Vanderhoof's eponymous band released "A Blur in Time" in 2002, and he began working on new material for Metal Church's next album thereafter. In 2003, he and Arrington recruited singer Ronny Munroe, ex-Malice guitarist Jay Reynolds, and bassist Steve Unger to form a new lineup of Metal Church. They released the band's seventh studio album later that year, "The Weight of the World". Critics generally reacted to the record with a lukewarm response, recognizing its accomplishments while noting its lack of consistency and innovation.