Onetime Metal Church guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof formed the band Vanderhoof prior to the Church's 1999 reunion. Composing partner Damon Albright handled lead vocals, while the remainder of the band was filled out by keyboardist Brian Cokeley, bassist Brian Lake, and drummer Jeff Wade. Breaking cleanly from Metal Church's sound, Vanderhoof, as a performing unit, was much more influenced by '70s hard rock and progressive album rock (not quite Yes or Genesis, more Pink Floyd or Boston). The group's eponymous debut album was released by Nuclear Blast in 1998; although another album was in the works, the project was put on hiatus thanks to the Metal Church reunion. ~ Steve Huey, All Music Guide