Wicked News webzine caught up with METAL CURCH singer RONNY MUNROE about his new solo album, The Fire Within. Here are a few excerpts from the chat:

Wicked News: Did the idea of releasing a solo record come when Metal Church were forced to cancel their touring plans, or is it a long time project ?

Munroe: "It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a very long time but considering the circumstances with MC, now was a good time!"

Wicked News: Michael Wilton (QUEENSRŸCHE) took part to the recording process correct?

Munroe: "Yes, Michael was gracious enough to play two solos on my CD. He played on 'Sea Of Souls' and 'What You Choose To Call Hell (I Call Home)' and he did a great job on both. I was honored to have someone of his calibre play on my CD! I also had a friend from the band THE TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION called Randy Cooper and he played on 'Ride Me' and did an outstanding job as well! My CD will be released on Rat Pak Records and Century Media Distro in April and we are all very stoked for the fans to hear it!"

Wicked News: How is (Metal Church guitarist) Kurdt Vanderhoof doing? Any chance to see METAL CHURCH on the road again, soon?

Munroe: "'Kurdt's getting better and that's a very good thing, we need him, the fans need him! So yes we will be doing some shows this summer and we’ll see what happens after that. Keep watching all our sites and you will know as soon as we do about where we’ll be playing!"

Check out the entire interview at this location.

Munroe's MySpace page has been updated with an audio sampler of material from his from his forthcoming The Fire Within album. Check it out here.

Says Munroe: "Thought it would be time to throw a quick sampler in the player with a few excerpts from my new CD The Fire Within. Oh, by the way, the solo that you hear at the end of the sampler is Michael Wilton of Queensrÿche burning it up!"

The Fire Within now available for pre-sale at this location.

According to a recent press release, "Ronny Munroe's The Fire Within was created the way a true metal album should be - with nothing but spirit. Frustrated, unable to tour with Metal Church (on hiatus), and forced to relocate from L.A., Ronny found himself back in Seattle. What was originally supposed to be a 2009 festival-headlining tour with Metal Church turned out to be one man, forced to decide between joining society as a “9-to-5'er" or creating a new vision. Ronny chose his path - with “pen in hand” and an indomitable spirit, he sat in his small apartment and drew from The Fire Within.

Track one, 'Far', is an opener like no other, an undeniable force which sets the pace for a redefinition of metal that reminds us why Ronny fronts the legendary band Metal Church. From start to finish this passionate offering takes you on a true metal journey. With a little help from guests like Michael Wilton (Queensrÿche) on 'Sea Of Souls' and 'What You Choose to Call Hell (I Call Home)', Randy Cooper (THC TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION) on 'Ride Me', and the brilliant work of MC guitarist Rick Van Zandt, The Fire Within establishes itself as a force to be reckoned with. The Fire Within is guaranteed to get your fists pumping and your soul electrified. This vibrant twelve-track offering is no joke and no lie. It's true, it's pure, it's in-your-face, and will satisfy metal lovers from any genre. Co-produced by Kurt Vanderhoof (Metal Church) and Ronny himself, this powerful release will stand the test of time!"