New Vocalist Metal Church Doesn't Care About Haters

Marc Lopes (Instagram @marc_lopes_vocalist)

JAKARTA - Veteran metal West Coast, Metal Church will release their 13th studio album, Negotiation Of Annihilation, on May 26 through Rat Pak Records (American) and totaling Entertainment (Europe).

This new album marks the first release since the tragic death of legendary vocalist Mike Howe who died in July 2021. It also marks the first album with new vocalist Marc Lopes (Ross The Boss, Let Us Prey) who joined in the summer of 2022.

Not only that. The album also features today's lineup; Founder guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof, guitarist Rick Van Zandt, bassist Steve Unger, and drummer Howland. The songs that reside in it show how Metal Church returns to the roots of their music that reminds them of the vibrations of the first self-titled album and The Dark.

The Negotiation Of Annihilation is produced by Vanderhoof and is now available for pre-orders in various bundle configurations.

In a new interview with Chris Akin Presents, Lopes spoke about the series of criticisms he would receive as a result of the role previously occupied by Howe, David Wayne and Ronny Munroe.

"Being on Ross The Boss [the band led by former Manowar guitarist Ross 'The Boss' Friedman], I've faced so much stupid nonsense from fans, from Manowar fans. At first, it bothered me, years ago," Lopes said.

"Now I don't care. Because, did you know? If we start worrying about what other people think, we'll never get anything. I don't care. I know that I gave everything I have to do and make it sound as good as possible.

"And if I don't like it, why am I sitting here and trying to perform at a concert? I don't care. I mean, of course, if everyone hates that, then maybe I shouldn't have performed at the concert. But with great respect to the Metal Church community, they are amazing, they love these new things."