METAL CHURCH has revealed a new lineup and confirmed a 2027 tour schedule. The band's current configuration includes founding guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof, longtime guitarist Rick Van Zandt, former MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson, drummer Ken Mary and new vocalist Brian Allen. The announcement follows the cancellation of METAL CHURCH's 2024 tour due to a back issue suffered by Vanderhoof.

The new lineup made its live debut on May 17 at the San Luis Metal Fest in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. The band's new album, "Dead To Rights", was released on April 10 via Rat Pak Records. It was produced by Kurdt Vanderhoof and mixed and mastered by Chris "Zeuss" Harris at Planet Z.

METAL CHURCH's 2027 tour will be a major North American run, with the calendar already well booked. The band emphasized a thoughtful approach to touring, citing experience and a desire to avoid burnout. They noted that many major rock acts, including STYX and METALLICA, have returned to weekend-based tours, with performances in stadiums and a focus on enjoyment.

The band has a long history, dating back to the early 1980s West Coast metal scene. Their self-titled debut and "The Dark" remain essential in heavy metal. After vocalist Mike Howe's passing in 2021, Marc Lopes joined the band in 2022. Lopes's debut album, "Congregation Of Annihilation", was released in May 2023. The new lineup marks a revival after a two-year hiatus.