Metal Church: Difference between revisions

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”’Metal Church”’ is an American [[heavy metal music|heavy metal]] band formed in 1980. Originally based in [[San Francisco|San Francisco, California]], they relocated to [[Aberdeen, Washington]] the following year and briefly called themselves ”’Shrapnel”’.<ref>{{Cite web |author=A. O. L. Staff |title=Metal Church singer Mike Howe dead at 55 |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/snyde/ny-mike-howe-dead-55-metal-church-singer-20210727-gm2f4xywvvetnfy5bxnzbq5iaq-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507011410/https://www.aol.com/metal-church-singer-mike-howe-145800719.html |archive-date=May 7, 2024 |access-date=May 6, 2024 |website=www.nydailynews.com |date=July 27, 2021 |language=en-US}}</ref> Led by guitarist and songwriter [[Kurdt Vanderhoof]], the band has released thirteen studio albums and is considered an integral part of the [[Music of Seattle|Seattle heavy metal music]] scene of the 1980s,<ref>{{cite web|title=The Seattle Metal Scene|url=http://www.knaclive.com/article.asp?ArticleID=511|work=[[KNAC|KNAC.com]]|date=March 7, 2002|access-date=August 25, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/culprit-mn0000453250/biography|title=Culprit – Biography & History|website=[[AllMusic|allmusic.com]]|access-date=August 25, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://web.stargate.net/soundgarden/articles/faces_12-89.shtml|title=Unofficial SG Homepage: Articles: Faces, December 1989|website=web.stargate.net|access-date=August 25, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://nw-music-archives.blogspot.com/2014/10/louder-than-heck-northwest-now.html|title=”LOUDER THAN HECK: THE NORTHWEST NOW,” DISCoveries Magazine (1990)|website=nw-music-archives.blogspot.com|access-date=August 25, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=29516|title=FIFTH ANGEL Return With First Album In 30 Years|publisher=[[KNAC|KNAC.COM]]|date=August 23, 2018|access-date=August 25, 2018}}</ref> as well as pioneers of [[thrash metal]], [[speed metal]] and [[power metal]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Sharpe-Young |first=Garry |year=2003 |title=A-Z of Power Metal |location=London |publisher=Cherry Red Books Ltd. |isbn=1-901447-13-8 }}</ref> They achieved considerable popularity that decade, with two of their first three albums entering the Top 100 on the U.S. [[Billboard 200|”Billboard” 200]] chart.<ref name=”Billboard.com”>{{cite magazine|title=Metal Church – Billboard|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/metal-church|magazine=Billboard.com|access-date=January 6, 2018}}</ref> The band’s early lyrical topics, such as conflict and [[paranoia]], later expanded into philosophical, political and social commentary.

Metal Church has had a ~~shifting~~ lineup of vocalists, guitarists, bassists and drummers throughout its {{Age|1980|1|1}}-year career, and Vanderhoof remains the group’s sole consistent creative force, despite reducing his role strictly to composition in 1986 after tiring of performing live. The “classic” lineup of Vanderhoof, vocalist [[David Wayne (singer)|David Wayne]], guitarist Craig Wells, bassist Duke Erickson, and drummer Kirk Arrington recorded the band’s first two studio albums, ”[[Metal Church (album)|Metal Church]]” (1984) and their major breakthrough ”[[The Dark (Metal Church album)|The Dark]]” (1986). By the end of the 1980s, Vanderhoof and Wayne had parted ways with the band and were replaced by vocalist [[Mike Howe]] and guitarist [[John Marshall (guitarist)|John Marshall]], respectively. Metal Church’s popularity continued with its third album ”[[Blessing in Disguise (Metal Church album)|Blessing in Disguise]]” (1989), which spawned one of their best-known songs, “Badlands”.<ref name=”Billboard.com” /> After releasing two more studio albums with Howe, ”[[The Human Factor (album)|The Human Factor]]” (1991) and ”[[Hanging in the Balance]]” (1993), the band first broke up in 1996.<ref name=”themusiczone”>{{cite web|title=NEWSTUFF|url=http://themusiczone.com:80/news.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19961217065205/http://themusiczone.com:80/news.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 17, 1996|website=themusiczone.com|access-date=July 21, 2019}}</ref>

Metal Church has had a lineup of vocalists, guitarists, bassists and drummers throughout its {{Age|1980|1|1}}-year career, and Vanderhoof remains the group’s sole consistent creative force, despite reducing his role strictly to composition in 1986 after tiring of performing live. The “classic” lineup of Vanderhoof, vocalist [[David Wayne (singer)|David Wayne]], guitarist Craig Wells, bassist Duke Erickson, and drummer Kirk Arrington recorded the band’s first two studio albums, ”[[Metal Church (album)|Metal Church]]” (1984) and their major breakthrough ”[[The Dark (Metal Church album)|The Dark]]” (1986). By the end of the 1980s, Vanderhoof and Wayne had parted ways with the band and were replaced by vocalist [[Mike Howe]] and guitarist [[John Marshall (guitarist)|John Marshall]], respectively. Metal Church’s popularity continued with its third album ”[[Blessing in Disguise (Metal Church album)|Blessing in Disguise]]” (1989), which spawned one of their best-known songs “Badlands”.<ref name=”Billboard.com” /> After releasing two more studio albums with Howe, ”[[The Human Factor (album)|The Human Factor]]” (1991) and ”[[Hanging in the Balance]]” (1993), the band first broke up in 1996.<ref name=”themusiczone”>{{cite web|title=NEWSTUFF|url=http://themusiczone.com:80/news.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19961217065205/http://themusiczone.com:80/news.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 17, 1996|website=themusiczone.com|access-date=July 21, 2019}}</ref>

Metal Church reformed in 1998 with most of their “classic” lineup, including Vanderhoof’s return to performance, resulting in the band’s sixth studio album, ”[[Masterpeace]]” (1999). ~~Internal~~ conflicts and Wayne’s second departure from the band in 2001 resulted in a second hiatus. Metal Church resurfaced in 2003, with [[Ronny Munroe]] replacing Wayne, and the band underwent a few lineup changes within the next six years, leaving Vanderhoof as the only remaining original member. Following their third disbandment in July 2009, the group reunited for the third time in October 2012, and released their tenth studio album, ”[[Generation Nothing]],” a year later. Following Munroe’s departure in the fall of 2014, Metal Church considered disbanding for the third time before Howe was rehired in April 2015 as their lead singer.<ref name=”howe reunion”>{{cite web|title=Metal Church Rejoined By Singer Mike Howe|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/metal-church-rejoined-by-singer-mike-howe/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=April 30, 2015|access-date=April 30, 2015}}</ref><ref name=”spotlightreport”>{{cite web|title=Mike Howe talks return|url=http://spotlightreport.net/featured/interview-metal-churchs-mike-howe-talks-latest-album-xi|work=Spotlight Report|date=May 12, 2016|access-date=July 18, 2016}}</ref> He recorded two more albums with the band, which enjoyed a renewed popularity during the mid-to-late 2010s, before his death on July 26, 2021.<ref name=”Howe death”>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/metal-church-singer-mike-howe-dead-at-55/|title=Metal Church Singer Mike Howe Dead At 55|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=July 26, 2021|date=July 26, 2021}}</ref> Howe has since been replaced by Marc Lopes, who debuted on Metal Church’s thirteenth studio album, ”[[Congregation of Annihilation]]” (2023).<ref name=”Blabbermouth.net”>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/metal-church-announces-congregation-of-annihilation-album-shares-pick-a-god-and-prey-single|title=Metal Church Announces ”Congregation of Annihilation” Album, Shares ‘Pick a God and Prey’ Single|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=March 23, 2023|date=March 23, 2023}}</ref>

Metal Church reformed in 1998 with most of their “classic” lineup, including Vanderhoof’s return to performance, resulting in the band’s sixth studio album ”[[Masterpeace]]” (1999) conflicts and Wayne’s second departure from the band in 2001 resulted in a second hiatus. Metal Church resurfaced in 2003, with [[Ronny Munroe]] replacing Wayne, and the band underwent a few lineup changes within the next six years, leaving Vanderhoof as the only remaining original member. Following their third disbandment in July 2009, the group reunited for the third time in October 2012, and released their tenth studio album ”[[Generation Nothing]]” a year later. Following Munroe’s departure in the fall of 2014, Metal Church considered disbanding for the third time before Howe was rehired in April 2015 as their lead singer.<ref name=”howe reunion”>{{cite web|title=Metal Church Rejoined By Singer Mike Howe|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/metal-church-rejoined-by-singer-mike-howe/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=April 30, 2015|access-date=April 30, 2015}}</ref><ref name=”spotlightreport”>{{cite web|title=Mike Howe talks return|url=http://spotlightreport.net/featured/interview-metal-churchs-mike-howe-talks-latest-album-xi|work=Spotlight Report|date=May 12, 2016|access-date=July 18, 2016}}</ref> He recorded two more albums with the band, which enjoyed a renewed popularity during the mid-to-late 2010s, before his death on July 26, 2021.<ref name=”Howe death”>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/metal-church-singer-mike-howe-dead-at-55/|title=Metal Church Singer Mike Howe Dead At 55|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=July 26, 2021|date=July 26, 2021}}</ref> Howe has since been replaced by Marc Lopes, who debuted on Metal Church’s thirteenth studio album ”[[Congregation of Annihilation]]” (2023).<ref name=”Blabbermouth.net”>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/metal-church-announces-congregation-of-annihilation-album-shares-pick-a-god-and-prey-single|title=Metal Church Announces ”Congregation of Annihilation” Album, Shares ‘Pick a God and Prey’ Single|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=March 23, 2023|date=March 23, 2023}}</ref>

