Metal Church is an American heavy metal band formed in 1980, originally in San Francisco before relocating to Aberdeen, Washington. Driven by guitarist and songwriter Kurdt Vanderhoof, the band helped shape the Seattle metal scene of the 1980s and is credited as a pioneer of thrash, speed and power metal - their self-titled debut (1984) and The Dark (1986) remain genre touchstones. Despite multiple hiatuses and a revolving cast of members, Vanderhoof has kept the band active across 14 studio albums spanning four decades.
Metal Church released their 14th studio album Dead To Rights on April 10, 2026 via Rat Pak Records, the first with the new lineup featuring David Ellefson and Brian Allen.
The new lineup made its live debut on May 17, 2026 at the San Luis Metal Fest in San Luis Potosí, Mexico.
On November 21, 2025, Metal Church announced a revamped lineup - replacing three members with ex-Megadeth bassist David Ellefson, drummer Ken Mary and vocalist Brian Allen - and released the single 'F.A.F.O.'
A live album, The Final Sermon (Live in Japan 2019), was released on July 26, 2024, documenting the late vocalist Mike Howe's final live performances.
An authorized band biography, Beyond the Black: The Story of Metal Church by James R. Beach and Brian L. Naron, was published in November 2023.
concert19:00Three classic thrash metal bands perform together in Göteborg: Testament, Metal Church, and Armored Saint.
concert19:00Three classic thrash metal bands perform together at Mejeriet in Lund.