Metal Church is an American heavy metal band formed in San Francisco in 1980, soon relocating to the Pacific Northwest, where they became one of the defining acts of the West Coast metal scene. Anchored throughout their career by founding guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof, the band blends thrash aggression with traditional heavy metal craft across 14 studio albums. Their self-titled 1984 debut and 1986 follow-up The Dark are regarded as genre landmarks, and the band has continued releasing music into the 2020s despite multiple lineup changes and hiatuses.
Metal Church released their 14th studio album Dead to Rights on April 10, 2026 via Rat Pak Records, debuting at #13 on the German Albums chart and #5 on the German Rock & Metal chart.
The band released the second single 'Brainwash Game' on February 13, 2026, ahead of the Dead to Rights album.
Metal Church announced a new lineup featuring David Ellefson (ex-Megadeth) on bass, drummer Ken Mary, and vocalist Brian Allen, alongside founding members Kurdt Vanderhoof and Rick Van Zandt.
The band released the single 'F.A.F.O.' on November 21, 2025, with its music video accumulating over 400,000 views.
Metal Church cancelled all 2024 tour dates after founding guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof disclosed an ongoing back injury requiring treatment.