==History==

===Formative years (1980–1984)===

San Francisco~~-based~~ guitarist [[Kurdt Vanderhoof]] formed Metal Church in 1980 with various musicians. This era included a brief audition period with future [[Metallica]] drummer [[Lars Ulrich]].<ref name=tpw>{{cite web|url=http://www.maelstrom.nu/ezine/review_iss65_4993.php?page_rs=8&sid=aaaa7c6d6c489e7f67919011ea1a1c4e&osCsid=aaaa7c6d6c489e7f67919011ea1a1c4e|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130223070536/http://www.maelstrom.nu/ezine/review_iss65_4993.php?page_rs=8&sid=aaaa7c6d6c489e7f67919011ea1a1c4e&osCsid=aaaa7c6d6c489e7f67919011ea1a1c4e|url-status=dead|archive-date=2013-02-23|title=Album Review METAL CHURCH – ”This Present Wasteland”|publisher=Maelstrom|issue=65|access-date=2012-04-29}}</ref> The three-song, instrumental ”Red Skies” demo was released in 1981, and featured Vanderhoof, guitarist Rick Condrin, bassist Steve Hott, and drummer Aaron Zimpel.{{cn|date=March 2025}}

San Francisco guitarist [[Kurdt Vanderhoof]] formed Metal Church in 1980 with various musicians. This era included a brief audition period with future [[Metallica]] drummer [[Lars Ulrich]].<ref name=tpw>{{cite web|url=http://www.maelstrom.nu/ezine/review_iss65_4993.php?page_rs=8&sid=aaaa7c6d6c489e7f67919011ea1a1c4e&osCsid=aaaa7c6d6c489e7f67919011ea1a1c4e|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130223070536/http://www.maelstrom.nu/ezine/review_iss65_4993.php?page_rs=8&sid=aaaa7c6d6c489e7f67919011ea1a1c4e&osCsid=aaaa7c6d6c489e7f67919011ea1a1c4e|url-status=dead|archive-date=2013-02-23|title=Album Review METAL CHURCH – ”This Present Wasteland”|publisher=Maelstrom|issue=65|access-date=2012-04-29}}</ref> The three-song, instrumental ”Red Skies” demo was released in 1981, and featured Vanderhoof, guitarist Rick Condrin, bassist Steve Hott, and drummer Aaron Zimpel.{{cn|date=March 2025}}

Vanderhoof relocated to his hometown of [[Aberdeen, Washington|Aberdeen]] in 1981, and began the new group Shrapnel with Craig Wells, Duke Erickson, drummer Tom Weber, and vocalist Mike Murphy. Murphy departed before their next demo, recorded without vocals, and Weber departed shortly thereafter. ~~Drummer~~ Kirk Arrington and vocalist [[David Wayne (singer)|David Wayne]] completed the group’s “classic“ lineup. They released the demo ”Four Hymns” and spent ~~the~~ following years touring and accruing material, readopting the Metal Church moniker in 1983. The song “Death Wish” is featured on the compilation album ”[[Northwest Metalfest]]”.{{cn|date=March 2025}}

Vanderhoof relocated to his hometown of [[Aberdeen, Washington|Aberdeen]] in 1981 and began the new group Shrapnel with Craig Wells, Duke Erickson, drummer Tom Weber, and vocalist Mike Murphy. Murphy departed before their next demo, recorded without vocals, and Weber departed shortly thereafter. Kirk Arrington and vocalist [[David Wayne (singer)|David Wayne]] completed the group’s classic lineup. They released the demo ”Four Hymns” and spent following years touring and accruing material, readopting the Metal Church moniker in 1983. The song “Death Wish” is featured on the compilation album ”[[Northwest Metalfest]]”.{{cn|date=March 2025}}

===First two records and commercial success (1984–1988)===

In July 1984, Metal Church released its [[Metal Church (Metal Church album)|self-titled debut album]], which included three songs from the ”Four Hymns” demo and a cover version of [[Deep Purple]]’s “[[Highway Star (song)|Highway Star]]”. They sold 70,000 copies of the album independently before signing to [[Elektra Records|Elektra]].<ref name=”metalupdate” /> According to Wayne, Ulrich and Metallica bandmate [[James Hetfield]] urged Elektra to sign the band.<ref name=”metalupdate”>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalupdate.com/interviewwayne.html |title=www.metalupdate.com, interview with David Wayne, 2001 |publisher=Metalupdate.com |access-date=2010-09-11}}</ref>

By the time Metal Church released its second studio album, ”[[The Dark (Metal Church album)|The Dark]]”, in October 1986, they were touring with high-profile acts including Metallica. ”The Dark” was a commercial success, helped by the band’s first music video, “Watch the Children Pray”, ~~receiving~~ frequent airplay on [[MTV]]. As a result, the album ~~entered~~ the US [[Billboard 200|”Billboard” 200]].<ref name=”Billboard.com” /> Metal Church ~~supported~~ the album with a world tour that lasted from October 1986 to July 1987, playing with [[King Diamond (band)|King Diamond]], [[Celtic Frost]], [[Testament (band)|Testament]], [[Overkill (band)|Overkill]], [[Dirty Rotten Imbeciles|D.R.I.]], [[Trouble (band)|Trouble]] and, individually, with all of the “[[The Big Four: Live from Sofia, Bulgaria|Big Four]]” of thrash metal (Metallica, [[Megadeth]], [[Slayer]] and [[Anthrax (American band)|Anthrax]]).<ref name=”metallipromo”>{{cite web|title=Metal Church Tour Dates|url=http://www.metallipromo.com/mchurch.html|publisher=metallipromo.com|access-date=July 7, 2018}}</ref>

By the time Metal Church released its second studio album, ”[[The Dark (Metal Church album)|The Dark]]”, in October 1986, they were touring with high-profile acts including Metallica. ”The Dark” was a commercial success, helped by the band’s first music video, “Watch the Children Pray”, frequent airplay on [[MTV]]. As a result, the album the US [[Billboard 200|”Billboard” 200]]<ref name=”Billboard.com” /> Metal Church the album with a world tour that lasted from October 1986 to July 1987, playing with [[King Diamond (band)|King Diamond]], [[Celtic Frost]], [[Testament (band)|Testament]], [[Overkill (band)|Overkill]], [[Dirty Rotten Imbeciles|D.R.I.]], [[Trouble (band)|Trouble]] and, individually, with all of the “[[The Big Four: Live from Sofia, Bulgaria|Big Four]]” of thrash metal (Metallica, [[Megadeth]], [[Slayer]] and [[Anthrax (American band)|Anthrax]]).<ref name=”metallipromo”>{{cite web|title=Metal Church Tour Dates|url=http://www.metallipromo.com/mchurch.html|publisher=metallipromo.com|access-date=July 7, 2018}}</ref>

Shortly after the album’s release, they were plagued by lineup changes. Vanderhoof ceased performing live in 1986, to be replaced briefly ~~with~~ Mark Baker and more permanently ~~with~~ former Metallica roadie [[John Marshall (guitarist)|John Marshall]]. Vanderhoof nonetheless continued ~~composing~~ ~~for~~ the group, co-writing much of their subsequent material. Wayne departed shortly thereafter and was replaced by former [[Heretic (band)|Heretic]] singer [[Mike Howe]]. Wayne ~~and~~ the remaining members of Heretic ~~formed~~ [[Reverend (band)|Reverend]].

Shortly after the album’s release, they were plagued by lineup changes Vanderhoof ceased performing live in 1986, to be replaced briefly Mark Baker and more permanently former Metallica roadie [[John Marshall (guitarist)|John Marshall]]. Vanderhoof nonetheless continued the group, co-writing much of their subsequent material. Wayne departed shortly thereafter and was replaced by former [[Heretic (band)|Heretic]] singer [[Mike Howe]]. Wayne the remaining members of Heretic [[Reverend (band)|Reverend]].

