METAL CHURCH singer Ronny Munroe has issued the following update:

"As we start recording the new songs, I want to take a moment and answer a few questions that we get over and over. The first one is when people ask if METAL CHURCH is a Christian band.

"The name started when Kurdt [Vanderhoof] lived in an apartment in San Francisco and everyone came there to play. They nicknamed it the 'Metal Church' and that is where the band name came from. We are not secular, although METAL CHURCH has always tried to write thought-provoking lyrics about life, money, war, politics etc. Things we can all identify with.

"There have always been many people that compare me to the previous singers. I know there are fans that prefer David Wayne or Mike Howe, and I accept that there will always be the comparison, because that is life. We each have our own styles.

"I have to say that I was a METAL CHURCH fan. I remember cranking the car stereo and singing to 'Gods of Wrath' on top of my lungs wishing someday that would be me. Not many people can realize their dreams, so I am grateful for where I am both as a fan like yourselves and as a member of such a great band that has stayed true to their music.

"If you are a David Wayne fan, Mike Howe fan or a Ronny Munroe fan, it doesn't matter, because you are a METAL CHURCH fan, and that is all I care about.

"Kurdt is and always will be the soul behind the music. He is a quiet talent that has been given many labels.

"I hear over and over METAL CHURCH being one of the pioneers of thrash. Mr. Kurdt Vanderhoof is a musical genius, in my opinion, but the label I want to give him is that he is a great guy and good friend.

"It is is our nature to resist change and METAL CHURCH has had its share of change. METAL CHURCH has also stayed true and as I see the younger fans banging their heads to our music just like I did at their age and I know all is good in this world. Metal is here to stay and is being kept alive by the fans and now by their children. How f***ing cool is that!!!!!! Being a parent myself, I know it is hard to find things to have in common with your teenager but this music has built that bridge.

"So, as we record the new music that will be released this year, we do this for you, the fans, and for the love of the music.

"We look forward to seeing you all on the road this year. It will be a very busy year both in Europe and the U.S. I hope we can get to South America as well.

"The tour is currently being planned, so if you want to see us in your town, let us know."

Professionally filmed video footage of METAL CHURCH performing the classic song "Gods of Wrath" at the Wacken Open Air 2005 festival in Wacken, Germany can be viewed below.

METAL CHURCH's latest album, "A Light in the Dark", was released in June 2006 via SPV. The CD includes a new version of the classic "Watch the Children Pray" as a tribute to vocalist David Wayne, who passed away in May 2005.

Ronny Munroe has been recording material for new solo project. Joining Munroe in the group are his former ROTTWEILLER bandmates Rick Van Zandt on guitar, Izzy Rehaume on bass and Doug Marapodi on drums along with Q-5/TKO/NIGHTSHADE guitarist Rick Pierce.