Following the death of vocalist Mike Howe last year, which also contributed to an uncertain future for Metal Church, guitarist and founding member Kurdt Vanderhoof finally broke the news in a new interview with Metal-Rules that they are continuing on with a replacement for Howe (whose identity has yet to be revealed) and that the band also plans to release a new album next year. Metal Church's most recent studio album is 2018's Damned If You Do.

On Howe's death, Vanderhoof said: "To be honest, I really haven't processed it. I can't. I can't imagine what it must feel like to feel that suicide is your only option. And because he was like my brother and to find out he was in such pain, and it's too late to try and help, is just something I cannot get my head around."

On the new album, he said: "I had written a new record and Mike and I had just begun the process before he passed. So I had a lot of material on hand. I also wanted to complete the album in honor of him. I have written a batch of additional material, and it's going in a more aggressive direction. [...] We didn't choose a Mike Howe clone or David Wayne clone. We decided to approach the future as a 'new' chapter in the band's career. I think the fans will really dig it."

Source:	metal-rules.com
Band profile:	Metal Church