Founding Metal Church guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof formed the band in 1980 in San Francisco. He recently opened up about his decision to shut down the band, explaining why he felt Metal Church wasn’t worth continuing anymore in an interview with Sea Of Tranquility.
Vanderhoof discussed the circumstances that led to his decision. He particularly focused on issues that arose after the band’s Australia tour and subsequent internal conflicts. He served as the only remaining original member by the 2010s after multiple lineup changes and hiatuses. He had steered the band through reformations, including the 1999 album Masterpeace.
“Well, about two years ago, maybe a little over two years ago now, we did a Australia run. And the shows were fine, but we got back. Things got ugly, and the whole thing was just turned into a mess,” Vanderhoof said. “And then [there was] a whole bunch of stuff flying around. Stet [Howland, former Metal Church drummer] didn’t like the way business was going, so he left. And the other guys didn’t like it either. I didn’t like the way things were going at all. It just wasn’t any fun anymore. And a band at our level, if you’re not having any fun — that’s part of the pay. And if you’re not having any fun anymore…”
The guitarist emphasized the financial realities facing bands at their level. He explained how enjoyment becomes crucial when monetary rewards are limited.
“Nobody makes a lot of money anymore, so you gotta be able to afford to do what you’re doing and enjoy it… So I shut the band down, I was, like, ‘This isn’t worth it anymore.’ The record company lost interest in us; [they] didn’t wanna work with us anymore. Both European and American labels, they were just, like, ‘They’re done.’ And I’m, like, ‘Okay, there’s no reason to go on,'” he continued.
Vanderhoof also addressed his approach to handling the situation publicly. He maintained a professional stance despite apparent conflicts with former bandmates.
“So I shut the band down. And I made a point of saying, ‘Look, I’m not gonna say anything derogatory about anybody in the press or anything like that, and I hope you would do the same.’ But apparently some people decided not to do that. So, that’s on them, not me,” he concluded.
However, recent developments suggest that Metal Church may not be completely finished after all. The band appears to be moving forward with new material and lineup changes.
BraveWords reported that West Coast thrash metal legends Metal Church are set to return with their 13th studio album, Dead To Rights. The album is scheduled for release on April 10 via Rat Pak Records. This announcement comes despite Vanderhoof’s earlier statements about shutting down the band. It indicates that the group has found a way to continue moving forward.
The band’s resilience reflects their long history of overcoming challenges and lineup changes. Wikipedia noted that Metal Church was originally formed in 1980. The band has weathered multiple hiatuses and reformations throughout their career. The band relocated from San Francisco to Aberdeen, Washington early in their history. They have maintained their presence in the metal scene for over four decades.
Recent activity shows that Metal Church has been actively promoting new material. BraveWords confirmed that the band released a music video for their new track “Brainwash Game” from their upcoming 14th studio album Dead To Rights. This suggests that despite the internal conflicts and business issues Vanderhoof described, the band has managed to regroup and continue creating music.
The apparent contradiction between Vanderhoof’s statements about shutting down the band and the recent album announcements highlights the complex nature of band dynamics and the music industry. While the founding guitarist expressed frustration with the business side of the band and loss of label support, Metal Church appears to have found new opportunities and partnerships. These developments have allowed them to continue their musical journey.
