{"id":2170545,"date":"2025-11-21T15:42:01","date_gmt":"2025-11-21T15:42:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/?p=2170545"},"modified":"2025-11-21T15:42:01","modified_gmt":"2025-11-21T15:42:01","slug":"david-ellefson-joins-metal-church-first-song-off-new-album","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/david-ellefson-joins-metal-church-first-song-off-new-album\/","title":{"rendered":"David Ellefson Joins Metal Church, First Song Off New Album"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Metal Church<\/a> are ready to enter their next era and their reconfigured lineup now includes a thrash legend and a brand new frontman.<\/p>\n

The group have recruited former Megadeth<\/a> bassist David Ellefson<\/a> to join the band, while they’ve also settled in on Brian Allen as their dynamic new vocalist after recording their first post-Mike Howe album with Marc Lopes.<\/p>\n

And to introduce you to the new lineup, the band has just issued the new single “F.A.F.O.” that can be heard below.<\/p>\n

Who Is Currently in Metal Church?<\/h3>\n

As stated, Metal Church has a new look lineup. Founding guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof remains the group’s veteran presence, while longtime lead guitar Rick Van Zandt is also in the fold.<\/p>\n

But the remainder of the lineup is all new, with the aforementioned Ellefson taking over on bass for Steve Unger, Brian Allen claiming the vocal spot in place of Marc Lopes and veteran drummer and producer Ken Mary settling in behind the kit while taking over for Stet Howland.<\/p>\n

According to the band’s press release, the group found themselves at a crossroads after a recent tour in Australia. With Vanderhoof’s creative drive kicking into gear, he decided to reach out to some fellow musicians he thought would fit the band’s style and create a good chemistry.<\/p>\n

Metal Church in 2025<\/h3>\n
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metal church in 2025<\/span><\/p>

Rick Moyer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

What About Metal Church’s New Music?<\/h3>\n

Simply put, Metal Church’s introduction with the new lineup is a lean, mean thrash jam that keeps the pulse racing and doesn’t let up until the final note.<\/p>\n

“F.A.F.O.” was also produced by Vanderhoof and mixed and mastered by metal vet Zeuss. The song came from sessions that have now evolved into plans for a full-fledged studio album. Though a 2026 release is expected through Rat Pak Records, additional details have not yet been finalized.<\/p>\n

READ MORE:<\/strong> 10 Times Thrash Bands Released a Ballad (And It Ruled!)<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cAfter 45 years, the fact that we have new music coming in 2025 feels like a miracle. There was a time when I honestly didn\u2019t think Metal Church would continue, but we\u2019re back\u2014and this lineup is firing on all cylinders. I can\u2019t tell you how excited I am to have a new single on the way; that alone makes this moment incredibly special. \u2018F.A.F.O.\u2019 is an aggressive thrasher and I think the fans are really going to dig it. We certainly do\u2014otherwise it wouldn\u2019t be Metal Church,\u201d shared Vanderhoof.<\/p>\n

Take a listen and check out the video for “F.A.F.O.” below. You can also follow along with the lyrics provided right after the video clip. The song is also available through multiple platforms<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Metal Church, “F.A.F.O.”<\/h3>\n

Metal Church, “F.A.F.O.” Lyrics<\/h3>\n
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Intimidation is a useless game
I\u2019ve got God on my side
Your damaged brain is on full display
Taking you for a ride
We are the ones who are keeping the gate
Entrance has been denied
Watching and waiting for this to start changing
It\u2019s wasting my time<\/p>\n

Lighting fires, you little liars
You didn\u2019t know that we have it all
Your time\u2019s expired, we\u2019ve cut your wires
You\u2019re mistaken, you\u2019re God forsaken
My mind is breaking, you can\u2019t awaken
It\u2019s time you\u2019re facing
Fuck around and You\u2019ll Find Out<\/p>\n

There is a difference between you and me
I\u2019m able to think
Your arrogance and your evil disguise
It drives me to drink
You are offended by reality
You\u2019re the missing link
Watching and waiting for things to start changing
Now what do you think?<\/p>\n

Lighting fires, you little liars
You didn\u2019t know that we have it all
Your time\u2019s expired, we\u2019ve cut the wires
Your puppet masters are dead and gone
You keep crying, your plans are dying
Now you know that you\u2019re just a pawn
You best start walking and please stop talking
You\u2019re mistaken, you\u2019re God forsaken
My mind is breaking, you can\u2019t awaken
It\u2019s time you\u2019re facing
Fuck Around and you\u2019ll Find Out<\/p>\n

Across the nation, the situation
It\u2019s getting dire, we\u2019re done with you
Aggravation, decapitation
Of everything that you plan to do
Your time\u2019s expired, we\u2019ve cut your wires
Puppet masters are dead and gone
You keep crying, your plans are dying
You\u2019re mistaken; you\u2019re God forsaken
My mind is breaking, you can\u2019t awaken
It\u2019s time you\u2019re facing
Fuck Around and you\u2019ll Find Out<\/p>\n

Fuck Around and you\u2019ll Find Out
Fuck Around and you\u2019ll Find Out<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

What’s Next for Metal Church?<\/h3>\n

As stated, the band is working toward a new album and details will be revealed at some point in anticipation of a 2026 release.<\/p>\n

The group will also return to the road next year. A handful of European festival dates have already been booked, with more shows expected. Stay tuned to the band’s website for ticketing information and additional touring announcements<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Metal Church 2026 Tour Dates<\/h3>\n

Aug 5, 2026 – Josefov, Czech @ Brutal Assault Festival
Aug 8, 2026 – Kortrijik, Belgium @ Alcatraz Festival
Aug 9, 2026 – Geiselwind, Germany @ Keep It True Festival<\/p>\n

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15 Rock + Metal Bands Whose Guitarist Is the Only Original Member Left<\/h2>\n
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The following bands no longer have any original members left except for a sole guitarist.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Gallery Credit: Philip Trapp<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n