Metal Church

Metal Church

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
New metal outfit formed by David Wayne and Craig Wells from the original Metal Church. Produced by Warren Croyle (Godhe ad, Gwar), and features cover art by Andreas Marshall (In Fl ames, Sodom, etc). 10 tracks including 'The Choice', 'Hannibal' & 'Vlad'.

Tracks:

Beyond The Black
Metal Church
Merciless Onslaught
Gods Of Wrath
Hitman
In The Blood
(My Favorite) Nightmare
Battalions
Highway Star

Customer Reviews:

Very Strong Debut.......2007-05-26

This album is probally a better or equal debut to "Kill Em All" and "KIlling Is My Business" Very heavy, Raw, fast and great vocals by Wayne. My favorite Metal Church album, all convert to the Metal Church!

Underrated metal classic.......2007-03-25

Many times when we think of 80's thrash we tend to go with basically the big four such as Slayer, Metallica, Anthrax and Megadeth, that sometimes we exclude other bands that made thrash great like Exodus, Kreator, Voivod, Testament, Sepultura and Metal Church among others. But today I'm going to write about Metal Church's self titled release which basically is one of those albums that I could really listen to for a long time and really not get tired of it, Ive been listening to this record for 20 years. One uncle in particular was a real big fan of them when he saw them perform with Metallica and really he had to go and by this album, he would literally play it from dawn til dusk and dawn again.

David Wayne's vocals could almost be described as a black metal style shrieks to power metal high pitchness. Craig Wells and Kurdt Vanderhoof have very fluent gitar work, great riffs and solos. Kirk Arrington has beats, actually has very good double kick tempos. Duke Erickson has very great bass work here. My favorite tracks on this album have to be Metal Church, Beyond the Dark, Hitman, Gods of Wrath, Battalions and the Deep Purple cover Highway Star. If you are a fan of 80's thrash, get this record.

Fantastic CD.......2007-02-24

I will keep this review brief because all I need to say is this CD is truly awesome. It captures what metal is all about. If you have not heard it, buy it.

Great Metal CD!.......2007-01-19

This CD went to my iPod soon after I got it. It's defiantly one of the better metal CDs out there. The vocals are especially good. They are pretty evil sounding although they aren't the grunting vocals you hear in a lot of metal these days. It's more of a mix between operatic singing and a metal scream. The vocalist is also quite capable of singing in a very classic melodic signing voice as he demonstrates in "Gods of Wrath".
As for the guitars bass etc, these guys aren't want you would call virtuoso players. They are petty good but they just aren't quite as tight as a lot of other bands. The solos are OK. They are a lot more melodic than most Slayer solos but also don't expect blazing runs and arpeggios.

What really makes this CD stand out is the songs themselves and the energy they perform them with. I like all the songs on this CD but the first four and the cover of Highway Star really stand out for me. In fact this is the best version of Highway Star I've heard. Their style is closer to what I would call classic metal. They are pretty melodic but they have a harder edge then say Dio or Iron Maiden. Merciless Onslaught is an instrumental and approaches thrash. Even though I have pointed out a few deficiencies I am giving this CD five stars just based on the fact I love to listen to it. That's the bottom line for me.

A Blast From The Past.......2006-12-18

Metal Church is a perfect representation of 80's Thrash and Speed Metal. With blazing riffs, gritty vocals, screams, and crazy solos...the description is like every other album from that time, I know. BUt this one is good. Real good. It starts off with a disturbing alien voice talking about the destruction of humanity, and just goes from there. Every song is fast and heavy. However, the songwriting does slack of a bit on the last 2 or 3 songs; they aren't bad, just bland. However, Battalions and Beyond the Black are worth it. It ends with a cover of Highway Star. Whatever. It's fine, heavier than the opriginal, obviously. However, the booklet is chintzy. As in, there is no booklet. No lyrics, no photos, we barely even know their names. Who are those mystery men? For a remaster, this is unforgivable. Add this to your collection of 80's thrash. If you don't have such a collection, then this is a decent start, but there are better options, such as Reign in Blood, Peace Sells, Master of Puppets, Kill Em ALl, Killing is My Business, etc...

