METAL CHURCH founding guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof has broken his silence on the band's recent lineup overhaul in a candid interview, telling fans that "sometimes things just stop working and you have to move on." The statement addresses what has been one of the most talked-about roster shakeups in the American power/thrash metal scene, as Vanderhoof assembled an entirely new lineup around himself while maintaining the band's artistic direction.
The revamped roster reads like a who's who of heavy metal talent: bassist David Ellefson, whose thunderous playing defined MEGADETH's classic era from "Peace Sells" through "Countdown To Extinction"; drummer Ken Mary, a seasoned veteran known for his work with ALICE COOPER, FIFTH ANGEL and HOUSE OF LORDS; vocalist Brian Allen, who brings a versatile range well-suited to METAL CHURCH's demanding catalogue; and guitarist Rick Van Zandt, who adds firepower to the twin-guitar attack.
Their thirteenth studio album "Dead To Rights" is set for release on April 10 via Rat Pak Records, and early indications suggest it may rank among the band's strongest work. The first single "F.A.F.O." has already surpassed 400,000 YouTube views, demonstrating that the fanbase is hungry for new METAL CHURCH material and receptive to the new lineup. The track delivers the aggressive, melodic heavy metal that has been the band's calling card since their self-titled 1984 debut.
Vanderhoof emphasized he has "nothing negative to say" about his former bandmates, framing the changes as a natural evolution rather than a conflict-driven split. He added that the new chemistry has reinvigorated the band and that the recording sessions were among the most productive and enjoyable of his career. METAL CHURCH are expected to announce tour dates in support of the album shortly.