a new era of Metal Church. Collaborating with Kurdt and a band that has greatly influenced me in my youth has been, to say the least, a surreal experience. We wanted to revive the early years and the sound that built the band, but I was also given the freedom to bring my more aggressive, reinterpretation of what I do into this new record. I couldn't be happier with the result. To me, it made no sense to try to imitate something that was already perfect. So, with respect for the past, we opened a new chapter, and here we are!'
Congregation of Annihilation features 11 completely new tracks by Metal Church and continues to build on the iconic sound established by the band over three decades ago. From the first guitar riff of the album opener 'Another Judgement Day' to the driving outro of the album closer '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 melodic songwriting that made the early Metal Church albums Metal Church and The Dark such fan favorites. The haunting musical opuses 'Me the Nothing' and 'Making Monsters' showcase the musicianship Metal Church was known for in 2023. With intelligent 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.