Average customer rating:

Kick Butt!
This album OWNS!!
Metal Church's Greatest ...............Near Perfection!!!!!!!!!!!!
obra maestra
The Best Metal Church album EVER!!!

Blessing in Disguise
Metal Church
Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

The Dark
Metal Church
A Light in the Dark
No Place for Disgrace
The Weight of the World

ASIN: B000002H6H
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Fake Healer
Rest In Pieces (April 15, 1912)
Of Unsound Mind
Anthem To The Estranged
Badlands
The Spell Can't Be Broken
It's A Secret
Cannot Tell A Lie
The Powers That Be

Customer Reviews:

Kick Butt!.......2007-07-24

I had this on tape for too many years. It is nice to finally get it on Disc. If you never heard this album, then you really need to get it. This is the best of it's time. You won't be disappointed.

This album OWNS!!.......2007-05-26

Not sure what else to say, amazing thrash album, LISTEN TO IT!!

Metal Church's Greatest ...............Near Perfection!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2006-10-27

After three years and two member changes Metal Church returns with their greatest and most inspirational album. This is their peak as a thrash band with wonderful arrangements and musicianship. With 'Blessing In Disguise' Metal Church leaves most of their peers in the dust. Each song is executed with precision and with a new vocalist at the helm (Mike Howe)the band seems to fit much better together. The debut was good, 'The Dark' was a step above but 'Blessing' is a masterpiece. Hands down one of the top metal albums of the 80's. Great lyrics with awesome guitar work not to metion tight drumming. With 'Blessing In Disguise' you get the whole package............but..... there is one downside, the mix of the album is lacking. The instruments sound clear but the volume is so low you really have to make your sound system work for it. But in the end even the mix can't darken the brightness of Metal Church's 1989 opus 'Blessing In Disguise'.

obra maestra.......2005-08-04

El mejor albun de la banda norte americana con muy buenas letras y unos arreglos de guitarras majistrales. Un disco muy recomendado

The Best Metal Church album EVER!!!.......2005-05-22

This is by far more superior than even their 2nd best(Self-Titled), however I really wish the mastering process was better. The production was excellent as it was done by veteran Terry Date(Overkill; Pantera)who established himself as a powerhouse producer. But the sonic levels in the mastering could be brought up a few notches to at least match the sound quality of their debut. This being considered their best album, one has to wonder how come it took David Wayne & Kurdt Vanderhoof to leave this band to make such a great album? Mike Howe is my favorite MC vocalist and it's a damn shame he didn't return for "Weight of the World"

That's all as there are alot of other reviews discussing the lyrical content and length of songs, so I won't bore you with those details.

I gave it 4 stars because of the weak mastering process

Average customer rating:

Killer songs
I've Been To Church... Metal Church!!!
19 years ago I was blown away!
4 1/2 stars
one of the greatest metal albums of all time

The Dark
Metal Church
Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Metal Church
Blessing in Disguise
The Years of Decay
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Under the Influence

ASIN: B000002H3T
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Ton Of Bricks
Start The Fire
Method To Your Madness
Watch The Children Pray
Over My Dead Body
The Dark
Psycho
Line Of Death
Burial At Sea
Western Alliance

Customer Reviews:

Killer songs.......2007-05-26

Another killer album for thrashers Metal church. This band is amazing, the riffs the vocals, they should have been MEtallica.

I've Been To Church... Metal Church!!!.......2007-02-08

First off, let me say that I discovered this band entirely by luck. There was a Tower Records going out of business in Chicago so I wandered in when their CDs went down to 70% off. I was in the mood for some Thrash Metal so I started out by looking for some Destruction or Kreator. No luck. I couldn't find anything that I would normally look for. So I just decided to browse through the remaining music until a found something that had artwork that looked like it belonged to an 80's Thrash band. Take a look at Metal album artwork from the two previous decades and there is a clear difference between the two. Anyways, eventually I stumbled The Dark by Metal Church. The artwork reminded me of the front of an H.P. Lovecraft book of short stories that I own. I was a little hesitant to buy it because of Church being in the band's name and that it might mean it would be a Christian Metal band (which I normally hate) but took the risk since it was only 3 bucks.

