Formed: 1981
From:
Seattle,
WA,
United States
Last Known Status: Regrouped
Latest Metal Church News
Below is our complete Metal Church news coverage, including columns and articles pertaining to the band. Some articles listed may be indirectly related, such as side projects of the band members, etc.
Note: We began associating news directly with bands in late 2003. Therefore, earlier band news may not be listed on this page.
Displaying records 1 - 20 of 146 1 2 3 ... 7 8 Last
Metal Church & Armored Saint Announce Tour Dates
Armored Saint will join Metal Church for a North American co-headlining tour this Fall! The "Metal Saint Tour 2026" will commence on November 2nd in San Juan Capistrano, California and runs through November 21st in Agoura Hills, California. Additional support will be provided by LiveKill.
Comments Armored Saint vocalist John Bush, "Two classic metal bands from the ’80s on tour together doing headline sets and both with brand new awesome records out Armored Saint with Emotion Factory Reset and Metal Church with Dead To Rights]. If you call yourself a metalhead and you don‘t come to this show when we roll into your town, you better have a damn good excuse. AS and MC. Let‘s do this!"
Comments Metal Church guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof, "It‘s incredibly exciting to be getting back on the road with our friends and an honor to be sharing the stage with one of America's finest metal bands! Definitely a show you won‘t want to miss!"
Tickets go on sale this Friday, May 29th at 10:00am local time. VIP upgrades will be available at: https://nationalactsvip.com/armoredsaint
The tour dates are as follows: More...
Metal Church To Release New Album In April
West Coast thrash metal legends Metal Church are back with their 13th studio album, "Dead To Rights," scheduled for release on April 10, via Reaper Entertainment in Europe. The album marks the first release from the band’s new lineup, featuring founding guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof, longtime guitarist Rick Van Zandt, bass icon David Ellefson, powerhouse drummer Ken Mary, and dynamic new vocalist Brian Allen. You can pre-order the album here.
The album delivers Metal Church’s signature heavy, riff-driven sound, from the aggressive opening assault of "Brainwash Game" to the riff-heavy finale "My Wrath." Fans will also recognize the classic Metal Church style in tracks like "Deep Cover Shakedown," "The Show," and "Wasted Time." The album’s first single, "F.A.F.O.," released last November, has already amassed over 400,000 views for its official video. Dead To Rights was produced by Kurdt Vanderhoof and mixed and mastered by Zeuss at Planet Z.
Kurdt Vanderhoof explains:
"This new album is very special to me for one reason: the band was over, and I honestly didn’t see it being resurrected. But somehow, it brought itself back to life—again! I’m incredibly proud of these new songs; they hit hard. Brian Allen brings the classic Metal Church sound to the vocals, and adding a rhythm section with musicians of the caliber of Dave Ellefson and Ken Mary makes this a force to be reckoned with. If you enjoy classic Metal Church, you’re going to love this record."
Tracklisting:
1. Brainwash Game
2. F.A.F.O.
3. Dead To Rights
4. Deep Cover Shakedown
5. Feet To The Fire
6. The Show
7. Heaven Knows (Slip Away)
8. No Memory
9. Wasted Time
10. My Wrath More...
Headline News
Metal Church Reveals New Lineup And Album Plans
US metal legends Metal Church returns with a revitalized lineup and a hard-hitting new single that reaffirms the sound behind 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.
Fresh off their recent tour and return from Australia, the band found themselves at a creative crossroads — until an unexpected spark reignited Kurdt’s drive to move Metal Church into a bold new chapter. Reconnecting with the musicians who now form the updated lineup led to immediate chemistry in the studio and the creation of the blistering new track "F.A.F.O." You can check out the song below.
Produced by Kurdt Vanderhoof and mixed/mastered by Zeuss at Planet Z, the single’s intensity inspired the band to continue writing, ultimately giving rise to a brand-new Metal Church album, scheduled for release in 2026 via Reaper Entertainment in Europe. Further details will be announced soon.
Kurdt Vanderhoof explains:
"After 45 years, the fact that we have new music coming in 2025 feels like a miracle. There was a time when I honestly didn’t think Metal Church would continue, but we’re back—and this lineup is firing on all cylinders. I can’t tell you how excited I am to have a new single on the way; that alone makes this moment incredibly special. ‘F.A.F.O.’ is an aggressive thrasher, and I think the fans are really going to dig it. We certainly do—otherwise it wouldn’t be Metal Church." More...
Brutal Assault Adds Ten Bands To 2026 Line-Up
Fans of death metal will be thrilled by Devourment, Sadistic Intent, Deceased, and Deserted Fear, while the modern metalcore wave will be represented by Bleed From Within and Imminence.
