Metal Church’s founding guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof recently issued a response addressing comments made by the band’s former singer Marc Lopes. Lopes had referred to Metal Church as ‘a shit show’ and criticized the lack of respect he received after recording just one album with the band. The statement was shared on Metal Church’s official Facebook page.
Lopes had referred to Metal Church as ‘a shit show’ and criticized the lack of respect he received after recording just one album with the band. Vanderhoof’s response focused on moving forward and maintaining a positive outlook despite band changes and criticism from former members.
“Hey friends! As with any band, sometimes things just stop working and you have to move-on, no matter what the cost and no matter what people are going to say or think about you, including former bandmates,” Vanderhoof said. “It’s just that simple.”
The guitarist emphasized his commitment to continuing Metal Church’s musical legacy. He maintained respect for former bandmates throughout his statement.
“I am continuing to do what I’ve been doing since I formed Metal Church 46 years ago, writing albums and releasing music,” he continued. “If you love that, great, if not, that’s ok too. If you love any of the former band members, that’s also great, then go support their musical endeavors and be thankful for new music. I personally have nothing negative to say about them, I wish them all the luck.”
Vanderhoof concluded his statement by expressing satisfaction with the current lineup and future plans.
“I’m just happy to be where I am at now, with great musicians that I respect and I look forward to performing live with,” he said. “That’s all I have to say about it.”
This latest controversy highlights the ongoing challenges Metal Church has faced with lineup stability throughout its long history. The band has weathered numerous personnel changes. It has maintained its position in the heavy metal scene despite these challenges.
BraveWords reported that Metal Church was born out of the explosive West Coast metal scene of the early 1980s. The band quickly established themselves as one of the genre’s most formidable acts. Metal Church became known for blending thrash and traditional heavy metal elements. They helped shape the sound of American metal alongside influential bands like Metallica and Slayer.
Lopes joined Metal Church following a particularly difficult period for the band. He came aboard after the tragic passing of longtime vocalist Mike Howe in 2021. Howe had been a cornerstone of the group’s sound for many years. Lopes recorded one album with the band, Congregation of Annihilation. He departed in 2024 following the touring cycle for that release.
Since reforming Metal Church in the early 2000s after a hiatus in the 1990s, Vanderhoof has consistently steered the group through multiple lineup shifts. He has kept the band active on the festival and touring circuit throughout these changes. The guitarist’s commitment to maintaining Metal Church’s legacy has been unwavering despite the various challenges and personnel changes the band has encountered over the decades.
Recent statements from the band suggest that Vanderhoof remains focused on future projects rather than dwelling on past disputes. The band has hinted at more recording and touring activity ahead. This underscores Vanderhoof’s determination to keep Metal Church moving forward with new music and live performances rather than getting caught up in public disagreements with former members.
