After Washington's Metal Church split with their guitarist, Jay Reynolds, two months ago, they have recently announced the following:

"After much consideration and many qualified applicants we have come to a decision on a new guitar player. We have chosen Rick Van Zandt. Rick is a very gifted player who spent many years in the Seattle metal scene in bands like The End, Rottweiller and the Ronny Munroe Band. Some of Rick's influences are Steve Vai, Richie Blackmore and Eddie Van Halen.

Rick brings a whole new level of playing to Metal Church and we are all glad to have him and we are sure you, the fans will be as well. Get ready for some shredding! The new album really kicks some metal ass, every band says that but we mean it!!"

Metal Church are in the final stage of honing and fine-tuning their new album, "This Present Wasteland," which is scheduled for a fall release through SPV.

Source:	myspace.com
Band profile:	Metal Church