David Ellefson Joins Metal Church – Kurdt Vanderhoof Tells the Full Story

Metal Church's Unexpected Resurrection

• 💡 Kurdt Vanderhoof initially decided to shut down Metal Church due to a lack of enjoyment and internal drama after an Australia tour.
• 🚀 The band "resurrected itself" about a year and a half later through unexpected opportunities and interest from new members.
• ✅ The new lineup includes Brian Allen on vocals (recommended by Todd La Torre), David Ellefson on bass, and Ken Mary on drums, alongside original guitarist Rick Van Zandt.

David Ellefson Joins as Full-Time Bassist

• 🤝 David Ellefson was contacted by Joe from Rat Pack and was impressed by the new music, describing it as "really good."
• 🎸 He recorded 15 bass songs in 7.5 hours, using his 78 Fender P-bass from the Megadeth Youthanasia record.
• 🔥 Ellefson is now a permanent, full-time member of Metal Church, viewing it as his primary musical vehicle moving forward.

New Album and Touring Outlook

• 💿 A new full-length album is anticipated in Q1/Q2 of next year, with pre-orders expected after the new year.
• 🎶 The band plans to feature classic Metal Church songs in their live sets, along with one or two new tracks from the upcoming album.
• 🛣️ Touring plans are ramping up, with Kurdt Vanderhoof expressing excitement to perform without the back pain that previously hindered him.

Historical Connections and Influences

• 🤘 Metal Church's debut album is considered iconic, possessing a unique "metal sound" distinct from Bay Area thrash or speed metal.
• 🤝 The band has a rich history, including touring with Megadeth during the Killing Is My Business era and being signed to Elektra Records by Michael Alago.
• 🎸 Metallica once opened for Metal Church at the Country Club in LA and Jezebel's in Santa Ana, highlighting their early connections within the metal scene.

Kurdt Vanderhoof's Journey

• 🧠 Kurdt initially shifted his focus to studio production and engineering after The Dark album, finding more enjoyment there than in constant touring.
• 🔊 He even worked as a live sound engineer for Trans-Siberian Orchestra for several years, despite having no prior experience.
• 🏡 The name "Metal Church" originated from Kurdt's San Francisco apartment, where he and friends would listen to New Wave of British Heavy Metal records.