The female element will be brought by Castle Rat and Kittie, Metal Church will take us back to the ’80s, and Insomnium will guide us to the icy North.
Brutal Assault will place at the Josefov Fortress located in Jaromer, Czech Republic on August 5-8, 2026. Festival passes are already on sale here. More...
OpEd
Greekbastard's 2023 Anti-List For 2023
I get bored of making lists, reading lists, being listed, etc., but here I am at the end of 2023 compiling my thoughts on creating a list that only a handful of people will actually take the time to read. This is not a dig on those that create/read/ingest lists, rather me brainstorming on what to put down in words my most metal memories of 2023. Depending on who reads this, we might even share some of these memories, so without further ado, let’s do this.
I want to give my respects to some of the fallen this year. Some were founding members of their respective bands, but the music will live on in their memory. Rest In Power: Josua Henrik Lander Madsen (Artillery), Jim Durkin (Dark Angel), Bernie Marsden (Whitesnake), Anthony Meo (Biohazard), Ryan Siew (Polaris), Zach Scott (Beyond Extinction), Mark Adams (Saint Vitus), Kirk Arrington (Metal Church), Jon Kennedy (Hecate Enthroned).
In 2023, there were some headlines in the metal cosmos that stood out. For starters, Sepultura calling it a day. How about Mike Portnoy rejoining Dream Theater? Or, Ozzy canceling his appearance at Power Trip festival, or even better, AC/DC’s triumphant return at that very same festival? More...
Headline News
Drummer Kirk Arrington (Ex-Metal Church) Dead
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Kirk Arrington, former drummer of Metal Church, at the age of 61. The news was shared by the band on their official Facebook page:
“We just received the sad news, Kirk Arrington passed away this morning due to health issues. RIP in brother! See you on the other side….#RIP #legend #gonetoosoon #MetalChurch #drummer”.
Arrington made significant contributions to Metal Church during their initial run from 1981 to 1995 and their reunion period from 1998 to 2006. Unfortunately, he had to part ways with the band in 2006 due to health complications related to diabetes. More...
Metal Church To Release New Album In May
West coast metal veterans Metal Church will release their 13th studio album, "Congregation Of Annihilation," on May 26th via Rat Pak Records (America) and Reaper Entertainment (Europe). The new album marks the first release since the tragic death of legendary front man Mike Howe who passed in July of 2021. It also marks the first album with new vocalist Marc Lopes (Ross the Boss / Let Us Prey) who came on board in the summer of 2022 and features the current lineup of founding guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof, guitarist Rick Van Zandt, bassist Steve Unger and drummer Stet Howland. The new songs are a return to the band’s musical roots harkening back to the vibes of the self-titled first album and "The Dark."
"Congregation Of Annihilation" was produced by Kurdt Vanderhoof and is now available in Europe for pre-order in various bundle configurations here.
Of the album, Kurdt Vanderhoof comments: "This new album is starting a new chapter in the Metal Church legacy. I really love this album. It's a fresh approach for us in one way, but also a return to the very beginnings of Metal Church as part of the New American Thrash Metal movement. This record contains some of the most aggressive songs we have recorded. I hope the fans will like it as much as we do." More...
Just For Fun
Google Immortalizes Mike Howe's Middle Finger
Emissary vocalist Jym Harris noticed that Google Street View still has images of Mike Howe giving them the one-fingered salute in front of his home.
Mike Howe replaced David Wayne as the lead singer in Metal Church in 1988. When Metal Church broke up in 1996, Howe left the music world and worked as a carpenter while raising his family. Later, Metal Church reformed, and Howe joined them in 2015. He recorded two more albums with the band before his death in 2021.
Metal Church React To The Passing Of Mike Howe
Mike Howe - the 55-year-old singer for the long-running metal band Metal Church - has sadly passed away. The group themselves released the below statement via social media:
“It is with our deepest regrets that we must announce the passing of our brother, our friend and true legend of heavy metal music. Mike Howe passed away this morning at his home in Eureka, California. We are devastated and at a loss for words. Please respect our privacy and the Howe family’s privacy during this most difficult time.”
A cause of death was not revealed so far. Mike Howe had originally joined Metal Church in 1988, staying with them until 1996. He would later return to front the outfit from 2015 until his unexpected passing.
Breaking News
Metal Church Vocalist, Mike Howe, Passes Away
As reported on the band's Facebook page, Mike Howe passed away this morning at his home in Eureka, California. No further information is available at this time. Metalunderground sends our condolences to his family, friends and band mates. More...
