METAL CHURCH founding guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof has declined to publicly criticize former bandmates Marc Lopes and Stet Howland following the band's dramatic lineup overhaul, choosing instead to focus on the future with characteristically diplomatic restraint. "If they have an issue, that's fine," Vanderhoof stated in a new interview, explaining how he prefers to look forward rather than dwell on past tensions that had been simmering beneath the surface for years.
The guitarist went into detail about how the current lineup came together in the wake of what he described as "things really falling apart" following METAL CHURCH's 2023 Australian tour. What began as isolated disagreements reportedly escalated into fundamental creative and personal differences that made continuing with the existing roster untenable. Rather than airing the specifics publicly, Vanderhoof channeled his energy into assembling a new configuration worthy of the METAL CHURCH name.
The resulting lineup is nothing short of remarkable. David Ellefson, the legendary bassist best known for his foundational work in MEGADETH, brings both technical brilliance and name recognition to the fold. Drummer Ken Mary, whose credits include ALICE COOPER, ACCEPT, and FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, provides the powerhouse backbone the band's material demands. Vocalist Brian Allen, who had previously fronted METAL CHURCH during a brief period in the 2010s, returns with a voice perfectly suited to Vanderhoof's trademark blend of power metal and thrash.
The forthcoming "Dead To Rights" album, recorded with this new lineup, has been described by Vanderhoof as some of the strongest material he has written in decades. The guitarist expressed particular excitement about the chemistry between the players, noting that Ellefson's bass work brought unexpected dimensions to songs that had already been taking shape. With festival dates already announced and the album slated for April release, this new chapter of METAL CHURCH is generating significant anticipation among the band's faithful following.