===Further albums and first breakup (1989–1996)===

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===Reunion of classic lineup and ”Masterpeace” (1998–2001)===

[[File:Kurdt Vanderhoof Live.jpg|thumb|left|Founding guitarist [[Kurdt Vanderhoof]] began performing with the group for the first time in 12 years for their 1998 reformation.]]

The members of Metal Church began compiling their first live album in 1998, ”[[Live (Metal Church album)|Live]]”, which featured songs from their first two records performed by their classic lineup. During the production of ”Live”, Wayne, Vanderhoof, Wells, Arrington, and Erickson ~~reformed~~ the band and began work on a new studio album. Wells ~~departed~~ the band due to familial obligations,<ref name=”metalupdate”/> and was replaced by the returning Marshall. The album ”Live in Japan” (recorded on the band’s 1995 Japanese tour) was released in 1998,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metallian.com/metalchurch.php |title=METALLIAN – Metal Church |publisher=metallian.com |access-date=2016-08-21}}</ref> only in Japan.

The members of Metal Church began compiling their first live album in 1998, ”[[Live (Metal Church album)|Live]]”, which featured songs from their first two records performed by their classic lineup. During the production of ”Live”, Wayne, Vanderhoof, Wells, Arrington, and Erickson the band and began work on a new studio album. Wells the band due to familial obligations,<ref name=”metalupdate”/> and was replaced by the returning Marshall. The album ”Live in Japan” (recorded on the band’s 1995 Japanese tour) was released in 1998,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metallian.com/metalchurch.php |title=METALLIAN – Metal Church |publisher=metallian.com |access-date=2016-08-21}}</ref> only in Japan.

The resulting album, ”[[Masterpeace]]”, was released in 1999 on [[Nuclear Blast Records]]. Critics responded positively, hailing it as a focused product that increased the energy over previous releases, despite it failing to break new ground.<ref name=master>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/masterpeace-r422753|title=””Masterpeace” – Metal Church|website=[[AllMusic]]|date=February 6, 2012}}</ref> Arrington and Erickson were unable to tour behind the album, so the band enlisted members of Vanderhoof’s side projects, bassist Brian Lake and drummer Jeff Wade, for live performances later that year.

Wayne expressed regret regarding ”Masterpeace”, which influenced his ~~following~~ musical output.<ref name=”metalupdate”/> He departed from the band again in June 2001, due to personal and creative differences, forming the group Wayne with Wells and releasing ~~their~~ debut album, ”Metal Church”.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/archive-news-jun-14-2001 |title=Archive News Jun 14, 2001 |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |date=June 14, 2001 |accessdate=August 7, 2024 }}</ref> Vanderhoof objected to the album’s name and cover art. ~~According~~ to Wayne, the purpose of the album’s name was to alert the audience of his involvement.<ref name=”metalupdate”/> Erickson and Marshall ceased involvement with Metal Church after Wayne’s departure, leading to the band’s second hiatus.

Wayne expressed regret regarding ”Masterpeace”, which influenced his musical output.<ref name=”metalupdate”/> He departed from the band again in June 2001, due to personal and creative differences, forming the group Wayne with Wells and releasing debut album ”Metal Church”.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/archive-news-jun-14-2001 |title=Archive News Jun 14, 2001 |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |date=June 14, 2001 |accessdate=August 7, 2024 }}</ref> Vanderhoof objected to the album’s name and cover art to Wayne, the purpose of the album’s name was to alert the audience of his involvement.<ref name=”metalupdate”/> Erickson and Marshall ceased involvement with Metal Church after Wayne’s departure, leading to the band’s second hiatus.

===Munroe-led lineup, Wayne’s death, and second breakup (2002–2009)===

Vanderhoof’s eponymous band released ”A Blur in Time” in 2002, and he began working on new material for Metal Church’s next album. In 2003, he and Arrington recruited singer [[Ronny Munroe]], former [[Malice (metal band)|Malice]] guitarist Jay Reynolds, and bassist Steve Unger to form a new lineup of Metal Church. The band’s seventh studio album, ”[[The Weight of the World (Metal Church album)|The Weight of the World]]”, was released the following year. Critics generally reacted to the record with a lukewarm response, recognizing its accomplishments while noting its lack of consistency and innovation.<ref name=weight>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-weight-of-the-world-r711947/review|title=””The Weight of the World” – Metal Church|website=[[AllMusic]]|date=February 6, 2012}}</ref>

On May 10, 2005, former Metal Church singer David Wayne died of complications from injuries sustained in a car accident that occurred months before. He was 47 years old.

In 2006, Arrington left the band due to complications with [[diabetes]]. His replacement was [[Jeff Plate]] from [[Savatage]], [[Chris Caffery]] and the [[Trans-Siberian Orchestra]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalreview.com |title=Interview with Kurdt Vanderhoof, 2006 |publisher=Metalreview.com |access-date=2011-10-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020524141917/http://www.metalreview.com/ |archive-date=May 24, 2002 }}</ref> Later that year, the band released their eighth studio album, ”[[A Light in the Dark]]”, which featured a re-recording of “Watch the Children Pray” as a tribute to Wayne. Vanderhoof said the tribute was a way of showing fans he harbored no ill will towards Wayne despite the contentious situation between them before his death.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metal-rules.com/zine/content/view/600/1/ |title=www.metal-rules.com, interview with Kurdt Vanderhoof, 2006 |publisher=Metal-rules.com |date=July 27, 2006 |access-date=2010-09-11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522224607/http://www.metal-rules.com/zine/content/view/600/1/ |archive-date=May 22, 2011 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

Reynolds left the group in 2008 and was replaced by Rick Van Zandt.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=95066 |title=Blabbermouth.net news article April 16th, 2008 |publisher=Roadrunnerrecords.com |access-date=2010-09-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207082429/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=95066 |archive-date=December 7, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The band’s ninth studio album, ”[[This Present Wasteland]]”, released that September, was hailed generally as an effective release consistent with their previous material.<ref name=tpw /> After subsequent touring, the band took a ~~break~~ from performing due to Vanderhoof’s back problems. They continued studio work, while Munroe and Vanderhoof completed the former’s solo album.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalchurchmusic.com |title=A message from the band.., October 27, 2008 |publisher=Metalchurchmusic.com |date=July 8, 2009 |access-date=2011-10-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008045622/http://metalchurchmusic.com/ |archive-date=October 8, 2011 }}</ref>

Reynolds left the group in 2008 and was replaced by Rick Van Zandt.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=95066 |title=Blabbermouth.net news article April 16th, 2008 |publisher=Roadrunnerrecords.com |access-date=2010-09-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207082429/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=95066 |archive-date=December 7, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The band’s ninth studio album, ”[[This Present Wasteland]]”, released that September, was hailed generally as an effective release consistent with their previous material.<ref name=tpw /> After subsequent touring, the band took a from performing due to Vanderhoof’s back problems. They continued studio work, while Munroe and Vanderhoof completed the former’s solo album.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalchurchmusic.com |title=A message from the band.., October 27, 2008 |publisher=Metalchurchmusic.com |date=July 8, 2009 |access-date=2011-10-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008045622/http://metalchurchmusic.com/ |archive-date=October 8, 2011 }}</ref>

After Vanderhoof’s health improved, they returned to performing and composing new material. On July 7, 2009, the group announced they were disbanding following a final performance at [[Rocklahoma]] two days later, cancelling numerous further live dates. They cited industry frustrations as a factor influencing the decision. Several former members remained musically active, including Munroe and Vanderhoof in [[Presto Ballet]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://legacy.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=141358|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120710124435/http://legacy.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=141358|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 10, 2012|title=Former METAL CHURCH Singer Ronnie Monroe Comments on His New PRESTO BALLET Gig|work=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=2012-04-29|date=June 10, 2012}}</ref> and Plate in [[Machines of Grace]].

