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 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.<\/p>\n
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Following the band\u2019s recent tour and return from Australia, Metal Church found themselves at a crossroads. An unexpected spark reignited Kurdt\u2019s creative drive, prompting him to reach out to the musicians who would ultimately shape the group\u2019s next chapter. Their chemistry in the studio gave rise to the blistering new track \u201cF.A.F.O.\u201d \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/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 explains Kurdt Vanderhoof.<\/p>\n
Metal Church plan to tour extensively in 2026 and some festival dates have already been announced with more to come.<\/p>\n
August
5 \u2013 Josefov, Czech \u2013 Brutal Assault Festival
8 \u2013 Kortrijik, Belgium \u2013 Alcatraz Festival
9 \u2013 Geiselwind, Germany \u2013 Keep It True Festival<\/p>\n
Born out of the explosive West Coast metal scene of the early \u201980s, Metal Church quickly established themselves as one of the genre\u2019s most formidable and musically sophisticated bands. After signing with Elektra Records, the group released two landmark albums \u2014 their self-titled debut Metal Church and its follow-up The Dark \u2014 both of which remain essential listening in the heavy metal canon. As the U.S. metal wave surged, Metal Church hit the road with labelmates Metallica, further solidifying their reputation for precision, power, and uncompromising intensity. The band continued to evolve into the late \u201980s and early \u201990s, 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 era\u2019s commercial trends, Metal Church stayed true to their heavy roots \u2014 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 band\u2019s enduring relevance.<\/p>\n
Now entering a powerful new chapter, Metal Church features founding 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 fanbase, Metal Church remains a driving force in modern heavy metal \u2014 still pushing forward, still evolving, and still unmistakably Metal Church.<\/p>\n
Stream \/ download the new single \u201cF.A.F.O\u201d here<\/a>. Watch the video below:<\/p>\n