Brutal Assault Festival Announces 85% Tickets Sold
Brutal Assault Festival announces 85% of the tickets of its upcoming 2019 edition already being sold. Tells the festival promotion agency:
"The attractive lineup of our festival draws audience from all around the world and we've already sold 85 % of all available tickets - thank You for your interest! Our lineup also misses just a couple of last bands and the artists from our KAL stage to be completely revealed... and that is happening soon! We can only recommend to everyone not to hesitate with the purchase of the festival pass, because there are gonna be no more tickets when the currently available capacity is gone!The festival passes are 102€ (full festival passes only), but you'll also find discounted festival passes for the disabled and for kids in our e-shop HERE."
You can now also generate your own Brutal Assault poster with bands ordered according to your liking and share your taste with the world! If you share your #mybrutal2019 poster on Facebook or Instagram, you can win a free festival pass!
Brutal Assault: 90 € Early Bird Festival Passes
The Brutal Assault 2019-team has the below announcement concerning their early bird festival passes for you:
"By the end of the month we'll stop selling the 90€ early bird festival passes. These are currently available from our e-shop in two forms, physical collector’s ticket where you have to pay for shipping and electronic ticket that you'll print at home and don't have to pay for shipping. It's also possible to change your e-ticket for design hard paper ticket on spot for a small fee.
Don't miss your opportunity to get the cheapest tickets that there are!"
Brutal Assault 2019, will once again take place at the Fortress Josefov - Jaromer, Czech Republic from , 7th – 10th August.
BRUTAL ASSAULT 2019 festival pass [PRINT@HOME ticket]
BRUTAL ASSAULT 2019 festival pass [collector's design hard paper ticket] More...
Metal Church To Tour With Doro
West Coast metal veterans Metal Church has announced that they will be teaming up with German metal icon Doro Pesch for a co-headlining tour of the United States this Spring. Joining them on the trek will be Images Of Eden.
Says Doro: "We are doing a double headliner tour with our long time friends Metal Church. What a superb power package for all metal fans. I am so exited to hit the stage together with Metal Church and I am very sure that the fans in the United States will be as thrilled as we are.“
Metal Church frontman Mike Howe added, "I am excited to get out on the road and embrace our faithful fans again, and any new fans are welcome into the fold! I'm also looking forward to joining forces with legendary metal singer Doro Pesch!!"
The tour dates are as follows: More...
Dimmu Borgir, Godflesh added to Brutal Assault '19
In an announcement sure to please black metal fans, Brutal Assault Festival reveals that Dimmu Borgir will be taking to the stage at Fortress Josehov, Czech Republic. Industrial pioneers Godflesh have also been added to the bill - they last played the festival in 2015.
More bands revealed in this update include legendary thrash bands Anthrax and Sacred Reich. Iron Reagan, Prong, The Ocean, Thy Art is Murder, After The Burial and The Obsessed are just some of the other names.
Unfortunately A Pale Horse Named Death, who were previously announced, will be unable to perform.
Brutal Assault 2019 will take place at Fortress Josehov in the Czech Republic, August 7-9.
The full lineup so far:
ABORTED
AFTER THE BURIAL
ALIEN WEAPONRY
AGNOSTIC FRONT
ANAAL NATHRAKH
ANATHEMA
ANNOTATIONS OF AN AUTOPSY
ANTAEUS
ANTHRAX
CARCASS
CARPENTER BRUT
COUNTING HOURS
CRYSTAL LAKE
CULT OF LUNA
CYTOTOXIN
DEICIDE
DAUGHTERS
DESTRUCTION
DIABLO SWING ORCHESTRA
DIMMU BORGIR
EKTOMORF
ELECTRIC WIZARD
GET THE SHOT
GODFLESH
GUTALAX
HEILUNG
HIGHER POWER
HYPOCRISY
IMMOLATION
IRON REAGAN
JINJER
JUNGLE ROT
KRISIUN
LIONHEART
MANES
MESHUGGAH
METAL CHURCH
MGLA
MIDNIGHT
MYRKUR
NAPALM DEATH
NECROS CHRISTOS
OF MICE & MEN
OCEANS OF SLUMBER
PERFECITIZEN
PRONG
RAISED FIST
ROTTING CHRIST
SACRED REICH
SAOR
SHAPE OF DESPAIR
SLÆGT
TAAKE
TANKARD
TAPHOS
TESTAMENT
THE OBSESSED
THE OCEAN
THY ART IS MURDER
TOSKA
UNFATHOMABLE RUINATION
VARGRAV
VENOM PRISON
VUUR
WINDHAND
WOLFBRIGADE
WOE UNTO ME
Brutal Assault Festival Band Upddate Announced
Brutal Assault Festival announces another band update for its upcoming 2019 edition. Tells the festival promotion agency:
"Let’s open this mega update with a black metal stormblast! Over seven years, deathlike silence has filled the halls of the world’s biggest black metal forge, whilst powers have been gathering to resurrect the band right in time for their 25th anniversary. And now DIMMU BORGIR have finally returned with a vicious work of art that is their latest album Eonian and they are coming to storm the main stage at Brutal Assault!