===Second reformation, ”Generation Nothing” and rotating singers (2012–2015)===

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===”XI” and ”Damned If You Do” (2016–2020)===

Metal Church released their eleventh studio album, ”[[XI (album)|XI]]”, on March 25, 2016, their first album with Howe on vocals since 1993’s ”[[Hanging in the Balance]]”.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/metal-church-to-release-xi-album-in-march/ |title=Metal Church To Release ‘XI’ Album In March |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |date=January 5, 2016 |access-date=January 5, 2016}}</ref> Hailed by some critics as a comeback, ”XI” received positive reviews , and was Metal Church’s first album in 27 years (since ”[[Blessing in Disguise (Metal Church album)|Blessing in Disguise]]”) to enter the ”Billboard” 200. ~~The~~ album peaked at number 57,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/metal-churchs-xi-lands-on-billboard-chart/ |title=Metal Church’s ‘XI’ Lands On Billboard Chart |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |date=April 4, 2016 |access-date=June 5, 2016}}</ref> the band’s highest chart position in their career. On the album’s supporting tour, guitarist Rick Van Zandt ~~required~~ emergency surgery to repair a detached retina, and was temporarily replaced by former Firewolfe guitarist Paul Kleff, and [[Savatage]] guitarist [[Chris Caffery]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/metal-church-taps-savatage-guitarist-chris-caffery-for-upcoming-tour/ |title=Metal Church Guitarist Rick Van Zandt Forced To Sit Out Shows; Temporary Replacement Announced |work=Blabbermouth.net |date=February 19, 2016 |access-date=2016-03-02}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/metal-church-taps-savatage-guitarist-chris-caffery-for-upcoming-tour/ |title=Metal Church Taps Savatage Guitarist Chris Caffery For Upcoming Tour |work=Blabbermouth.net |date=March 2, 2016 |access-date=2016-03-02}}</ref> The band co-headlined a West Coast North American tour with [[Armored Saint]] in June 2016,<ref>{{cite web|title=Armored Saint To Team Up With Metal Church For West Coast Tour|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/armored-saint-to-team-up-with-metal-church-for-west-coast-tour/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=April 22, 2016|access-date=July 18, 2016}}</ref> and along with [[Amon Amarth]], [[Suicidal Tendencies]] and [[Butcher Babies]], they supported [[Megadeth]] on the latter’s U.S. ”[[Dystopia (Megadeth album)|Dystopia]]” tour in September–October 2016.<ref>{{cite web|title=Megadeth Announces U.S. Tour With Amon Amarth, Suicidal Tendencies, Metal Church, Havok|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-announces-u-s-tour-with-amon-amarth-suicidal-tendencies-metal-church-havok/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=July 18, 2016|access-date=July 18, 2016}}</ref>

Metal Church released their eleventh studio album, ”[[XI (album)|XI]]”, on March 25, 2016, their first album with Howe on vocals since 1993’s ”[[Hanging in the Balance]]”.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/metal-church-to-release-xi-album-in-march/ |title=Metal Church To Release ‘XI’ Album In March |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |date=January 5, 2016 |access-date=January 5, 2016}}</ref> Hailed by some critics as a comeback, ”XI” received positive reviews , and was Metal Church’s first album in 27 years (since ”[[Blessing in Disguise (Metal Church album)|Blessing in Disguise]]”) to enter the ”Billboard” 200 album peaked at number 57,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/metal-churchs-xi-lands-on-billboard-chart/ |title=Metal Church’s ‘XI’ Lands On Billboard Chart |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |date=April 4, 2016 |access-date=June 5, 2016}}</ref> the band’s highest chart position in their career. On the album’s supporting tour, guitarist Rick Van Zandt emergency surgery to repair a detached retina, and was temporarily replaced by former Firewolfe guitarist Paul Kleff, and [[Savatage]] guitarist [[Chris Caffery]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/metal-church-taps-savatage-guitarist-chris-caffery-for-upcoming-tour/ |title=Metal Church Guitarist Rick Van Zandt Forced To Sit Out Shows; Temporary Replacement Announced |work=Blabbermouth.net |date=February 19, 2016 |access-date=2016-03-02}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/metal-church-taps-savatage-guitarist-chris-caffery-for-upcoming-tour/ |title=Metal Church Taps Savatage Guitarist Chris Caffery For Upcoming Tour |work=Blabbermouth.net |date=March 2, 2016 |access-date=2016-03-02}}</ref> The band co-headlined a West Coast North American tour with [[Armored Saint]] in June 2016,<ref>{{cite web|title=Armored Saint To Team Up With Metal Church For West Coast Tour|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/armored-saint-to-team-up-with-metal-church-for-west-coast-tour/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=April 22, 2016|access-date=July 18, 2016}}</ref> and along with [[Amon Amarth]], [[Suicidal Tendencies]] and [[Butcher Babies]], they supported [[Megadeth]] on the latter’s U.S. ”[[Dystopia (Megadeth album)|Dystopia]]” tour in September–October 2016.<ref>{{cite web|title=Megadeth Announces U.S. Tour With Amon Amarth, Suicidal Tendencies, Metal Church, Havok|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-announces-u-s-tour-with-amon-amarth-suicidal-tendencies-metal-church-havok/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=July 18, 2016|access-date=July 18, 2016}}</ref>

When asked in October 2016 if he ~~intended~~ to write another album with Metal Church, Howe stated, “We have every intention of doing that and that’s what it’s all about. If you’re not putting on new music, then it’s time to go away for me. In Metal Church… it’s always been like a two-year cycle band, but we put our album out this year in March. So our album is actually only being out for six months. But we have plans on this fall getting back to writing and try to put something out next year. We’re also looking at some dates for the spring possibly back in the States and maybe back over here. But our drummer Jeff, he’s also on the [[Trans-Siberian Orchestra|TSO]]. He leaves from the end of October through December. So we might take that time to start writing new record.”<ref>{{cite web|title=Metal Church – vocalist Mike Howe|url=http://www.metal-rules.com/metalnews/2016/10/13/metal-church-howe/|work=[[Metal Rules|Metal-Rules.com]]|date=October 13, 2016|access-date=October 24, 2016}}</ref>

When asked in October 2016 if he write another album with Metal Church, Howe stated, “We have every intention of doing that and that’s what it’s all about. If you’re not putting on new music, then it’s time to go away for me. In Metal Church… it’s always been like a two-year cycle band, but we put our album out this year in March. So our album is actually only being out for six months. But we have plans on this fall getting back to writing and try to put something out next year. We’re also looking at some dates for the spring possibly back in the States and maybe back over here. But our drummer Jeff, he’s also on the [[Trans-Siberian Orchestra|TSO]]. He leaves from the end of October through December. So we might take that time to start writing new record.”<ref>{{cite web|title=Metal Church – vocalist Mike Howe|url=http://www.metal-rules.com/metalnews/2016/10/13/metal-church-howe/|work=[[Metal Rules|Metal-Rules.com]]|date=October 13, 2016|access-date=October 24, 2016}}</ref>

Metal Church released a live album on April 28, 2017, titled ”Classic Live”, recorded on the 2016 ”XI” tour. This ~~was~~ the band’s first live album since 1998’s ”Live in Japan”, and their first live album with Howe on vocals.<ref>{{cite web|title=Metal Church To Release ‘Classic Live’ Album In April|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/metal-church-to-release-classic-live-album-in-april/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=March 3, 2017|access-date=March 3, 2017}}</ref>

Metal Church released a live album on April 28, 2017, titled ”Classic Live”, recorded on the 2016 ”XI” tour. This the band’s first live album since 1998’s ”Live in Japan”, and their first live album with Howe on vocals.<ref>{{cite web|title=Metal Church To Release ‘Classic Live’ Album In April|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/metal-church-to-release-classic-live-album-in-april/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=March 3, 2017|access-date=March 3, 2017}}</ref>

On March 21, 2017, drummer [[Jeff Plate]] announced his departure from Metal Church.<ref>{{cite web|title=Drummer Jeff Plate Quits Metal Church|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/drummer-jeff-plate-quits-metal-church/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=March 21, 2017|access-date=March 24, 2017}}</ref> As a result, the band withdrew from a North American tour with [[Alter Bridge]] and [[In Flames]] that was scheduled to take place in May 2017.<ref>{{cite web|title=Metal Church Part Ways With Jeff Plate|url=http://www.metalkaoz.com/metal-news/19298-metal-church-part-ways-with-jeff-plate.html|work=metalkaoz.com|date=March 21, 2017|access-date=March 21, 2017}}</ref> Plate was replaced by former [[W.A.S.P. (band)|W.A.S.P.]] drummer [[Stet Howland]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Metal Church Recruits Former W.A.S.P. Drummer Stet Howland|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/metal-church-recruits-former-w-a-s-p-drummer-stet-howland/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=April 21, 2017|access-date=April 24, 2017}}</ref>

On March 21, 2017, drummer [[Jeff Plate]] announced his departure from Metal Church.<ref>{{cite web|title=Drummer Jeff Plate Quits Metal Church|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/drummer-jeff-plate-quits-metal-church/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=March 21, 2017|access-date=March 24, 2017}}</ref> As result, the band withdrew from a North American tour with [[Alter Bridge]] and [[In Flames]] that was scheduled to take place in May 2017.<ref>{{cite web|title=Metal Church Part Ways With Jeff Plate|url=http://www.metalkaoz.com/metal-news/19298-metal-church-part-ways-with-jeff-plate.html|work=metalkaoz.com|date=March 21, 2017|access-date=March 21, 2017}}</ref> Plate was replaced by former [[W.A.S.P. (band)|W.A.S.P.]] drummer [[Stet Howland]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Metal Church Recruits Former W.A.S.P. Drummer Stet Howland|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/metal-church-recruits-former-w-a-s-p-drummer-stet-howland/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=April 21, 2017|access-date=April 24, 2017}}</ref>

