Metal Church Was Done—Then This Happened

Metal Church was finished—or so it seemed. In this conversation, Kurdt Vanderhoof explains how the band shut down completely after internal tensions and burnout, and why he had no intention of bringing it back. What followed wasn’t a planned comeback, but a series of unexpected moments that led to a new lineup and a new album, Dead to Rights. Vanderhoof breaks down how the current version of Metal Church came together, including the addition of vocalist Brian Allen and collaborations with players like David Ellefson and Ken Mary. He also shares insight into the writing process, the return to a more classic sound, and how the band approached making a record that feels cohesive from start to finish. From early influences like Black Sabbath and Deep Purple to the realities of modern touring and fan expectations, this is a detailed look at a band that found its way back without forcing it. ________________________________________ Metal Mayhem ROC https://metalmayhemroc.com/ Metal Church https://www.metalchurch.com/ ________________________________________ 00:00 Metal Church Was Done—Then This Happened (Tease) 00:41 Rochester, NY Early Shows & Radio Memories 03:10 Why Kurdt Vanderhoof Shut Down Metal Church 04:54 Brian Allen Joins Metal Church & New Lineup 08:33 Ellefson & Ken Mary’s Role on Dead to Rights 11:30 “Feet to the Fire” Song Breakdown 12:33 “The Show” & Black Sabbath Influence 14:14 “No Memory” + “My Wrath” Album Closer Talk 16:14 Album Flow & Sequencing Philosophy 18:14 Touring Setlist: Classics vs New Songs 21:52 2026 Tour Plans & Festival Dates (Maiden, Megadeth) 25:50 Metal Church Reboot & What Comes Next 28:07 The Metal Church Neck Brace Story