Metal Church is back in a pretty big way. The band in 2026 is now founding guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof alongside guitarist Rick Van Zandt, ex-Megadeth bassist David Ellefson, drummer Ken Mary (Alice Cooper, Flotsam And Jetsam), and Vicious Rumors vocalist Brian Allen.

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The band is now streaming their first single “F.A.F.O.” produced by Vanderhoof and mixed and mastered by Chris “Zeuss” Harris at Planet Z. Those sessions for the single have evolved into a brand-new Metal Church album, set for release in 2026 via Rat Pak Records. Additional details will be announced soon.

“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,” said Vanderhoof.

“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.”

Metal Church plans to tour extensively in 2026 and some festival dates have already been announced with more to come. Those are:

8/5 Josefov, Czech Brutal Assault Festival
8/8 Kortrijik, Belgium Alcatraz Festival
8/9 Geiselwind, Germany Keep It True Festival