When I got back to my home, I stuck it in the CD player and immediately fell in love with the opening song Ton Of Bricks. The following songs progressively grew softer and softer until we reach the ballad-like song Watch the Children Pray. After this song, the album gets progressively heavier and heavier and never lets up. I immediately pressed the play button again when the album finished. I was impressed.

If I were to describe the sound of Metal Church, I would say it sounds like a combination of Metallica's Kill `Em All with Iron Maiden and a small amount of 80's Destruction at certain times. After further researching them, I was saddened to learn that this was the last album with vocalist David Wayne. Then I learned that he returned when the group reformed for a live album and one more studio album before leaving the band for good, only to die from complications from a car accident in 2003. This last bit saddened me tremendously because David Wayne was a great vocalist and I strongly encourage anyone who enjoys Thrash to pick this album up if they want to be blown away; not just by David Wayne's vocals and lyrics, but also by the entire band as a whole. The guitar riffs are killer and the drumming is impressive and everything is just flat out addicting. As far as the lyrics go, they mostly revolve around violence, sanity, war and fear. I'm actually surprised by the lyrics to Line Of Death, which can be still be used to represent today and our current war situation in the middle east even though this song was written in 1986.

In short, if you want to check out an American Thrash band that isn't one of the big four (Slayer, Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax), definitely give Metal Church a Listen. You will not be disappointed in the slightest. I actually saw them in concert in January and I got to meet and interview current vocalist Ronny Monroe and guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof for a Chicago Metal Magazine that a friend of mine runs. Other than being great musicians, they are very cool guys with a great sense of humor. Anyways, buy this damn album!

19 years ago I was blown away!.......2006-10-24

Some of the riffs on this album still make the hair on the back of my neck stand on end!

4 1/2 stars.......2006-08-04

Pretty nice thrash and some melodic tunes on here. However, Watch The Children Pray is an awesome ballad and my fave song on the whole record. This band is sooo underrated, get this right away!

one of the greatest metal albums of all time.......2006-07-03

Since its debut... I have wore out multiple copies of this. Out of hundreds of albums (metal only), this is my all time favorite.
The vocals are AMAZING, Waynes voice can never be replicated like on "The Dark", excellent riffs and duel guitars, and drums that will destroy you. AMAZING. If you can't get into this- well then, you just don't understand metal. BUY or pose...the choice is yours.

Average customer rating:

great underrated album
Metal Church Human Factor 1991 Epic Records
I just can't believe my ears, some music out these days...
The best 50 cents I ever spent
The best 50 cents I ever spent

Human Factor
Metal Church
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Blessing in Disguise
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Live

ASIN: B000008IEL
Release Date: 1991-03-26

Tracks:

Human Factor
Date With Poverty
Final Word
In Mourning
In Harm's Way
In Due Time
Agent Green
Flee from Reality
Betrayed
Fight Song

Customer Reviews:

great underrated album.......2007-05-26

along with Megadeth & Metallica, this release of Metal church is one of the best metal albums for that period.

Metal Church Human Factor 1991 Epic Records.......2007-01-24

I remember seeing and hearing this album my friend owned at a tennis center where we both worked back in the 1991. This album and the album's cover with Metal Church laying in between candles is totally awesome and one of my favorites as well. All songs on here are great. My favorites include Human Factor,Date with Poverty,In Due Time,and Agent Green. The song Agent Green what I believe is about the young soldiers who fought during the Vietnam War. Hence the name Agent Orange. This song Agent Green is incredible with the nice building intro. Probably the weakest song on Human Factor and it is pretty tough to decided is Fight Song. Fight Song is still a great song though almost punkish like. This albums' release suffered during this greatly remembered time period (love the '90's). Alternative rock...aka grunge was making the biggest impact in music at the time and who could not forget about Metallica's self title album having the crown in sales and recognition. Though Metallica's self titled album was released in the later part of '91 it still had an effect on Metal Church and some many other rock/metal bands during '91-'93. This album is well worth owning and it is highly recommended from a great band named Metal Church.

