Metal Church released their eleventh studio album, "XI", on March 25, 2016, and it was their first album with Howe on vocals since 1993's "Hanging in the Balance". Hailed by some critics as a comeback album, "XI" received positive reviews from critics, and was Metal Church's first album in 27 years (since "Blessing in Disguise") to enter the "Billboard" 200; the album peaked at number 57, making it the band's highest chart position in their career. On the album's supporting tour, guitarist Rick Van Zandt had to go in for emergency eye surgery to repair a detached retina, and was temporarily replaced by former Firewolfe guitarist Paul Kleff, and Savatage guitarist Chris Caffery. The band co-headlined a West Coast North American tour with Armored Saint in June 2016, and along with Amon Amarth, Suicidal Tendencies and Butcher Babies, they supported Megadeth on the latter's "Dystopia" tour in September–October 2016.