In a May 2017 interview, Vanderhoof stated Metal Church had begun writing and demoing their twelfth studio album, tentatively due for release in early 2018.<ref>{{cite web|title=METAL CHURCH’s KURDT VANDERHOOF Has ‘A Big Pile Of New Songs’ Ready For Next Album|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/metal-churchs-kurdt-vanderhoof-has-a-big-pile-of-new-songs-ready-for-next-album/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=May 26, 2017|access-date=July 14, 2017}}</ref>

On October 1, 2018, Metal Church teased an audio sample of a song from their twelfth studio album.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/metal-church-teases-new-studio-album/|title=METAL CHURCH Teases New Studio Album|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=October 1, 2018}}</ref> The album, ”[[Damned If You Do (album)|Damned If You Do]]”, was announced shortly after and it was released on December 7, 2018.<ref name=”blabbermouth damned”>{{cite news|title=METAL CHURCH To Release ‘Damned If You Do’ Album In December|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/metal-church-to-release-damned-if-you-do-album-in-december/|access-date=October 4, 2018}}</ref> In support of ”Damned If You Do”, Metal Church co-headlined a North American tour with [[Doro Pesch|Doro]] in April–May 2019,<ref>{{cite web|title=METAL CHURCH And DORO To Team Up For U.S. Tour In April/May|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/metal-church-and-doro-to-team-up-for-u-s-tour-in-april-may/|website=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=January 23, 2019|date=January 23, 2019}}</ref> and performed at [[Megadeth]]’s first-ever Megacruise that October.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/anthrax-testament-corrosion-of-conformity-others-confirmed-for-megadeths-first-ever-megacruise/|title=ANTHRAX, TESTAMENT, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY, Others Confirmed For MEGADETH’s First-Ever ‘Megacruise’|work=Blabbermouth|date=October 9, 2018|access-date=October 11, 2018}}</ref>

In a July 2019 interview with Italy’s Metalforce, Howe said Metal Church would likely begin writing new material in 2020.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.metalforce.it/interviste/metal-church-live-for-the-moment-056044|title=METAL CHURCH – Live for the moment|work=Metalforce|date=July 19, 2019|access-date=July 19, 2019}}</ref> Vanderhoof stated in an interview with Metal Wani in April 2020 that Metal Church would “probably start writing that later in the summer.” He concluded, “We’re gonna sit and we’re gonna wait till there’s a new album, and then we’ll go out and do the normal promoting it or backing it up by touring and playing shows. But we’re gonna wait till there’s a new record.”<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/metal-church-to-begin-work-on-new-studio-album-this-summer/|title=METAL CHURCH To Begin Work On New Studio Album This Summer|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=April 28, 2020|date=April 28, 2020}}</ref>

Metal Church released their first compilation album, ”From the Vault,” on April 10, 2020. It contains four new studio tracks, five B-side tracks from the ”Damned If You Do” sessions, three song covers and two tracks culled from their performance at [[Club Citta]] in [[Kawasaki, Kanagawa|Kawasaki]], Japan.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/metal-church-to-release-from-the-vault-in-april/|title=METAL CHURCH To Release ‘From The Vault’ In April|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=February 21, 2020|access-date=February 21, 2020}}</ref> The band stated on their Facebook page in July 2021 that their thirteenth studio album would be released in 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://metalstorm.net/events/news_comments.php?news_id=42646|title=Metal Church – To Release New Album In 2022|publisher=[[Metal Storm (webzine)|Metal Storm]]|access-date=July 10, 2021|date=July 10, 2021}}</ref>

Metal Church released their first compilation album ”From the Vault” on April 10, 2020. It contains four new studio tracks, five B-side tracks from the ”Damned If You Do” sessions, three song covers and two tracks culled from their performance at [[Club Citta]] in [[Kawasaki, Kanagawa|Kawasaki]], Japan.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/metal-church-to-release-from-the-vault-in-april/|title=METAL CHURCH To Release ‘From The Vault’ In April|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=February 21, 2020|access-date=February 21, 2020}}</ref> The band stated on their Facebook page in July 2021 that their thirteenth studio album would be released in 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://metalstorm.net/events/news_comments.php?news_id=42646|title=Metal Church – To Release New Album In 2022|publisher=[[Metal Storm (webzine)|Metal Storm]]|access-date=July 10, 2021|date=July 10, 2021}}</ref>

===Howe’s death, arrival of Marc Lopes, ”Congregation of Annihilation” and next album (2021–present)===

On July 26, 2021, Metal Church announced Howe had died that morning at his home in [[Eureka, California]], at the age of 55.<ref name=”Howe death” /> His death was ruled a [[suicide by hanging]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/metal-church-singer-mike-howes-death-ruled-suicide/|title=METAL CHURCH Singer MIKE HOWE’s Death Ruled Suicide|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=July 30, 2021|date=July 30, 2021}}</ref> In October 2021, after announcing the return of his short-lived early 1990s band Hall Aflame, Vanderhoof hinted on his Facebook page that Metal Church would continue on with a yet-to-be-revealed replacement for Howe.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://metalstorm.net/events/news_comments.php?news_id=43604|title=Metal Church – Kurt Vanderhoof Confirms Band Will Continue|publisher=[[Metal Storm (webzine)|Metal Storm]]|access-date=October 9, 2021|date=October 9, 2021}}</ref> A month later, drummer [[Stet Howland]] revealed he and the remaining members of the band had started to “communicate again” following Howe’s death. Although he did not specify the current state of Metal Church, Howland declared, “We’re all slowly digesting. We just started talking again a few weeks ago, and we’re barely talking about anything except making jokes, and we have our banter, we’re starting to joke and communicated again together. Building on the future will come, but right now… we’re just like hugging right now, we’re all like ‘I love you, man’. That’s kind of where we’re at. I know everybody wants to know more, when there’s more you’ll hear about it.”<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/metal-church-members-are-starting-to-communicate-again-for-first-time-since-singer-mike-howes-suicide/|title=METAL CHURCH Members Are ‘Starting To Communicate Again’ For First Time Since Singer MIKE HOWE’s Suicide|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=November 23, 2021|access-date=November 24, 2021}}</ref> By mid-2022, rumors had suggested that [[Ronny Munroe]] would rejoin the band,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/metal_churchs_steve_unger_fills_in_for_recently_deceased_bassist_in_autograph.html|title=Metal Church’s Steve Unger Fills in for Recently Deceased Bassist in Autograph|publisher=[[Ultimate Guitar]]|access-date=July 4, 2022|date=July 4, 2022}}</ref> but resulted in him joining [[Vicious Rumors]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/vicious-rumors-recruit-former-metal-church-vocalist-ronny-munroe|title=VICIOUS RUMORS Recruit Former METAL CHURCH Vocalist RONNY MUNROE|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=July 13, 2022 |accessdate=July 13, 2022}}</ref>

In a September 2022 interview with ”[[Metal Rules]]”, Vanderhoof revealed the band had found a replacement ~~for~~ Howe, but they were “keeping a lid” on the identity of their new singer “for the time being.” He revealed a new Metal Church album, which they had begun writing just before Howe’s death, would be released in 2023.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/metal-church-has-found-replacement-for-mike-howe-and-is-planning-to-release-more-aggressive-album-in-2023 | title=KURDT VANDERHOOF Says METAL CHURCH Has Found Replacement for MIKE HOWE; New Album to Arrive in 2023 | date=September 23, 2022 }}</ref> The band played one of their first shows in four years at Belgium’s Alcatraz Open Air in August 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.alcatraz.be/en/bands/metal-church|title=Metal Church – Alcatraz Open Air|website=alcatraz.be|access-date=December 6, 2022}}</ref>

In a September 2022 interview with ”[[Metal Rules]]”, Vanderhoof revealed the band had found a replacement Howe, but they were “keeping a lid” on the identity of their new singer “for the time being.” He revealed a new Metal Church album, which they had begun writing just before Howe’s death, would be released in 2023.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/metal-church-has-found-replacement-for-mike-howe-and-is-planning-to-release-more-aggressive-album-in-2023 | title=KURDT VANDERHOOF Says METAL CHURCH Has Found Replacement for MIKE HOWE; New Album to Arrive in 2023 | date=September 23, 2022 }}</ref> The band played one of their first shows in four years at Belgium’s Alcatraz Open Air in August 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.alcatraz.be/en/bands/metal-church|title=Metal Church – Alcatraz Open Air|website=alcatraz.be|access-date=December 6, 2022}}</ref>