I just can't believe my ears, some music out these days..........2005-07-27

Vocalist Mike Howe's sophomore release with those metal veterans Metal Church really drops a bomb on social issues, and the lyrics are so articulate on the variety of subject matter that I feel it is necessary to let them do the talking.
In my opinion, "In Harm's Way" is the album's centerpiece--a very saddening description of child abuse and it's toll on a human life.

"A lonely child with battered eyes
No joy in innocence they cry
Always has to lie his way through life
I've fallen down while playing ball
But mom beat me up and down the hall
Just because she had one of those nights..."

Sort of along those lines is "In Mourning" which brilliantly covers the topic of how music is blamed for kids committing suicide and rightfully redirects the blame to their upbringing. No doubt inspired by the Judas Priest court case, it presents its message clearly and desperately needed to be written.

"Maybe could it be that no one was there to hear
Did you pay attention to their angers and their fears?
You're trying to find someone to blame who can't be put on trial
The enemy you're looking for is laughing all the while
I mourn for those who have been so deceived
You know the last words that they spoke were "Who loves me?" "

On the lighter side, the title track is a blast at phony corporate pop stars who have no real musical talent, use computer programs instead of instruments, and use samples of real musicians' songs to scam their way to popularity. Sadly it is just as relevant today as it was in 1991 when it was written:

"I just can't believe my ears, some music out these days
The human factor has diminished, in oh so many ways
Fancy footwork gets top bill and I'll put on such a show
One more Midi cable and my 'band' is ready to go
One more money-maker and I'm set for life
Stealing from others will make my future bright..."

This is going on longer than I anticipated so I'll cut it short. But I hope enough examples have been given to really express the importance of this record. Metal Church isn't talking about nuclear war anymore, they're covering topics that hit much closer to daily life and do it in a very effective way. Each song is equally strong in its message: "Betrayed" and its tale of alcoholism; "Date with Poverty" about being poor and hounded by collectors; "The Final Word" about American activists who rag on their own country; or "Agent Green" which seems to be about some sort of political espionage or something. Musically it's one of the best songs on here, but I'll be damned if I know what it's talking about. Interestingly, during the acoustic intro to this tune, Mike Howe's voice sounds alot like latter day Geddy Lee.
Anyway, this is a great album with more typically great riffs written by Kurdt Vanderhoof (who was replaced by Metallica guitar tech John Marshall for the recording of this album, but still contributed songs) and stunningly poignant lyrics by Mike Howe. A very dramatic listening experience.

The best 50 cents I ever spent.......2003-04-14

Normally, you find salvation at church. I however, found Church at salvation. That's right, I picked up Metal Church's album "The Human Factor" at Salvation Army for a mere 50 cents. I've spent more money on freakin' cans of soda. Granted, it's only a tape, but had there been a CD, I definately would have dished out the extra 10 cents. Dusting off the nearest tape player, I immediately popped in this masterpiece. Mind shattering guitars and amazing lyrics, propelled this band to the pedastal of success. Albums like this only prove that music should go back to where it belongs: the 80s. Not only that, but you don't even have to bother with going to church on Sundays anymore. This album provides enough "Church" to last a lifetime. Trust me when I say that your children will be safe spending an hour with Metal Church. Leaving them with Father Downey may be a different story. The opening riffage to "The Final Word" is like meeting the Lord himself. Genius is the only word to describe this album. Sell your soul to get this album if you have to because God will remember those with the courage to blare Metal Church at top volume. Those who sacrifice their hearing will be rewarded in paradise. I can't wait for a new album.

The best 50 cents I ever spent.......2003-04-14

Average customer rating:

Charged With Disregard
GUESS I AM IN MINORITY ON THIS ONE...
The Obsessed - 'The Church Within' (Columbia)
one of the best rock albums of 1994... and Wino's best work
essential wino

The Church Within
The Obsessed
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Death Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000008J2V
Release Date: 1994-03-01

Tracks:

To Protect and to Serve
Field of Hours
Streamlined
Blind Lightning
Neatz Brigade
World Apart
Skybone
Streetside
Climate of Despair
Mourning
Touch of Everything
Decimation
Living Rain

Customer Reviews:

Charged With Disregard.......2005-09-15

I'm not sure I could site a particular favorite from The Obsessed. I've been listening to one or the other of Wino's drug guzzling bands since the mid 1980s, and even though I'd choose Spirit Caravan as the most productive and 'alive', if you like his style, than any band the guy's involved with has that inimitable sound and feel; downpouring riffs and solo blazin' spirituality. Definitely needs to experienced live!

