West coast metal veterans Metal Church have confirmed the rumors of ROSS THE BOSS And LET US PREY vocalist Marc Lopes joining their ranks as the band’s new front-man. In a social media statement earlier today the band’s leader Kurdt Vanderhoof wrote:
“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“
Mike Howe was found dead at his home in Eureka, California in July 2021. According to TMZ, Howe‘s official cause of death was determined to be asphyxia due to hanging. A spokesperson for the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Dept. told the site authorities are calling it a suicide. He was only 55 years old.
Howe, who fronted METAL CHURCH from 1988 until 1994, officially rejoined the band in April 2015. Prior to joining METAL CHURCH more than three decades ago, Howe spent two years fronting California metal act HERETIC.
