The band's lyrics tackled political and social issues of the day with the releases of Blessing in Disguise and The Human Factor.

Howe recorded three albums with Metal Church before the group split up in 1996.

[2] Although he had rarely recorded or performed outside of Heretic and Metal Church, Howe provided guest vocals on Hall Aflame's 1991 album Guaranteed Forever and Megora's 1997 EP Illusions.

'[5] Metal Church founder Kurdt Vanderhoof reported in 1998 that Howe had retired and was living in Tennessee with his family.

On July 26, 2021, Metal Church announced via the band's Facebook page that Howe had died that morning at his home in Eureka, California, aged 55.