Metal Church founding guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof has issued a response to recent remarks made by former vocalist Marc Lopes. Lopes publicly described the band as “a shit show” and voiced frustration over what he characterized as a lack of respect after recording only one album with the group. Vanderhoof’s statement was shared via Metal Church’s official Facebook page and addressed the situation without directly escalating the dispute.
Vanderhoof emphasized the realities of band dynamics and the importance of moving forward, even when separations become contentious.
“Hey friends! As with any band, sometimes things just stop working and you have to move-on, no matter what the cost and no matter what people are going to say or think about you, including former bandmates,” Vanderhoof said. “It’s just that simple.”
He went on to reaffirm his long-standing commitment to Metal Church and its creative output, while maintaining a respectful tone toward past members.
“I am continuing to do what I’ve been doing since I formed Metal Church 46 years ago, writing albums and releasing music,” he continued. “If you love that, great, if not, that’s ok too. If you love any of the former band members, that’s also great, then go support their musical endeavors and be thankful for new music. I personally have nothing negative to say about them, I wish them all the luck.”
Vanderhoof concluded by expressing confidence in the band’s current direction and lineup.
“I’m just happy to be where I am at now, with great musicians that I respect and I look forward to performing live with,” he said. “That’s all I have to say about it.”
The situation highlights Metal Church’s long history of lineup changes, an ongoing challenge the band has faced while remaining active and relevant in the heavy metal scene. Despite numerous personnel shifts over the decades, Metal Church has continued to release music and perform live.
According to BraveWords, Metal Church emerged from the explosive West Coast metal scene of the early 1980s and quickly established itself as a formidable force. The band became known for its fusion of thrash and traditional heavy metal, helping define American metal alongside acts such as Metallica and Slayer.
Lopes joined Metal Church following a difficult period marked by the death of longtime vocalist Mike Howe in 2021. Howe had been a defining voice for the band for many years. Lopes recorded one album with Metal Church, Congregation of Annihilation, before departing in 2024 after the album’s touring cycle.
Since reviving Metal Church in the early 2000s following a 1990s hiatus, Vanderhoof has consistently guided the band through multiple lineup changes while keeping it active on the touring and festival circuit. Recent comments from the band suggest that Vanderhoof remains focused on future recording and touring plans, prioritizing forward momentum over revisiting past conflicts.
