Metal Church is an American heavy metal band, originally formed in San Francisco in 1980, by guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof with various musicians before relocating to Aberdeen, Washington the following year and briefly using the name Shrapnel. In the band’s earlier years, several members passed through the lineup including Lars Ulrich, who had a brief audition period in 1981 before forming Metallica.

The band consisted of vocalist David Wayne, guitarists Kurdt Vanderhoof and Craig Wells, bassist Duke Erickson, and drummer Kirk Arrington released their self-titled debut album in 1984. The album was an important one for the thrash/speed metal scene as was its major breakthrough follow-up, The Dark. Shortly after the second album’s release, the band went through lineup changes. Kurdt Vanderhoof left the band at this stage and was replaced briefly by Mark Baker and more extensively by former Metallica roadie John Marshall. In 1988, David Wayne also left and was replaced by former Heretic singer Mike Howe, with whom the next three albums were recorded. Despite his departure, the founding member of the group, Vanderhoof remained the group’s designated composer and contributed some parts to the recordings.

Metal Church officially disbanded in 1996 but reunited again in 1999 with original members including Wayne, Vanderhoof, Wells, Erickson, and Arrington. However, Wells left the band due to familial obligations and was replaced by Marshall. They released their sixth studio album Masterpeace. The band faced numerous lineup changes again. Former vocalist David Wayne passed away on May 10, 2005, from complications resulting from a car accident. Their eight studio album 2006’s A Light in the Dark included a re-recording of 1986’s “Watch the Children Pray” as a tribute to late vocalist David Wayne. After the release of 2009’s This Present Wasteland, the band broke up once again.

In October 2012, the band announced their second reformation.

On July 26, 2021, Metal Church announced that Mike Howe had died that morning at his home in Eureka, California.

Members

Current

Kurdt Vanderhoof – guitars (1980–1986, 1998–2009, 2012–present)
Steve Unger – bass (2003–2009, 2012–present)
Rick van Zandt – guitars (2008–2009, 2013–present)
Stet Howland – drums (2017–present)

Past

William McKay – vocals (1980)
Ed Bull – vocals (1980)
Rick Condrin – guitars (1980)
Steve Hott – bass (1980)
Rick Wagner – drums (1980)
Aaron Zimpel – drums (1980)
Carl Sacco – drums (1980-1981)
Duke Erickson – bass (1981–1996, 1998–1999, 2000–2001)
Craig Wells – guitars (1981–1996, 1998)
Mike Murphy – lead vocals (1981)
Tom Weber – drums (1981)
Kirk Arrington – drums (1981–1996, 1998–1999, 2000–2006)
David Wayne – vocals (1981–1988, 1998–2001)
Mark Baker – guitars (1986)
John Marshall – guitars (1986–1996, 1998–2001)
Mike Howe – lead vocals (1988–1996, 2015–2021)
Brian Lake – bass (1999)
Jeff Wade – drums (1999)
Ronny Munroe – vocals (2003–2009, 2012–2014)
Jay Reynolds – guitars (2003–2008, 2012)
Jeff Plate – drums (2006–2009, 2012–2017)