{"id":2172194,"date":"2025-11-22T12:03:56","date_gmt":"2025-11-22T12:03:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/?p=2172194"},"modified":"2025-11-22T12:03:56","modified_gmt":"2025-11-22T12:03:56","slug":"metal-church-return-with-new-lineup-single-and-music-video-f-a-f-o","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/metal-church-return-with-new-lineup-single-and-music-video-f-a-f-o\/","title":{"rendered":"METAL CHURCH RETURN WITH NEW LINEUP, SINGLE AND MUSIC VIDEO &#8211; \u201cF.A.F.O.&#8221;"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Metal Church L to R: David Ellefson, Brian Allen, Rick Van Zandt, Kurdt Vanderhoof, Ken Mary<\/strong><br \/><strong>Photo Credit: Rick Moyer<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>New Lineup Consists of Founding Guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof, Guitarist Rick Van Zandt, Bassist David Ellefson, Drummer Ken Mary and Vocalist Brian Allen<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>New Album of Metal Church Music to be Released in 2026\u00a0<\/strong> <strong>via Rat Pak Records\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><br \/><strong>3 Festival Dates Already Announced in 2026 with\u00a0<\/strong> <strong>More Touring to be Scheduled\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>(New York, NY \u2013 November 21, 2025)\u00a0<\/strong>West Coast heavy metal veterans\u00a0<strong>Metal Church<\/strong>\u00a0return 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\u00a0<strong>Kurdt Vanderhoof\u00a0<\/strong>alongside longtime guitarist\u00a0<strong>Rick Van Zandt<\/strong>, joined by bass icon\u00a0<strong>David Ellefson<\/strong>, powerhouse drummer\u00a0<strong>Ken Mary<\/strong>, and dynamic new vocalist\u00a0<strong>Brian Allen<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>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\u00a0<strong>\u201cF.A.F.O.\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0\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.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Those sessions have now evolved into a brand-new Metal Church album, set for release in\u00a0<strong>2026 via Rat Pak Records<\/strong>. Additional details will be announced soon.<\/p>\n<p>\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.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/mhf-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MetalChurch_A.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-147412\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mhf-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MetalChurch_A.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/mhf-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MetalChurch_A-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mhf-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MetalChurch_A-65x65.jpg 65w, https:\/\/mhf-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MetalChurch_A-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/mhf-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MetalChurch_A-450x450.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\"\/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"jeg_video_container jeg_video_content\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Metal Church &quot;F.A.F.O&quot; Official Video\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/X23RO0LjUk8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p><strong>Metal Church\u00a0<\/strong>plan to tour extensively in 2026 and some festival dates have already been announced with more to come. All information on touring plans and links to tickets can be found at\u00a0<a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/46sm8z4ab.cc.rs6.net\/tn.jsp?f=001kvLD14X0xfji0PeM4Sb-h4l2BMvQp3wbwt1Xdu7Y8gzsi8w0qXojVEk4uNbBhAqo6BP-CsxDKgb2bbwMHk26QZyfQRxvyGKHyrZbccbVi89VWBXL22uhFsbssnHtaFUX0fh5pCYYeSjlo-g_B4Xcv_myOgtc3QzwsyIlM4TyAl8=&amp;c=AXBYmGcxmLLhjaL61K0cLaCONODbPAr0K2Sq-C6LzjnVVtrZxhfTPw==&amp;ch=ILbIkJJtnzK_ADMbXTMbwvf5-0qdwdIlAHhGQKonVKMcdXJ_y73fzw==\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">h<\/a><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/46sm8z4ab.cc.rs6.net\/tn.jsp?f=001kvLD14X0xfji0PeM4Sb-h4l2BMvQp3wbwt1Xdu7Y8gzsi8w0qXojVEk4uNbBhAqo6BP-CsxDKgb2bbwMHk26QZyfQRxvyGKHyrZbccbVi89VWBXL22uhFsbssnHtaFUX0fh5pCYYeSjlo-g_B4Xcv_myOgtc3QzwAQrHFrB-4Fo=&amp;c=AXBYmGcxmLLhjaL61K0cLaCONODbPAr0K2Sq-C6LzjnVVtrZxhfTPw==&amp;ch=ILbIkJJtnzK_ADMbXTMbwvf5-0qdwdIlAHhGQKonVKMcdXJ_y73fzw==\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">ttps:\/\/www.metalchurchofficial.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Wed, Aug 5, 2026 \u2013 Josefov, Czech \u2013 Brutal Assault Festival<\/p>\n<p>Sat, Aug 8, 2026 \u2013 Kortrijik, Belgium \u2013 Alcatraz Festival<\/p>\n<p>Sun, Aug 9, 2026 \u2013 Geiselwind, Germany \u2013 Keep It True Festival\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Born out of the explosive West Coast metal scene of the early \u201980s,\u00a0<strong>Metal Church<\/strong>\u00a0quickly 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\u00a0<em>Metal Church<\/em>\u00a0and its follow-up\u00a0<em>The Dark<\/em>\u00a0\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\u00a0<strong>Metallica<\/strong>, further solidifying their reputation for precision, power, and uncompromising intensity.