Kurdt Vanderhoof

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Kurdt Vanderhoof is the guitarist and founding member of legendary heavy metal band Metal Church. He first formed this band in 1980, Metal Church, after the alias given to his San Francisco apartment. At first, Lars Ulrich was considered for the position of drummer, moved to Los Angeles. Kurdt then moved back to his hometown, Aberdeen, Washington. In 1981, he formed a band named Shrapnel. It consisted of Kirk Arrington on drums, Mick Murphy on vocals, and Craig Wells handling guitars. Kirk brought in a friend, Duke Erickson, who could play bass, completing the Shrapnel line-up. Mick Murphy left the band to form Rogues Gallery, so they recruited David Wayne for vocal duties. By 1983, Shrapnel had re-christened itself Metal Church.

From 1983 till 1989, Kurdt And Wells produced the signature sound that was, and still is, reminiscent of Metal Church. Their signature dual rhythm and twin lead, was like Judas Priest & Iron Maiden. Their lyrics and themes, however, was dark (not as dark as Slayer,though). This is why he is considered, in the words of John Marshall, "The Geezer Butler of Metal Church".

However, in 1990, he left the band, and was replaced by long-time friend John Marshall. His first solo band was Hall Aflame, which only released one album, before breaking up on 1993.Ironically, the same year, Metal Church broke-up.

When he re-joined the band in the live compilation Live, he formed another solo band Vanderhoof. This band released the albums Vanderhoof and A blur in time in 1997 and 2002 respectively.

As of 2005, Kurdt Vanderhoof and several members from his solo band formed Presto Ballet, a band dedicated to recreating the progressive rock sounds of the mid-70s, (specifically bands such as Kansas, Yes, and Styx). `We recorded the whole album in a somewhat 'old-school' manner, which means analogue synthesizers, real Hammond organ and real mellotron sounds.`` said Kurdt, regarding their debut album Peace Among the Ruins.