Metal Church bring back Howe

Metal Church have got back together with singer Mike Howe – and former frontman Ronny Munroe says he couldn’t be happier.

Munroe left the veteran metal outfit last year after a decade. Now he’s been replaced by the man who first fronted them between 1988 and 1994.

Howe says: “I didn’t want to come back to just for nostalgia – it had to be for the right reasons. It had to be the best stuff we’ve ever written, or it wouldn’t be worth it to anyone, especially the fans.”

Guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof described their upcoming material as “classic Mike-era Metal Church” and adds: “It’s both heavy and melodic. This is going to be truly epic.”

And Munroe has commented: “Congratulations to Mike in his appointment. Wishing him and the band all the best moving forward.”

The current lineup also features guitarist Rick VanZandt, bassist Steve Unger and drummer Jeff Plate. Their latest album is expected later this year via Rat Pak Records.

Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.