<\/p>\n<p>The band continued to evolve into the late \u201980s and early \u201990s, tackling political and social themes with vocalist\u00a0<strong>Mike Howe<\/strong>\u00a0on the acclaimed albums\u00a0<em>Blessing in Disguise<\/em>\u00a0and\u00a0<em>The Human Factor<\/em>. While many peers shifted toward the era\u2019s commercial trends,\u00a0<strong>Metal Church<\/strong>\u00a0stayed true to their heavy roots \u2014 a commitment that earned them a loyal global following.<\/p>\n<p>In 2016, the band reunited with Howe for their eleventh studio album\u00a0<em>XI<\/em>, which debuted at\u00a0<strong>#57 on the Billboard Top 200<\/strong>and charted internationally, marking one of the strongest comebacks in modern metal. Its 2018 successor,\u00a0<em>Damned If You Do<\/em>, continued that momentum with additional worldwide chart success and reaffirmed the band\u2019s enduring relevance.<\/p>\n<p>Now entering a powerful new chapter, Metal Church features founding guitarist\u00a0<strong>Kurdt Vanderhoof<\/strong>, longtime guitarist\u00a0<strong>Rick Van Zandt<\/strong>, bass legend\u00a0<strong>David Ellefson<\/strong>, elite drummer\u00a0<strong>Ken Mary<\/strong>, and dynamic vocalist\u00a0<strong>Brian Allen<\/strong>. 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\u00a0<strong>Metal Church<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Connect with Metal Church at:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Website:\u00a0<a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/46sm8z4ab.cc.rs6.net\/tn.jsp?f=001kvLD14X0xfji0PeM4Sb-h4l2BMvQp3wbwt1Xdu7Y8gzsi8w0qXojVEk4uNbBhAqo6BP-CsxDKgb2bbwMHk26QZyfQRxvyGKHyrZbccbVi89VWBXL22uhFsbssnHtaFUX0fh5pCYYeSjlo-g_B4Xcv_myOgtc3QzwgNeq5bu3xDc=&amp;c=AXBYmGcxmLLhjaL61K0cLaCONODbPAr0K2Sq-C6LzjnVVtrZxhfTPw==&amp;ch=ILbIkJJtnzK_ADMbXTMbwvf5-0qdwdIlAHhGQKonVKMcdXJ_y73fzw==\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.metalchurchofficial.com<\/a><br \/>Facebook:\u00a0<a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/46sm8z4ab.cc.rs6.net\/tn.jsp?f=001kvLD14X0xfji0PeM4Sb-h4l2BMvQp3wbwt1Xdu7Y8gzsi8w0qXojVEk4uNbBhAqoasaA_XVv0fVyVreLHiyHJxTmfXaiBdyqL_f1E6NDk27OTVdvyGbwI3qXGXCycENN-S5jLlrgn32AVWXK0OTrnoy8lXHqPNIBg6GFZT8aJsixV5efmHZGyg==&amp;c=AXBYmGcxmLLhjaL61K0cLaCONODbPAr0K2Sq-C6LzjnVVtrZxhfTPw==&amp;ch=ILbIkJJtnzK_ADMbXTMbwvf5-0qdwdIlAHhGQKonVKMcdXJ_y73fzw==\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/OfficialMetalChurch<\/a><br \/>Instagram:\u00a0<a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/46sm8z4ab.cc.rs6.net\/tn.jsp?f=001kvLD14X0xfji0PeM4Sb-h4l2BMvQp3wbwt1Xdu7Y8gzsi8w0qXojVEk4uNbBhAqo0Vxm8Kh-ppEkBu-6-C6b3yxmvtTVYacyTrT8CXIq401kbEZ-ajf5aQSZWqW5hSs4ZjY5LgrypWNfkKXYYFnsdIaffPQhCE1j4g3BQsxa7K0u8rbBb7BIHg==&amp;c=AXBYmGcxmLLhjaL61K0cLaCONODbPAr0K2Sq-C6LzjnVVtrZxhfTPw==&amp;ch=ILbIkJJtnzK_ADMbXTMbwvf5-0qdwdIlAHhGQKonVKMcdXJ_y73fzw==\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/metalchurchofficial\/<\/a><br \/>Twitter:\u00a0<a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/46sm8z4ab.cc.rs6.net\/tn.jsp?f=001kvLD14X0xfji0PeM4Sb-h4l2BMvQp3wbwt1Xdu7Y8gzsi8w0qXojVEk4uNbBhAqow_vnsOmuddSU-vyAGfjyTqt1EedkFvPfGKAxiODe5dazerReKPjXhcj-60k6STsbsvYmZhj76yWVdwZV8UYUWuQKd7o6jA5XdgvKL3kQTFM=&amp;c=AXBYmGcxmLLhjaL61K0cLaCONODbPAr0K2Sq-C6LzjnVVtrZxhfTPw==&amp;ch=ILbIkJJtnzK_ADMbXTMbwvf5-0qdwdIlAHhGQKonVKMcdXJ_y73fzw==\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/twitter.com\/metalchurchis1<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><em> \u2018 The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n<p><em> \u2018 Some details of this article were extracted from the following source mhf-mag.com \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Metal Church L to R: David Ellefson, Brian Allen, Rick Van Zandt, Kurdt Vanderhoof, Ken MaryPhoto Credit: Rick Moyer New Lineup Consists of Founding Guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof, Guitarist Rick Van Zandt, Bassist David Ellefson, Drummer Ken Mary and Vocalist Brian Allen New Album of Metal Church Music to be Released in 2026\u00a0 via Rat Pak [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2172195,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":[],"jnews_primary_category":[],"jnews_social_meta":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[25179],"tags":[417542],"class_list":["post-2172194","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-music","tag-metalchurch"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/METAL-CHURCH-RETURN-WITH-NEW-LINEUP-SINGLE-AND-MUSIC-VIDEO.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2172194","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2172194"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2172194\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2172196,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2172194\/revisions\/2172196"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2172195"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2172194"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2172194"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2172194"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}