Metal Church

Metal Church, a foundational heavy metal band, has consistently delivered impactful music and performances, establishing its legacy in the metal genre through multiple decades and evolutions. After releasing their self-titled debut album Metal Church in July 1984, selling 70,000 copies independently, Metal Church quickly established themselves as a seminal heavy metal force before signing with Elektra Records. Led by founding guitarist and songwriter Kurdt Vanderhoof, alongside vocalist David Wayne, guitarist Craig Wells, bassist Duke Erickson, and drummer Kirk Arrington, the band had previously released the instrumental ‘Red Skies’ demo in 1981 and the ‘Four Hymns’ demo. Their signing with Elektra was reportedly at the urging of Metallica members Lars Ulrich and James Hetfield.

In 2020, Metal Church released the compilation album From the Vault. The band announced Marc Lopes as their new lead vocalist in 2023, commencing a new chapter with their thirteenth studio album, Congregation of Annihilation, that same year. 2023 also saw the publication of Beyond the Black: The Story of Metal Church, chronicling their extensive legacy. Most recently, Metal Church released The Final Sermon (Live in Japan 2019) in 2024, continuing their influential presence and delivering impactful music to their global fanbase.