Metal Church has announced a revitalized lineup featuring founding member Kurdt Vanderhoof alongside new and returning members. The West Coast heavy metal veterans shared this news in an official statement on Metal Church’s Instagram. They are preparing to release new music in 2026 via Rat Pak Records.
The new formation includes guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof, guitarist Rick Van Zandt, bassist David Ellefson, drummer Ken Mary, and vocalist Brian Allen. The band has already released a new single titled “F.A.F.O.” to mark their return.
Vanderhoof expressed his enthusiasm about the band’s comeback and the new material in a statement about the milestone moment.
“After 45 years, the fact that we have new music coming in 2025 feels like a miracle,” Vanderhoof said. “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.”
He described the direction of the new single and the band’s confidence in the material.
“‘F.A.F.O.’ is an aggressive thrasher, and I think the fans are really going to dig it,” he continued. “We certainly do—otherwise it wouldn’t be Metal Church.”
The new lineup represents a significant collaboration of seasoned musicians from the heavy metal world. It brings together decades of combined experience and credibility to the band’s resurgence.
David Ellefson, the bassist joining the lineup, is best known for his work with Megadeth, one of the most influential thrash metal bands of all time. Blabbermouth reported that his addition to Metal Church underscores the band’s commitment to delivering high-caliber heavy metal music. The fourteenth studio album will arrive in 2026 through Rat Pak Records.
Ken Mary brings an impressive pedigree to the project as the band’s drummer. The PRP noted that Ken Mary has performed with notable acts including Flotsam and Jetsam and Alice Cooper. He has established himself as a powerhouse drummer in the metal community. Vocalist Brian Allen rounds out the lineup. Metal Injection reported that he comes from Vicious Rumors, further strengthening the band’s vocal capabilities.
The single “F.A.F.O.” was produced by Vanderhoof himself and mixed/mastered by Chris “Zeuss” Harris, a renowned engineer known for his work on major metal releases. This production choice reflects the band’s dedication to maintaining the quality and intensity that has defined their four-decade legacy in the heavy metal scene.
Metal Church has ambitious plans for 2026 beyond the album release. My Global Mind reported that the band is scheduled to make major European festival appearances in support of the album’s arrival. This signals a full-scale return to the touring circuit. The new album’s title and tracklist are anticipated to be announced soon. Fans are eagerly awaiting further details about the material that will showcase this revitalized lineup.