"The Church Within" was supposed to be that big break; getting signed to a major label, touring with White Zombie ...that is until label support fell through, leaving the band stranded and in debt. That aside, the recording itself is awesome. Although released by a major label, there was no diluting of sound or substance. Some of the material found on it was written several years prior to the The Church Within release, and serves as a lasting monument to Wino's early songwriting craft.

For those of you who may be newcomers to Wino's bands(The Obsessed, Saint Vitus, Spirit Caravan, Place of Skulls, The Hidden Hand)and have discovered the most recent, The Hidden Hand, you'll find similar warnings in earlier lyrics:
"By the power Big Brother has vested
Your decisions must be honest and true
Your courage and your faith will be tested
Our children's futures are resting with you"
(To Protect and To Serve)

"Lunar Womb," and the S/T are also recommended if like this one, and especially the double vinyl version of The Obsessed compilation, "Incarnate," which includes several demo recordings and other material from The Church Within era lineup.

GUESS I AM IN MINORITY ON THIS ONE..........2005-07-19

dont get me wrong,this is a solid release with excellent songwriting and musicianship - i just feel that it isnt quite heavy enough (for my tastes).i prefer the earlier Obsessed releases,and Spirit Caravan.
dont know if this was due to being on a major label (columbia),but it just doesnt have the crunch that i need....

The Obsessed - 'The Church Within' (Columbia).......2005-03-27

Most fans would probably agree that this,the band's third effort is their best CD.The only way I even found out about this stoner metal outfit is the fact that Spirit Caravan's Scott 'Wino' Weinrock was once involved with them.The Obsessed has been influenced to some degree by the likes of White Zombie,Pink Fairies,Motorhead,L7 and Black Flag.With a list like that,I knew I had to hunt down a copy of this disc.I liked what I heard.Tunes I found most enlightening were "Climate Of Despair","Skybone",the doomish "Mourning","Blind Lightning" and "Decimation".Should appeal to fans of Sleep,Nebula,Soil and possibly Monster Magnet and Candlemass.

one of the best rock albums of 1994... and Wino's best work.......2004-07-31

Most fans of The Obsessed will probably agree that not only is this their best album, but out of all of the bands & projects that Wino has been involved with over the past 20 years, these are probably his finest recordings. this is the last incarnation of Wino's band that originally formed in the early 80's. when Wino started The Obsessed, they were only together for a few years, before he broke up the band to join Saint Vitus as their singer (he only played guitar and lent his songwriting skills to a few of their songs). in 1990, he reformed The Obsessed with a new bassist and drummer, and put out the 1991 Lunar Womb album on Hellhound records which is now extremely rare and out of print (but is scheduled for re-release early next year on Meteor City records). he then recruited yet another new bassist, and a few years later issued The Church Within, their last album and ironically, distributed by Columbia records. this album is a truly great slab of raw, solid, meaty, rock power. there's some great playing by all members, but especially some inspiring guitar work and vocals by the legendary Wino. this album has been out of print for the past few years, with no tentative plans of being re-issued, so if you happen to come across this gem either on E-Bay, on Amazon, or at a used music store, do not hesitate to pick it up. you will not regret it.

essential wino.......2003-09-28

this is a ride from start to finish. good sony/columbia production. the album rocks ,no clunkers on this one . heavy intensity through out.guitarwork is a++ , vocals great as well. a little more dark than the spirit caravan stuff. awsome album. i just wish i could get my hands on the lunar womb album released before this one. buy this cd!