On February 2, 2023, Metal Church announced Marc Lopes as their new lead vocalist.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/its-official-metal-church-enlists-ross-the-boss-and-let-us-prey-vocalist-marc-lopes|title=It’s Official: Metal Church Enlists Ross the Boss And Let Us Prey Vocalist Marc Lopes|date=February 2, 2023|access-date=February 2, 2023}}</ref> A month later, the band announced their thirteenth album, ”[[Congregation of Annihilation]]”, would be released on May 26.<ref name=”Blabbermouth.net” /> Four days prior to the album’s release, former Metal Church drummer Kirk Arrington died at the age of 61.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/former-metal-church-drummer-kirk-arrington-dead-at-61|title=Former Metal Church Drummer Kirk Arrington Dead At 61|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=May 23, 2023|date=May 22, 2023}}</ref> The band supported ”Congregation of Annihilation” with a world tour, including a series of headlining tours in North America and Australia.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/metal-church-announces-june-july-2023-u-s-tour|title=METAL CHURCH Announces June/July 2023 U.S. Tour|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=December 18, 2023|date=May 1, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://bravewords.com/news/metal-church-to-tour-australia-in-december-2023|title=METAL CHURCH To Tour Australia In December 2023|magazine=[[Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles]]|access-date=December 18, 2023|date=May 15, 2023}}</ref> Metal Church was scheduled to ~~tour~~ North America again in the spring of 2024,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/metal-church-announces-march-2024-north-american-tour-dates|title=METAL CHURCH Announces March 2024 North American Tour Dates|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=December 18, 2023|date=December 13, 2023}}</ref> but it was cancelled because of Vanderhoof’s “ongoing back issue.”<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/metal-church-cancels-2024-tour-dates-due-to-kurdt-vanderhoofs-ongoing-back-issue|title=METAL CHURCH Cancels 2024 Tour Dates Due To KURDT VANDERHOOF’s ‘Ongoing Back Issue’|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=January 22, 2024|date=January 22, 2024}}</ref> A live album featuring Howe’s final live performances, ”The Final Sermon (Live in Japan 2019)”, was released on July 26, 2024 to coincide with the third anniversary of his death.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bravewords.com/news/metal-church-to-release-the-final-sermon-live-in-japan-2019-album-in-july|title=METAL CHURCH To Release The Final Sermon (Live In Japan 2019) Album In July|magazine=[[Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles]]|access-date=May 30, 2024|date=May 30, 2024}}</ref>

On February 2, 2023, Metal Church announced Marc Lopes as their new lead vocalist.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/its-official-metal-church-enlists-ross-the-boss-and-let-us-prey-vocalist-marc-lopes|title=It’s Official: Metal Church Enlists Ross the Boss And Let Us Prey Vocalist Marc Lopes|date=February 2, 2023|access-date=February 2, 2023}}</ref> A month later, the band announced their thirteenth album, ”[[Congregation of Annihilation]]”, would be released on May 26.<ref name=”Blabbermouth.net” /> Four days prior to the album’s release, former Metal Church drummer Kirk Arrington died at the age of 61.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/former-metal-church-drummer-kirk-arrington-dead-at-61|title=Former Metal Church Drummer Kirk Arrington Dead At 61|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=May 23, 2023|date=May 22, 2023}}</ref> The band supported ”Congregation of Annihilation” with a world tour, including a series of headlining tours in North America and Australia<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/metal-church-announces-june-july-2023-u-s-tour|title=METAL CHURCH Announces June/July 2023 U.S. Tour|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=December 18, 2023|date=May 1, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://bravewords.com/news/metal-church-to-tour-australia-in-december-2023|title=METAL CHURCH To Tour Australia In December 2023|magazine=[[Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles]]|access-date=December 18, 2023|date=May 15, 2023}}</ref> Metal Church was scheduled to North America again in the spring of 2024,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/metal-church-announces-march-2024-north-american-tour-dates|title=METAL CHURCH Announces March 2024 North American Tour Dates|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=December 18, 2023|date=December 13, 2023}}</ref> but it was cancelled because of Vanderhoof’s “ongoing back issue.”<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/metal-church-cancels-2024-tour-dates-due-to-kurdt-vanderhoofs-ongoing-back-issue|title=METAL CHURCH Cancels 2024 Tour Dates Due To KURDT VANDERHOOF’s ‘Ongoing Back Issue’|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=January 22, 2024|date=January 22, 2024}}</ref> A live album featuring Howe’s final live performances, ”The Final Sermon (Live in Japan 2019)”, was released on July 26, 2024 to coincide with the third anniversary of his death.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bravewords.com/news/metal-church-to-release-the-final-sermon-live-in-japan-2019-album-in-july|title=METAL CHURCH To Release The Final Sermon (Live In Japan 2019) Album In July|magazine=[[Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles]]|access-date=May 30, 2024|date=May 30, 2024}}</ref>

An authorized book by author James R. Beach and co-author and archivist Brian L. Naron, ”Beyond the Black: The Story of Metal Church”, was released in November 2023. In addition to past and present members of Metal Church, the book includes interviews with road crew members, record producers and contemporaries, and a foreword by former [[Grim Reaper (band)|Grim Reaper]] guitarist Nick Bowcott.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/new-book-about-metal-church-beyond-the-black-due-in-november | title=New Book About METAL CHURCH, ‘Beyond the Black’, Due in November | date=September 12, 2023 }}</ref>

In a December 2023 interview with Metal Wani, Lopes stated Metal Church would begin working on new material for their next album in late 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/metal-church-to-work-on-next-studio-album-in-late-2024|title=METAL CHURCH To Work On Next Studio Album In Late 2024|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=December 10, 2023|date=December 2, 2023}}</ref>

When asked in January 2025 about the current status of Metal Church, Lopes said, “I don’t know anything about nothing. It was doing amazing, everything was going really good, and then stuff happens. [Laughs] I haven’t heard from anybody in a long time. That happens. People sometimes, they’ve gotta go do their thing. So I don’t know. I don’t know. I have no idea… There’s nothing to hide. I don’t know anything. You know what I mean?”<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/metal-church-singer-marc-lopes-has-no-idea-what-is-going-on-with-the-band-i-havent-heard-from-anybody-in-a-long-time|title=METAL CHURCH Singer MARC LOPES Has ‘No Idea’ What Is Going On With The Band: ‘I Haven’t Heard From Anybody In A Long Time’|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=January 27, 2025|date=January 27, 2025}}</ref>

American heavy metal band

Metal Church is an American heavy metal band formed in 1980. Originally based in San Francisco, California, they relocated to Aberdeen, Washington the following year and briefly called themselves Shrapnel.^[1] Led by guitarist and songwriter Kurdt Vanderhoof, the band has released thirteen studio albums and is considered to be an integral part of the then-emerging Seattle heavy metal music scene of the 1980s,^[2]^[3]^[4]^[5]^[6] as well as pioneers of the thrash metal, speed metal and power metal genres.^[7] They achieved considerable popularity that decade, with two of their first three albums entering the Top 100 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart.^[8] The band’s early lyrical topics, such as conflict and paranoia, later expanded into philosophical, political and social commentary.

Metal Church has had a revolving lineup of vocalists, guitarists, bassists and drummers throughout its 45-year career, and Vanderhoof remains the group’s sole consistent creative force, despite reducing his role strictly to composition in 1986 after tiring of performing live. The “classic” lineup of Vanderhoof, vocalist David Wayne, guitarist Craig Wells, bassist Duke Erickson, and drummer Kirk Arrington recorded the band’s first two studio albums, Metal Church (1984) and their major breakthrough The Dark (1986). By the end of the 1980s, Vanderhoof and Wayne had parted ways with the band and were replaced by vocalist Mike Howe and guitarist John Marshall, respectively. Metal Church’s popularity continued with its third album Blessing in Disguise (1989), which spawned one of their best-known songs “Badlands”.^[8] After releasing two more studio albums with Howe, The Human Factor (1991) and Hanging in the Balance (1993), the band first broke up in 1996.^[9]

Metal Church reformed in 1998 with most of their “classic” lineup, including Vanderhoof’s return to performance, resulting in the band’s sixth studio album Masterpeace (1999); however, internal conflicts and Wayne’s second departure from the band in 2001 resulted in a second hiatus. Metal Church resurfaced in 2003, with Ronny Munroe replacing Wayne, and the band underwent a few lineup changes within the next six years, leaving Vanderhoof as the only remaining original member. Following their third disbandment in July 2009, the group reunited for the third time in October 2012, and released their tenth studio album Generation Nothing a year later. Following Munroe’s departure in the fall of 2014, Metal Church considered disbanding for the third time before Howe was rehired in April 2015 as their lead singer.^[10]^[11] He recorded two more albums with the band, which had enjoyed a renewed popularity during the mid-to-late 2010s, before his death on July 26, 2021.^[12] Howe has since been replaced by Marc Lopes, who debuted on Metal Church’s thirteenth studio album Congregation of Annihilation (2023).^[13]

