By: Jesse Striewski

It has no doubt been a trying couple of years for Metal Church, first with the passing of lead singer Mike Howe in 2021, and more recently, classic era drummer Kirk Arrington also passing away just this past month.

Alas, the band have forged on gracefully with new frontman Marc Lopes at the helm, and his first effort with the group, Congregation of Annihilation, is no doubt a worthy one. It’s clear right off the bat the band hasn’t missed a beat, with “Another Judgement Day” setting the tone for the rest of the record.

Tracks like “Pick a God and Pray,” “Children of the Lie,” and “These Violent Thrills” are as in-your-face and upfront as can be, with metal guitars played the way they should be. Make no mistakes about it, thirteen albums in, Metal Church are still very much alive and well…despite the never-ending tragedies that seem to plague them.

Rating: 3/5 Stars