In a recent interview with Rev. Tom Brice on Sportzwire Radio, former MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson discussed his role in METAL CHURCH’s new lineup. The band now includes founding guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof, veteran guitarist Rick Van Zandt, drummer Ken Mary (known for his work with FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, FIFTH ANGEL, ALICE COOPER, HOUSE OF LORDS, TKO, CHASTAIN), and new vocalist Brian Allen (formerly of VICIOUS RUMORS). Ellefson expressed his excitement about joining METAL CHURCH, stating, “It’s really great. I’ve always admired Kurdt Vanderhoof’s songwriting. We’ve been friends since around 1985, and our paths have crossed in unexpected ways. The band has consistently maintained its sound, and having Brian Allen as a vocalist is fantastic.”
Ellefson continued, “When I heard the demos for the upcoming METAL CHURCH album, I thought, ‘This is on point.’ Brian’s singing impressed me, reminding me of NAZARETH, Jon Oliva from SAVATAGE, and the late METAL CHURCH singer David Wayne. He has his own style, yet he captures the essence of some of my favorite singers.”
Ellefson joined the new lineup without having met Rick Van Zandt, the other guitarist. “I went to California to record at Kurdt’s home studio,” he explained. “We recorded the bass tracks, and then Brian came to sing, followed by the other guitar recordings. Ken Mary joined later, as Jeff Plate, the former drummer, had commitments with SAVATAGE in Europe and TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA during the winter months.”
Reflecting on his musical journey since leaving MEGADETH, Ellefson said, “I was fortunate to be in one band for most of my life. I never intended to go solo or join multiple bands, but when that chapter ended, it allowed me to explore new opportunities and play with different musicians, which was refreshing.”
Earlier this month, Kurdt Vanderhoof discussed METAL CHURCH’s new lineup on “The David Ellefson Show” podcast. He shared, “After our Australia tour, things fell apart. Stet Howland, our former drummer, left due to dissatisfaction with business matters. The other members felt similarly, and I decided to shut things down. I thought we were done, but opportunities arose unexpectedly. Brian Allen joined through a recommendation from Todd La Torre of QUEENSRŸCHE. He sent audition tapes that impressed us, leading to the band’s revival.”
Vanderhoof elaborated, “I had no plans to restart the band, but it came together naturally. With Dave and Ken Mary joining, and Brian capturing the METAL CHURCH sound, it felt right. The response to the new song and video has been positive, making it worth pursuing.”
Discussing the new album’s development, Vanderhoof said, “I had written metal riffs and songs, which were ready when the lineup fell into place. Jeff Plate was initially involved, but his commitments with the SAVATAGE reunion took precedence. Ken Mary’s availability made sense, given our history in Seattle’s music scene.”
Last month, METAL CHURCH released their first single, “F.A.F.O.,” produced by Vanderhoof and mixed by Chris “Zeuss” Harris at Planet Z. This session has resulted in a new album, scheduled for release in 2026 via Rat Pak Records. Further details will be announced soon.
METAL CHURCH plans an extensive tour in 2026, with several festival dates already confirmed.
Emerging from the vibrant West Coast metal scene of the early ’80s, METAL CHURCH quickly became a prominent and sophisticated force in the genre. After signing with Elektra Records, they released two influential albums, “Metal Church” and “The Dark,” which remain essential in heavy metal history. Touring with METALLICA further solidified their reputation for power and intensity.
The band evolved through the late ’80s and early ’90s, exploring political and social themes with vocalist Mike Howe on albums like “Blessing In Disguise” and “The Human Factor.” While many bands shifted towards commercial trends, METAL CHURCH stayed true to their heavy roots, earning a dedicated global following.
In 2016, they reunited with Howe for their eleventh studio album “XI,” which debuted at No. 57 on the Billboard Top 200 and achieved international success. The 2018 album “Damned If You Do” continued this momentum, reaffirming their relevance.
Marc Lopes joined METAL CHURCH in 2022, replacing Howe, who passed away in July 2021. Lopes’s first album with the band, “Congregation Of Annihilation,” was released in May 2023 via Rat Pak Records and Reaper Entertainment. The album was produced by Vanderhoof.
METAL CHURCH debuted live with Lopes on June 3, 2023, at the Legions Of Metal festival in Chicago, Illinois.
Photo credit: Rick Moyer
