Metal Church has announced Ross The Boss and Let Us Prey vocalist Marc Lopes as their new frontman. In a statement, Metal Church reveals they've got a new record with Lopes on the way and that the band wasn't seeking to replicate their former vocalists with the choice. The new material will be Metal Church's first since Damned If You Do in 2018.
"Yes, the rumors are true, it's official! Please welcome vocalist Marc Lopes to the congregation! We auditioned a handful of vocalists and while they were all great, Marc quickly became the clear choice. Both David Wayne and Mike Howe had a very unique, irreplaceable quality to their voices, so we were not looking for a clone of either.
"We wanted someone new, who could embrace the past, and also bring something fresh and exciting to the mix. Marc brings a very classic yet modern feel to the songs and we are looking forward to getting this new album out to you later this year! Thank you for your continued support of Metal Church! Love & respect, Kurdt Vanderhoof"
Metal Church has largely been quiet since the tragic death of vocalist Mike Howe nearly two years ago. Howe passed away in July 2021 due to suicide. In a 2022 interview, Metal Church guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof said he wanted to complete the new record in honor of Howe.
"I had written a new record and Mike and I had just begun the process before he passed, so I had a lot of material on hand," said Vanderhoof. "I also wanted to complete the album in honor of him. I have written a batch of additional material and its going in a more aggressive direction. We didn’t choose a Mike Howe clone or David Wayne [Metal Church's other longtime vocalist] clone, we decided to approach the future as a 'new' chapter in the band's career. I think the fans will really dig it!"
Howe fronted Metal Church between 1988 and 1996, and then again between 2015 and 2021.
