Metal Church

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Metal Church

Background information
Origin Aberdeen, Washington, United States
Genre(s) Thrash metal, heavy metal, power metal
Years active 1981-1993
1998-present
Label(s) Ground Zero, Elektra, I.R.S., Epic, SPV, Nuclear Blast, Mercury
Associated acts Metallica
Shrapnel
Hall Aflame
Vanderhoof
Presto Ballet
Website http://www.metalchurchmusic.com
Members
Ronny Munroe
Kurdt Vanderhoof
Rick Van Zandt
Steve Unger
Jeff Plate
Former members
David Wayne (deceased)
Mike Howe
Craig Wells
John Marshall
Jay Reynolds
Duke Erickson
Andrew Peters
Kirk Arrington

Metal Church is an American heavy metal band from Aberdeen, Washington. They formed as Shrapnel in 1981, their first album was released in 1984, and the band's most recent work, A Light in the Dark was released in 2006.[1]

Metal Church was formed when the thrash metal genre was still evolving. David Wayne's vocals on the self-titled album Metal Church and The Dark, retained a melodicism that many other American thrash bands abandoned. The lyrics from the album The Dark talk about death, assassination, and fears. Metal Church is still a working band; they are working with their third vocalist.[1]

Contents

[edit] History

[edit] Early History (1980s)

Metal Church originally formed as Shrapnel in 1981, with Mike Murphy on vocals, Kirk Arrington on drums, Craig Wells and Kurdt Vanderhoof on guitars, and Duke Erickson on bass. Mike Murphy quit, however, citing personal and creative differences. He was replaced by David Wayne.[1]

Before releasing their self-titled debut album, Metal Church released a demo tape, called the Four Hymns. This album contained the songs "Battalions," "Deathwish," "Gods of Wrath," and "The Brave." Though the demo has been long out-of-print, the songs are freely available from the band's web site.[1]

In 1984, their self-titled debut album was released. The album included a cover of the Deep Purple song, Highway Star.

By the time Metal Church released The Dark, they were touring with high-profile acts like Metallica.

In 1989, the band replaced Wayne with former Heretic singer Mike Howe, and released Blessing In Disguise.

[edit] Break-up and Solo careers (1990s)

Following the release of 1991's The Human Factor, Kurdt started working solo, and later with his new band, "Hall Aflame", which released their debut album, Guaranteed Forever, through I.R.S. Records.

The band broke up in 1993 after the release of Hanging in the Balance. Kurdt and Kirk formed "Vanderhoof" and released their self-titled debut album in 1997, and Wayne, formed "Reverend" in 1989.

Duke went on to have a son, Andrew.

[edit] Resurrection (1998-Present)

The founding members of Metal Church released the album Live in 1998. The band then started working on a new studio album. Craig Wells departed from the band due to personal and creative differences. He was replaced by John Marshall.

Masterpeace was released in 1999.

Vanderhoof released A Blur in Time in 2002, and Kurdt started working for new material for Metal Church's studio album.

In 2003 David Wayne departed Metal Church again due to personal and creative differences. David Wayne formed a new band called Wayne and an album titled Metal Church with former band mate Craig Wells.

In 2004, Kurdt and Kirk recruited Ronny Munroe, ex-Malice guitarist Jay Reynolds, and Steve Unger. The result was the album Weight of the World.

In 2006, Kirk Arrington left the band due to health complications with diabetes. His replacement was Jeff Plate, who previously worked with Savatage, Chris Caffery and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.[2]

On June 26th, 2006, Metal Church released their latest album, A Light In The Dark, which featured a re-recording of "Watch the Children Pray", a tribute to David Wayne, who died in 2005.

[edit] New Album

Metal Church will be releasing a new album currently entitled This Present Wasteland sometime 2008 which will be accompanied with a tour.

Guitarist Jay Reynolds has left the band for personal issues (He was recently in jail in Tacoma, Washington) and will not be with the band for this album. His replacement was announced as Rick Van Zandt. [3]

[edit] Discography

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d http://www.metalchurchmusic.com, band history page, Metal Church, 2007.
  2. ^ www.metalreview.com, interview with Kurdt Vanderhoof, 2006.
  3. ^ Blabbermouth.net news article April 16th, 2008 [1]

[edit] See also