Average customer rating:

Wayne, Metal Church

Manufacturer: Reality Entertainment
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
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ASIN: B000NDJPFA
Release Date: 2007-01-15

Tracks:

The Choice
The Hammer Will Fall
Soos Creek Cemetary
Hannibal
Burning At The Stake
D.S.D
Nightmare
Vlad
Ballad For Marianne
Mississippi Queen

Average customer rating:

A great traditional no frills heavy metal release, the 'Church' lives on!
awesome power/thrash metal album
Metal Church - A Light In The Dark
Stunning return to form.
Agree with J Phoenix

A Light in the Dark
Metal Church
Manufacturer: Steamhammer Us [Spv]
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000FBG0F8
Release Date: 2006-06-27

Tracks:

A Light In The Dark
Beyond All Reason
Mirror Of Lies
The Believer
Disappear
Son Of The Son
More Than Your Master
Pill For The Kill
Temples Of The Sea
Blinded By Life
Watch The Children Pray (bonus track, new version)

Album Description

The legend returns: Metal Church are scheduled to release their latest album, A Light In The Dark, reanimating the zeitgeist of their first two releases, Metal Church (1985) and The Dark (1986). "It's almost precisely twenty years ago that we shook up the international metal scene for the first time with those two recordings," recalls guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof. "Just the right moment to bring that era to mind with a brand new album and the same sort of energy that we had back then". The current band line-up consists of Kurdt Vanderhoof (guitar), Ronny Munroe (vocals), Jay Reynolds (guitar), Steve Unger (bass) and new addition Jeff Plate (drums; ex-Savatage). "I've known Jeff since my solo tour with Savatage," Vanderhoof recalls. "And during the 2005 Metal Church tour, when he drummed with opening act Chris Caffery's band, we also got on really well. So it suggested itself to ask him whether he wanted to join Metal Church". Vanderhoof, who doubles as sound engineer and producer during the recordings, promises an offering featuring all the important trademarks of typical Metal Church tracks, including a new version of the classic We Watch The Children Pray as a tribute to vocalist David Wayne, who passed away in May 2005. "A Light In The Dark will represent what the name Metal Church has been standing for the last twenty years."

Customer Reviews:

A great traditional no frills heavy metal release, the 'Church' lives on!.......2007-05-19

The only reason I bought this album was because I could get it new for $11 and decided that was worth the risk. I have every MC album except for "Weight of the World". The self titled album is great and "The Dark" and "Blessing" were pretty good. The "Human Factor" had great music on some tracks and forgetable music on others. I didn't like how prominent Mike Howe was on that one. Everything after was okay at best.

Metal Church lives on. That is good news because they are one of the few bands that played consistent no frills heavy metal (more from a late 70s, early 80s Hard Rock perspective). It's tough to describe the MC sound, but it is somewhere between Deep Purple, AC/DC, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Motorhead, and Saxon. The band has always been under Kurt Vanderhoofs direction and guidance. For this reason they remained relatively consistent despite internal struggles.

Every thing about this album exceeded my expectations. The riffs are great, solos are good, really catchy, the drumming is good and not overbearing, and I love Ronny Munroe's vocals. I get the feeling by reading some of the other reviews, people hate Munroe and like Wayne and Howe better. I loved Wayne (especially in Reverend) but didn't like Howe that much. Munroe's vocals are great. The range is pretty varied and they're high but still forceful.

If you're looking for that classic traditional heavy metal release as of late...here it is.

awesome power/thrash metal album.......2007-04-05

Metal Church are an awesome metal band, and his new album proves it.

Metal Church - A Light In The Dark.......2006-11-07

Excellent stuff. The current line up isn't as good as the original one but they are still very good. A Light In The Dark is a good solid metal album.

Stunning return to form........2006-10-22

I've always been a fan of Metal Church, since hearing tracks from 'The Dark' played on the radio 20 or so years ago. I really like this album, they have retained the Metal Church signature sound despite the fact that Kurdt Vanderhoof is the only original member left in the band.
This is a collection of great songs that deserves to be successful, and its a nice touch to re-record Let The Children Pray as a tribute to David Wayne.
I also like the production on this CD. Like a previous reviewer I have also 'dumped' $10k or so on my sound system, but I don't have a problem with the production at all.
I thoroughly recommend this album to anyone who likes heavy metal, as in heavy metal, not emo, etc.