Wicked aural filth comes from the islands with GODFLESH, who are highly regarded as one of the pioneers of industrial metal; they took industrial to the next level with their fuse of heavy guitars and mixing it with slow drum loops and effects and their unique approach has spawned several musical styles since their conception.
Brutal Assault will also present a combo of iconic thrashers that need no introduction, ANTHRAX and SACRED REICH will make it to the fest alongside upcoming crossover thrash ministry IRON REAGAN and a staple name of the genre PRONG. More...
Metal Church Posts Making Of Latest Video
West coast metal veterans Metal Church will finally unleash their 12th full-length studio album 'Damned If You Do' next week, on December 7, 2018 via Nuclear Blast Records (Rat Pak Records/America &King Records/Japan). The latest release is the follow-up to their highly successful 2016 album »XI«, which saw the return of legendary frontman Mike Howe. 'Damned If You Do' is a cross between the band's iconic 'Blessing In Disguise' and 'The Human Factor'.
To shorten the wait for fans, the group has launched the making-of for the 'Damned If You Do' music video today. Watch below. More...
Five More Bands Confirmed For Bloodstock 2019
The organisers of Britain's Bloodstock Open Air festival has announced a further five bands for next years edition of the event. Headlining the Sophie Lancaster Stage on the Friday night will be Swedish heavy metal outfit Grand Magus, while added to the Ronnie James Dio stage that day are thrash metal legends Death Angel and Seattle metallers, Metal Church. Also confirmed to grace the Ronnie James Dio stage are Evil Scarecrow on the Saturday and former Manowar guitarist Ross The Boss on Sunday.
The festival is set to take place at Catton Park, Derbyshire between Thursday 8 August and Sunday 11 August 2019. The initial lineup is as follows:
Sabaton (Headliner)
Scorpions (Headliner)
Children Of Bodom
Cradle Of Filth
Death Angel
Dee Snider
Eluveitie
Evil Scarecrow
Grand Magus
Hypocrisy
Metal Church
Queensryche
Ross The Boss
Rotting Christ
Skeletonwitch
Soilwork
Metal Church Posts New Music Video Online
West coast metal veterans Metal Church will release their 12th full length studio album "Damned If You Do" via Nuclear Blast Records on December 7th 2018 (Rat Pak Records/America & King Records/Japan). The latest release is the follow-up to their highly successful 2016 album XI, which saw the return of legendary front man Mike Howe. "Damned If You Do" is a cross between the band's iconic "Blessing In Disguise" and "The Human Factor." This new offering features ten fully-charged, classic-metal influenced songs showcasing the sound that has garnered the band a solid fan base for over 3 decades.
Today, the band has launched the third single from their upcoming offering entitled 'By The Numbers'. The video tells the story of a successful businessman who leads a double life as a lead singer in a metal band, something Mike Howe knows all too well. The video for "By The Numbers" can be seen below. More...
Metal Church Posts New Video Online
West coast metal veterans Metal Church will release their 12th full length studio album "Damned If You Do" via Nuclear Blast Records on December 7th 2018 (Rat Pak Records/America & King Records/Japan). The latest release is the follow-up to their highly successful 2016 album XI, which saw the return of legendary front man Mike Howe. "Damned If You Do" is a cross between the band's iconic "Blessing In Disguise" and "The Human Factor." This new offering features ten fully-charged, classic-metal influenced songs showcasing the sound that has garnered the band a solid fan base for over 3 decades.
Hot on the heels of the aforementioned announcement, Metal Church have released the first music video for the title track "Damned If You Do." The song is quintessential Metal Church and showcases the sound that has garnered the band fans all around the globe, with its driving guitar riffs, punishing drum beat and instantly recognizable vocals. The live performance video can be seen below. More...
Metal Church Reveals New Album Details
West coast metal veterans Metal Church will release their 12th full length studio album Damned If You Do via Nuclear Blast Records on December 7th 2018 (Rat Pak Records/America & King Records/Japan). The latest release is the follow-up to their highly successful 2016 album XI, which saw the return of legendary front man Mike Howe. "Damned If You Do" is a cross between the band's iconic "Blessing In Disguise" and "The Human Factor." This new offering features ten fully-charged, classic-metal influenced songs showcasing the sound that has garnered the band a solid fan base for over 3 decades.
Kurdt Vanderhoof comments, "I feel this album is a very powerful statement to what METAL CHURCH has always been about. A tough and aggressive old-school metal album while maintaining a level of musicality and melodic sensibilities." More...