Ex-Metal Church Singer Debuts New Band

Marc Lopes's tenure in Metal Church was brief but significant, joining in the summer of 2022 as the replacement for the late, long-time vocalist Mike Howe. He recorded one album with the thrash legends, 2023's critically acclaimed "Congregation Of Annihilation," and made his live debut with the band in June 2023. The split in 2025 proved to be acrimonious. Lopes has stated that after the band canceled its 2024 tour dates, there was a long period of no communication. He ultimately learned he was out of the band when Metal Church publicly announced a completely new lineup online. In November 2025, Metal Church announced its revamped lineup, with founding guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof joined by singer Brian Allen (Vicious Rumors), bassist David Ellefson (ex-Megadeth), and drummer Ken Mary (Flotsam and Jetsam). The new configuration quickly released a single titled "F.A.F.O." and announced a new album for 2026. Let Us Prey is not a new venture, but rather a return to Lopes's primary creative focus. The band was originally formed in Boston as a project with guitarist Jon Morency (Living Wreckage) and released its debut album, "Virtues Of The Vicious," in 2020. The band describes its sound as "cyber tech thrash core," a hybrid that blends modern metal, thrash, and elements of industrial and core genres. The music is noted for its industrial sequencing, symphonic textures, and Lopes's wide vocal range, which shifts from guttural growls to clean, soaring highs. The new single "In Nameless Blood" lyrically tackles the consequences of false narratives spread through media and the resulting desensitization in society. The track was mixed and mastered by Ricky Bonazza, known for his work with Butcher Babies and Fear Factory. Throughout his time with Metal Church and now with Let Us Prey, Lopes has remained the frontman for Ross the Boss. He continues to tour and perform worldwide with the band led by the co-founding Manowar guitarist.