New Metal Church Lineup Features Megadeth, Alice Cooper & Vicious Rumors Members

Metal Church has made quite the triumphant return, heading into next year with a packed schedule and a new super lineup of sorts. From now on, Metal Church’s guitarists Kurdt Vanderhoof and Rick Van Zandt will be joined by ex-Megadeth bassist David Ellefson (yes, he’s in ANOTHER band!), Vicious Rumors vocalist Brian Allen, and drummer Ken Mary of Alice Cooper and Flotsam and Jetsam.

Along with the new lineup, the band has also shared their first single in this form, called “F.A.F.O.” Produced by Vanderhoof and mixed and mastered by Chris “Zeuss” Harris, “F.A.F.O.” was the catalyst for Metal Church’s upcoming album, due for release sometime next year via Rat Pak Records. More details should be announced soon. Hopefully, at least.

Vanderhoof commented on the band’s new chapter:

“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.

“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 also plans to tour heavily in 2026 but so far, only a few festival dates have been announced.

Metal Church 2026 tour dates (so far):

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