METAL CHURCH have issued the following update:

"Due to personal reasons, Jay Reynolds (guitars) has left Metal Church. We thank him for his contributions to the band, and wish him all the best in future endeavors. Jay's replacement has not been decided upon yet, but it will be announced when a decision has been reached."

As previously reported, vocalist Runny Munroe recently checked in with 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 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' at the 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 (Vanderhoof) 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 US. 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."