Agree with J Phoenix.......2006-10-20

J Phoenix speaks the truth. Music is great on this cd, but the vocals suck!

Average customer rating:

Metal Church - Keeping their balance
Wish they were still around.
One of Their Best

Hanging in the Balance
Metal Church
Manufacturer: Blackheart / Pgd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Thrash & Speed Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
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Human Factor
Masterpeace
Blessing in Disguise
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ASIN: B000001L6E
Release Date: 1998-12-15

Tracks:

Gods Of Second Chance
Losers In The Game
Hypnotized
No Friend Of Mine
Waiting For A Savior
Conductor
Little Boy
Down To The River
End Of The Age
Lovers And Madmen
A Subtle War

Customer Reviews:

Metal Church - Keeping their balance.......2005-04-30

Many people claim that Metal Church isn't as good when they have a different vocalist to David Wayne (vocalist on first two albums 'Metal Church' and 'The Dark'). I definitely agree with this, but what I don't agree with is the same people saying that Metal Church suck without David Wayne.

This isn't true at all. 'Hanging in the balance' is the only Metal Church album I have without David Wayne as the vocalist (I'm English, so I have to order up in HMV or Virgin and wait about 6 months before actually getting the Metal Church album I'm after). 'Hanging in the Balance' and 'Metal Church Live' were in a double-disk package that was actually in the shop so I took advantage of the situation and bought the package.

So anyway, 'H.I.T.B' offers melodic rhythms from songs like 'Waiting for a Saviour', 'End of the Age' and 'Lovers and Madmen'.
Songs like 'Conducter', 'Down to the River' and 'Little Boy' pack lots of heaviness and even 80s thrash material.

If you're a fan of the first two Metal Church albums don't give it a miss just because it has Mike Howe instead of David Wayne.
Sure, it isn't as good as 'Metal Church' or 'The Dark' but it is a great album.

Recommended songs:

Hypnotise
Waiting for a Saviour
Little Boy
Down to the River
Lovers and Madmen and
A Subtle War

Wish they were still around........2002-01-27

Wow, nostalgia!! I miss the bay area thrash movement so bad. I have been a Metal Church fan from their beginnings. They have consistently put out good albums, and this one is no exception. Actually, I remember when I first picked this up in say, 94' or so. I listened to it one time, and then shelved it. What a mistake. I could have enjoyed it earlier than I did. The thing is, I popped it in, expecting to hear "Blessing....." or "Human Factor" and this just 'aint it. I got it back out a year later, due to the lack of any real, modern music coming out, and gave it another spin, and a few more listens. I'm glad I did. This is good in it's own way, just different. Really, the more you hear it, the more you become addicted to it. Just good, old fashioned, no frills, metal. Well worth the bucks.

One of Their Best.......2001-06-30

On this album Metal Church did something almost impossible. They made an album equal to their debut and "Blessing In Disguise" This album was easily their most varied and revealed a new and powerful side to the band.

The album opens with "Gods of Second Chance" and features a guitar solo from fellow Seattle rocker and Alice In Chains guitarist Jerry Cantrell. From there it just gets stronger. "Hypnotized" is an intense song about a vampire highlighted by Mike Howe's incredible vocal effort on this song. The strongest and most powerful tune is "Waiting For A Savior" vividly revealing the ultimate fate of all humankind: old age.

The opening bass intro for "Little Boy" sets the stage for a political commentary on the overused topic of war but is a powerful tune nonetheless. The album concludes with "Subtle War" which features an awesome harmonized riff for the intro and chorus. The most surprising track is "End Of The Age" a great mix of acoustic and electric guitar complemented by sing-along verses and chorus. This song alone makes the album worth while.

While a bit different from older Metal Church material this album makes a statement for the band's musicianship and should be purchased at your earliest convenience.

Masterpeace
Average customer rating:

masterpeice indeed

Not too bad! It grows on you.

Some good, some bad

Forgive me Father, for I must give this a bad review...