Formative years (1980–1984)

[edit]

Then-based in San Francisco, guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof formed Metal Church in 1980 with various musicians. This era included a brief audition period with future Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich.^[14] The three-song, instrumental Red Skies demo, was released in 1981, and featured Vanderhoof, guitarist Rick Condrin, bassist Steve Hott, and drummer Aaron Zimpel.^{[citation needed]}

Vanderhoof relocated to his hometown of Aberdeen in 1981 and began the new group Shrapnel with Craig Wells, Duke Erickson, drummer Tom Weber, and vocalist Mike Murphy. Murphy departed before their next demo, which was recorded without vocals, and Weber departed shortly thereafter. The enlistment of drummer Kirk Arrington and vocalist David Wayne completed the group’s classic lineup. They released the demo Four Hymns and spent following years touring and accruing material, readopting the Metal Church moniker in 1983. The song “Death Wish” is featured on the compilation album Northwest Metalfest.^{[citation needed]}

First two records and commercial success (1984–1988)

[edit]

In July 1984, Metal Church released its self-titled debut album, which included three songs from the Four Hymns demo and a cover version of Deep Purple‘s “Highway Star“. They sold 70,000 copies of the album independently before signing to Elektra.^[15] According to Wayne, Ulrich and Metallica bandmate James Hetfield urged Elektra to sign the band before another label could.^[15]

By the time Metal Church released its second studio album, The Dark, in October 1986, they were touring with high-profile acts including Metallica. The Dark was a commercial success, helped by the fact that the band’s first music video, “Watch the Children Pray”, received frequent airplay on MTV. As a result, the album managed to enter the US Billboard 200,^[8] and saw Metal Church support the album with a world tour that lasted from October 1986 to July 1987, playing with bands such as King Diamond, Celtic Frost, Testament, Overkill, D.R.I., Trouble and, individually, with all of the “Big Four” of thrash metal (Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax).^[16]

Shortly after the album’s release, however, they were plagued by lineup changes: Vanderhoof ceased performing live with the group in 1986, to be replaced briefly by Mark Baker and more permanently by former Metallica roadie John Marshall. Vanderhoof nonetheless continued to work with the group in composing thereafter, co-writing much of their subsequent material. Wayne also departed shortly thereafter and was replaced by former Heretic singer Mike Howe. Wayne teamed up with the remaining members of Heretic to form Reverend.

Further albums and first breakup (1989–1996)

[edit]

With Howe and Marshall, Metal Church released their third studio album, Blessing in Disguise, in 1989. Critics responded favorably to the album, including some assertions that it was the group’s strongest effort.^[17] Blessing in Disguise was even more successful than its predecessors, peaking at number 75 on the Billboard 200; this was Metal Church’s highest chart position, until it was surpassed 27 years later by XI.^[8] The album’s success was attributed to the music video for “Badlands” getting airplay on MTV’s Headbangers Ball,^[18] and its opening track “Fake Healer” receiving some attention from mainstream radio stations, most notably KNAC and Z Rock;^[19]^[20] unlike “Badlands”, however, there was no music video for “Fake Healer”. After spending most of 1989 and 1990 touring heavily behind Blessing in Disguise (performing with numerous bands such as Metallica, W.A.S.P., Accept, Annihilator, Saxon, Meliah Rage, Forced Entry and D.B.C.),^[16] the band had switched labels from Elektra to Epic.

Metal Church released its fourth studio album, and only album on Epic, The Human Factor, in 1991. Critics applauded the group for transitioning to a major label and successfully retaining the vitality of their sound,^[21] while also releasing a record with conceptual accessibility beyond the heavy metal genre.^[22] While The Human Factor failed to chart on the Billboard 200, it was supported by two successful North American tours, one of which saw Metal Church appear on the Operation Rock & Roll tour (alongside Judas Priest, Alice Cooper, Motörhead and Dangerous Toys), and the band also supported Metallica on select dates of their Wherever We May Roam Tour.^[16]

The band followed with their fifth studio album, 1993’s Hanging in the Balance, on Mercury Records. After touring almost non-stop in support of that album for about two years, Metal Church officially disbanded for the first time in 1996,^[9] citing management problems and poor record sales as factors.^[23]^[24]^[25]

Reunion of classic lineup and Masterpeace (1998–2001)

[edit]

The members of Metal Church began compiling their first live album in 1998, Live, which featured songs from their first two records performed by their classic lineup. During the production of Live, Wayne, Vanderhoof, Wells, Arrington, and Erickson decided to reform the band and began work on a new studio album. Wells was forced to depart the band due to familial obligations,^[15] however, and was replaced by the returning Marshall. The live album Live in Japan (recorded on the band’s 1995 Japanese tour) was also released in 1998,^[26] only in Japan.

The resulting album, Masterpeace, was released in 1999 on Nuclear Blast Records. Critics responded positively, hailing it as a focused product that increased the energy over previous releases, despite it ultimately failing to break new ground.^[27] Arrington and Erickson were unable to tour behind the album, so the band enlisted members of Vanderhoof’s side projects, bassist Brian Lake and drummer Jeff Wade, for live performances later that year.

Wayne expressed regret regarding Masterpeace, which influenced his musical output that followed.^[15] He departed from the band once again in June 2001, due to personal and creative differences, forming the group Wayne with Wells and releasing the curiously titled debut album Metal Church thereafter.^[28] Vanderhoof objected to the album’s name and cover art; according to Wayne, the purpose of the album’s name was to alert the audience of his involvement.^[15] Erickson and Marshall also ceased involvement with Metal Church after Wayne’s departure, leading to the band’s second hiatus.

Munroe-led lineup, Wayne’s death, and second breakup (2002–2009)

[edit]

Vanderhoof’s eponymous band released A Blur in Time in 2002, and he began working on new material for Metal Church’s next album thereafter. In 2003, he and Arrington recruited singer Ronny Munroe, former Malice guitarist Jay Reynolds, and bassist Steve Unger to form a new lineup of Metal Church. The band’s seventh studio album, The Weight of the World, was released in the following year. Critics generally reacted to the record with a lukewarm response, recognizing its accomplishments while noting its lack of consistency and innovation.^[29]

On May 10, 2005, former Metal Church singer David Wayne died of complications from injuries sustained in a car accident that occurred months before. He was 47 years old.

In 2006, Arrington left the band due to health complications with diabetes. His replacement was Jeff Plate from Savatage, Chris Caffery and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.^[30] Later that year, the band released their eighth studio album, A Light in the Dark, which featured a re-recording of “Watch the Children Pray” as a tribute to Wayne. Vanderhoof said that the tribute was a way of showing fans that he harbored no ill will towards Wayne despite the contentious situation that existed between them before his death.^[31]

Reynolds left the group in 2008 and was replaced by Rick Van Zandt.^[32] The band’s ninth studio album, This Present Wasteland, released that September, which was hailed generally as an effective release consistent with their previous material.^[14] After subsequent touring, the band took a hiatus from performing due to Vanderhoof’s back problems. They nonetheless continued studio work, while Munroe and Vanderhoof also completed the former’s solo album.^[33]

After Vanderhoof’s health improved, they returned to performing and composing new material. On July 7, 2009, however, the group announced unexpectedly that they were disbanding following a final performance at Rocklahoma two days later, cancelling numerous further live dates. They cited industry frustrations as a major factor influencing the decision. Several former members remained musically active, including Munroe and Vanderhoof in Presto Ballet^[34] and Plate in Machines of Grace.

Second reformation, Generation Nothing and rotating singers (2012–2015)

[edit]

In October 2012, the band announced resumption of activity around a lineup featuring Vanderhoof, Munroe, Unger, Reynolds (soon replaced by Van Zandt), and Plate. Their first performances came the following January during the 70000 Tons of Metal event, a heavy metal cruise. During one of these two shows, the band performed their debut album, Metal Church, in its entirety.^[35] Shortly thereafter, Vanderhoof told Music Life Radio that Metal Church had been working on a new album.^[36] In order to promote their tenth studio album, the band played festivals in the summer of 2013.^[37] The album, Generation Nothing, was released in October.

