11/21/2025
đ„ Press Release đ„ METAL CHURCH RETURNS WITH NEW LINEUP, SINGLE AND MUSIC VIDEO "F.A.F.O":
Watch the new video at: https://youtu.be/X23RO0LjUk8
Stream or download at: https://lnk.to/MetalChurch
The new lineup consists of founding member, guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof, guitarist Rick Van Zandt, bassist David Ellefson, drummer Ken Mary and vocalist Brian Allen.
New Album of Metal Church Music to be Released in 2026 via Rat Pak Records.
West Coast heavy metal veterans Metal Church return with a revitalized lineup and a hard-hitting new single that underscores the sound that has driven their four-decade legacy. The new formation features founding member and guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof, alongside longtime guitarist Rick Van Zandt, joined by bass icon David Ellefson, powerhouse drummer Ken Mary, and dynamic new vocalist Brian Allen.
Following the bandâs recent tour and return from Australia, Metal Church found themselves at a crossroads. An unexpected spark reignited Kurdtâs creative drive, prompting him to reach out to the musicians who would ultimately shape the groupâs next chapter. Their chemistry in the studio gave rise to the blistering new track âF.A.F.O.â â a song that immediately energized the band and inspired them to continue writing and recording. The new single was produced by Kurdt Vanderhoof and mixed/mastered by Zeuss at Planet Z.
Those sessions have now evolved into a brand-new Metal Church album, set for release in 2026 via Rat Pak Records. Additional details will be announced soon.
âAfter 45 years, the fact that we have new music coming in 2025 feels like a miracle. There was a time when I honestly didnât think Metal Church would continue, but weâre backâand this lineup is firing on all cylinders. I canât tell you how excited I am to have a new single on the way; that alone makes this moment incredibly special. âF.A.F.O.â is an aggressive thrasher, and I think the fans are really going to dig it. We certainly doâotherwise it wouldnât be Metal Church,â explains Kurdt Vanderhoof.
Metal Church plan to tour extensively in 2026 and some festival dates have already been announced with more to come. All information on touring plans and links to tickets can be found at: https://www.metalchurchofficial.com
Wed, Aug 5, 2026 - Josefov, Czech - Brutal Assault Festival
Sat, Aug 8, 2026 - Kortrijik, Belgium - Alcatraz Festival
Sun, Aug 9, 2026 - Geiselwind, Germany - Keep It True Festival
Born out of the explosive West Coast metal scene of the early â80s, Metal Church quickly established themselves as one of the genreâs most formidable and musically sophisticated bands. After signing with Elektra Records, the group released two landmark albums â their self-titled debut Metal Church and its follow-up The Dark â both of which remain essential listening in the heavy metal canon. As the U.S. metal wave surged, Metal Church hit the road with label-mates Metallica, further solidifying their reputation for precision, power, and uncompromising intensity. The band continued to evolve into the late â80s and early â90s, tackling political and social themes with vocalist Mike Howe on the acclaimed albums Blessing in Disguise and The Human Factor. While many peers shifted toward the eraâs commercial trends, Metal Church stayed true to their heavy roots â a commitment that earned them a loyal global following. In 2016, the band reunited with Howe for their eleventh studio album XI, which debuted at #57 on the Billboard Top 200and charted internationally, marking one of the strongest comebacks in modern metal. Its 2018 successor, Damned If You Do, continued that momentum with additional worldwide chart success and reaffirmed the bandâs enduring relevance.
Now entering a powerful new chapter, Metal Church features founding member, guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof, longtime guitarist Rick Van Zandt, bass legend David Ellefson, elite drummer Ken Mary, and dynamic vocalist Brian Allen. With renewed energy, a legacy spanning over four decades, and a rapidly expanding worldwide fan base, Metal Church remains a driving force in modern heavy metal â still pushing forward, still evolving, and still unmistakably Metal Church.
Kurdt Vanderhoof David Ellefson Ken Mary Brian Allen
