Former Metal Church Frontman Launches Controversial New Metal Project

Marc Lopes' LET US PREY blends genres and embraces AI in their quest to redefine heavy metal

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:14am

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Former METAL CHURCH frontman Marc Lopes has launched a new metal project called LET US PREY, which is pushing the boundaries of the genre by blending modern metal, thrash, core elements, and industrial cyber aggression into what they call 'cyber tech thrash core.' The band's latest single 'In Nameless Blood' tackles the dark consequences of media manipulation and societal apathy, and the accompanying music video created by Lopes' own design company utilizes cutting-edge AI tools, sparking debate about the role of AI in creativity.

Why it matters

Lopes' departure from the successful METAL CHURCH and his bold new direction with LET US PREY has the potential to significantly impact the heavy metal landscape. The band's genre-bending approach and embrace of AI-powered visuals challenge traditional metal norms and raise questions about the future of the genre and the role of technology in music and art.

The details

Originally formed in Boston as a duo with guitarist Jon Morency, LET US PREY has transformed into a global force, blending a wide range of metal subgenres into their 'cyber tech thrash core' sound. Lopes' vocal versatility, ranging from guttural growls to Halford-esque highs, is a key component of the band's sound, which is further enhanced by industrial sequencing, symphonic textures, and a focus on technical prowess and accessibility. The music video for 'In Nameless Blood' was created by Lopes' own Sonatheria Creative Design, utilizing AI tools, which has sparked debate about the role of AI in the creative process.

  • In 2025, Lopes departed from METAL CHURCH following the global success of their album Congregation Of Annihilation.
  • LET US PREY's latest single 'In Nameless Blood' was released in 2026.

The players

Marc Lopes

The former frontman of the successful metal band METAL CHURCH, who has now launched the controversial new project LET US PREY.

Jon Morency

The guitar mastermind who co-founded LET US PREY with Lopes, originally as a dynamic duo in Boston.

Sonatheria Creative Design

Lopes' own design company, which created the music video for LET US PREY's 'In Nameless Blood' single, utilizing cutting-edge AI tools.

Chris Poland

A metal icon who has collaborated with Lopes on projects like NUCLEAR MESSIAH, in addition to Lopes' ongoing work with ROSS THE BOSS.

METAL CHURCH

The successful metal band that Lopes previously fronted, whose global success with the album Congregation Of Annihilation led to Lopes' departure in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“This record isn't about fitting into a legacy; it's about building a new one.”

— Marc Lopes

“A.I. is no longer optional—it's a permanent expansion of the creative arsenal.”

— Marc Lopes

“Have we become numb to the suffering caused by false narratives?”

— Marc Lopes

What’s next

LET US PREY is expected to continue pushing the boundaries of heavy metal with their unique 'cyber tech thrash core' sound, and fans are eager to see how the band's embrace of AI-powered visuals will evolve in future releases.

The takeaway

Marc Lopes and LET US PREY are challenging the status quo of heavy metal by blending genres, embracing cutting-edge technology, and tackling thought-provoking social themes in their music. Their bold approach has the potential to redefine the genre, but it also raises questions about the role of tradition, innovation, and the human touch in the world of metal.