Munroe left Metal Church in September 2014 to “pursue other interests”. The band announced its plans to continue nonetheless.^[38] On April 30, 2015, Metal Church announced on their Facebook page that singer Mike Howe had rejoined the band, nearly two decades after his first departure.^[10]

According to Howe, Metal Church was on the verge of disbanding once more before he agreed to rejoin the band. He explained to Spotlight Report in May 2016: “Kurdt Vanderhoof got ahold of me in August of 2014, and he proposed [me] coming back to the band. He said Ronny [Munroe] left the band and he didn’t really wanna carry on with Metal Church unless maybe I would consider coming back. So I said, ‘Well, I don’t know. I’m open to it. But let’s see what kind of music we can come up with.’ So Kurdt went back to the studio and started writing songs in the vein of Hanging in the Balance, where we left off twenty years ago, and he sent them to me over the Internet. And I was, like, ‘Damn! The guy still has it and he’s doing great work.’ So he sent me another batch, and that batch was just as good [as], if not better than, the other. So, from there, I said, ‘Well, I can’t say no to this. And let’s just see how it goes.’ And we started writing lyrics and getting together, and it’s morphed into being back in Aberdeen in the studio making the new Metal Church record.”^[11]

XI and Damned If You Do (2016–2020)

[edit]

Metal Church released their eleventh studio album, XI, on March 25, 2016, and it was their first album with Howe on vocals since 1993’s Hanging in the Balance.^[39] Hailed by some critics as a comeback album, XI received positive reviews from critics, and was Metal Church’s first album in 27 years (since Blessing in Disguise) to enter the Billboard 200; the album peaked at number 57,^[40] making it the band’s highest chart position in their career. On the album’s supporting tour, guitarist Rick Van Zandt had to go in for emergency eye surgery to repair a detached retina, and was temporarily replaced by former Firewolfe guitarist Paul Kleff, and Savatage guitarist Chris Caffery.^[41]^[42] The band co-headlined a West Coast North American tour with Armored Saint in June 2016,^[43] and along with Amon Amarth, Suicidal Tendencies and Butcher Babies, they supported Megadeth on the latter’s U.S. Dystopia tour in September–October 2016.^[44]

When asked in October 2016 if he had intended write another album with Metal Church, Howe stated, “We have every intention of doing that and that’s what it’s all about. If you’re not putting on new music, then it’s time to go away for me. In Metal Church… it’s always been like a two-year cycle band, but we put our album out this year in March. So our album is actually only being out for six months. But we have plans on this fall getting back to writing and try to put something out next year. We’re also looking at some dates for the spring possibly back in the States and maybe back over here. But our drummer Jeff, he’s also on the TSO. He leaves from the end of October through December. So we might take that time to start writing new record.”^[45]

Metal Church released a live album on April 28, 2017, titled Classic Live, which was recorded on the 2016 XI tour. This is the band’s first live album since 1998’s Live in Japan, and their first live album with Howe on vocals.^[46]

On March 21, 2017, drummer Jeff Plate announced his departure from Metal Church.^[47] As the result of his departure, the band withdrew from a North American tour with Alter Bridge and In Flames that was scheduled to take place in May 2017.^[48] Plate was replaced by former W.A.S.P. drummer Stet Howland.^[49]

In a May 2017 interview, Vanderhoof stated that Metal Church had begun writing and demoing their twelfth studio album, which was tentatively due for release in early 2018.^[50]

On October 1, 2018, Metal Church teased an audio sample of a song from their twelfth studio album.^[51] The album, Damned If You Do, was announced shortly after and it was released on December 7, 2018.^[52] In support of Damned If You Do, Metal Church co-headlined a North American tour with Doro in April–May 2019,^[53] and performed at Megadeth‘s first-ever Megacruise that October.^[54]

In a July 2019 interview with Italy’s Metalforce, Howe said that Metal Church would likely begin writing new material in 2020.^[55] Vanderhoof stated in an interview with Metal Wani in April 2020 that Metal Church would “probably start writing that later in the summer.” He concluded, “We’re gonna sit and we’re gonna wait till there’s a new album, and then we’ll go out and do the normal promoting it or backing it up by touring and playing shows. But we’re gonna wait till there’s a new record.”^[56]

Metal Church released their first compilation album From the Vault on April 10, 2020. It contains four new studio tracks, five B-side tracks from the Damned If You Do sessions, three song covers and two tracks culled from their performance at Club Citta in Kawasaki, Japan.^[57] The band stated on their Facebook page in July 2021 that their thirteenth studio album would be released in 2022.^[58]

Howe’s death, arrival of Marc Lopes, Congregation of Annihilation and next album (2021–present)

[edit]

On July 26, 2021, Metal Church announced Howe had died that morning at his home in Eureka, California, at the age of 55.^[12] His death was ruled to be a suicide by hanging.^[59] In October 2021, after announcing the return of his short-lived early 1990s band Hall Aflame, Vanderhoof hinted on his Facebook page that Metal Church would continue on with a yet-to-be-revealed replacement for Howe.^[60] A month later, drummer Stet Howland revealed that he and the remaining members of the band had started to “communicate again” following Howe’s death. Although he did not specify the current state of Metal Church, Howland declared, “We’re all slowly digesting. We just started talking again a few weeks ago, and we’re barely talking about anything except making jokes, and we have our banter, we’re starting to joke and communicated again together. Building on the future will come, but right now… we’re just like hugging right now, we’re all like ‘I love you, man’. That’s kind of where we’re at. I know everybody wants to know more, when there’s more you’ll hear about it.”^[61] By mid-2022, rumors had suggested that Ronny Munroe would rejoin the band,^[62] but resulted in him joining Vicious Rumors.^[63]

In a September 2022 interview with Metal Rules, Vanderhoof revealed that the band had found a replacement in Howe, but added that they were “keeping a lid” on the identity of their new singer “for the time being.” He also revealed that a new Metal Church album, which they had begun writing just before Howe’s death, would be released in 2023.^[64] The band played one of their first shows in four years at Belgium’s Alcatraz Open Air in August 2023.^[65]

On February 2, 2023, Metal Church announced Marc Lopes as their new lead vocalist.^[66] A month later, the band announced that their thirteenth album, Congregation of Annihilation, would be released on May 26.^[13] Four days prior to the album’s release, former Metal Church drummer Kirk Arrington died at the age of 61.^[67] The band supported Congregation of Annihilation with a world tour, including a series of headlining tours in North America and Australia;^[68]^[69] Metal Church was scheduled to North America again in the spring of 2024,^[70] but it was cancelled because of Vanderhoof’s “ongoing back issue.”^[71] A live album featuring Howe’s final live performances, The Final Sermon (Live in Japan 2019), was released on July 26, 2024 to coincide with the third anniversary of his death.^[72]

An authorized book by author James R. Beach and co-author and archivist Brian L. Naron, Beyond the Black: The Story of Metal Church, was released in November 2023. In addition to past and present members of Metal Church, the book includes interviews with the band’s road crew members, record producers and contemporaries, and a foreword by former Grim Reaper guitarist Nick Bowcott.^[73]

In a December 2023 interview with Metal Wani, Lopes stated that Metal Church would begin working on new material for their next album in late 2024.^[74]

Metal Church are considered pioneers of the thrash metal genre. Steve Huey of AllMusic claims the band’s first two albums, Metal Church and The Dark, “made a huge splash” on the 1980s thrash/speed metal scene.^[76] According to Screamer Magazine, “Initially playing an abrasive and fast rendition of the NWOBHM sound, they released a few demos which sounded not too dissimilar to what Metallica will later popularize as thrash metal.”^[77] Cool Cleveland called them “one of the earliest thrash metal bands” from the Pacific Northwest and “a reliable and welcome presence on the metal circuit.”^[78]

By their third album Blessing in Disguise, Metal Church’s music had started to become more technical and melodic, mixing their thrash and speed metal sounds with elements and influences from a variety of musical styles, including progressive metal, power metal and traditional heavy metal;^[79]^[80] this mixture of those genres would continue on many of the band’s subsequent albums.^[81]^[82]^[83]

Current members

Kurdt Vanderhoof – rhythm guitar, keyboards (1980–1986, 1998–2001, 2003–2009, 2012–present)
Steve Unger – bass, backing vocals (2003–2009, 2012–present)
Rick Van Zandt – lead guitar (2008–2009, 2012–present)
Stet Howland – drums, percussion (2017–present)
Marc Lopes – lead vocals (2023–present)

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^ “It’s Official: Metal Church Enlists Ross the Boss And Let Us Prey Vocalist Marc Lopes”. February 2, 2023. Retrieved February 2, 2023.
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Formative years (1980–1984)

First two records and commercial success (1984–1988)

Further albums and first breakup (1989–1996)

Reunion of classic lineup and Masterpeace (1998–2001)

Munroe-led lineup, Wayne’s death, and second breakup (2002–2009)

Second reformation, Generation Nothing and rotating singers (2012–2015)

XI and Damned If You Do (2016–2020)

Howe’s death, arrival of Marc Lopes, Congregation of Annihilation and next album (2021–present)

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