METAL CHURCH NO LONGER METAL !!!!

Masterpeace
Metal Church
Manufacturer: Nuclear Blast Americ
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Live

The Weight of the World

Metal Church

The Dark

Human Factor

ASIN: B00000J81H
Release Date: 1999-08-03

Tracks:

Sleeps With Thunder
Falldown
Into Dust
Kiss For The Dead
Lb. Of Cure
Faster Than Life
Masterpeace
All Your Sorrows
They Signed In Blood
Toys In The Attic
Sand Kings

Album Description

1999 return of the original line-up of this '80s speed metal band, their first with vocalist David Wayne in 12 years! 11 tracks.

Customer Reviews:

masterpeice indeed.......2006-12-20

Being a Metal Church fan from the begining, this album ranks high among my favorites. At this point in their career, I had given up hope of ever hearing a Vanderhoof/Wayne line-up again, yet here it was. Masterpeace is a fine polished slab of metallic brillience.
So what if it isn't the face melting onslought as the first album, this is a beautifully crafted work of metal, and a great portrait of a gracefully aging power metal band. I have bought several copies of this album to give to some of my younger 'metal head' freinds. 'Faster Than Life' is one of the finest Metal Church songs ever, right up there with 'Beyond the Black', 'Metal Church' and 'Method to Your Madness'. Miss you Dave.

Not too bad! It grows on you. .......2005-08-22

It's not original, but keeping true to metal.

I am not too knowledgable on this band, but what gather is that this is a reunion-type album with Dave Wayne. He died only a few months ago! This is the only album I've heard, but if this is their last album together -- they did a pretty good job!

I was surprised how good the writer Kurdt Vanderhoof was! Brillant writer. These guys could talk about anything and make a bad situation cool! :)

It's sounds like a lot like Metallica in some ways (if you forget about the screechy voice!), but when you listen to more tracks, you realize it's more or less a continuation of Metallica -- something they should have done instead of brought that very ordinary Snake/Black Album.

They seem to be more well-blanced with lyrics -- kinda more like Iron Maiden/Bruce Dickinson in this department.

His voice takes a while to getting use to. This band is still kinda new to me, but I am sure I'll be getting more albums from these metal men soon! :)

Let me say goodbye to Dave. It won't suffer anymore so REST IN PEACE.

Some good, some bad.......2004-08-06

this is not the best album david wayne has put out by any means.
but from what i've heard, a certain member (kurt) is hard to work with and at the time was in a prog rock phase. honestly i have to say that david was probably feeling the conflict because most reviews of this album are mediocare, just listen to wayne's vocals. his heart just isn't in it. then, go listen to wayne's "metal church". complete turn around. david wayne hasn't lost it, he just saves the best for the great projects, not the mediocare.

Forgive me Father, for I must give this a bad review..........2001-08-14

OK, for starters, I have been a Metal Church fan since The Dark. And have been a fan... until now. Sorry, but this new CD just doesn't do it for me. Sure, it's good to see David Wayne has returned to the band, but his voice has somewhat deteriorated in the past years. His voice sounds more whiney and nasal than before. I found myself wincing in pain trying to tolerate the vocals. (I only made it to Lb. Of Cure on the CD.) Mike Howe will be missed because he had the voice that fit in PERFECTLY.

Albums such as Blessing In Disguise and Human Factor were truly awesome CD's (as were their self-titled and The Dark) but I think it's time the band turned in their guitars and drums, and just retire. The music on this CD is just rehashed music from the 80's with no thought or time put into them. Who knows though, maybe they will put a new album out that totally blows this one away. Only time will tell I guess. Later.

METAL CHURCH NO LONGER METAL !!!!.......2000-09-03

I HAVE EVERY RELEASE FROM METAL CHURCH. THEY ARE ALL AWESOME, EVEN THOUGH ''HANGING IN THE BALANCE'' IS NOT THEIR BEST.. IF YOU WANT THEIR BEST THEN GET THEIR SELF-TITLED DEBUT, OR ''HUMAN FACTOR'' STAY AWAY FROM THIS ONE IT WILL ONLY PUT YOU TO SLEEP....