Metal Church
Encyclopedia
Metal Church was an American
heavy metal
band. They originally formed in Seattle, Washington as Shrapnel in 1980. Their first album was released in 1984, and the band's most recent work, This Present Wasteland
, was released in 2008.
Metal Church was formed when the thrash metal
genre was still evolving. Lyrically, the band's themes are usually dark, with early topics such as conflict and fear expanding to philosophical and social commentary later on. After releasing five full-length albums and touring extensively throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Metal Church disbanded in 1994, but decided to re-form four years later. Having endured numerous lineup changes since, they worked with their third vocalist, and have released four more studio albums and one live album. On July 7, 2009 it was announced on the band's official website that they have again disbanded.
on guitars, and Duke Erickson on bass. Mike Murphy quit, however, citing personal and creative differences. He was replaced by David Wayne
.
In 1982, the band released a demo tape, titled Four Hymns. It 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.
In 1984, Metal Church released their self-titled debut album, which included three songs from the Four Hymns demo and a cover of Deep Purple
's "Highway Star". The band had to sell 70,000 copies of the album on their own before being signed to Elektra
. According to David Wayne, James Hetfield
and Lars Ulrich
of Metallica
urged Elektra to sign the band before some other label did.
By the time Metal Church released their second studio album, The Dark, in 1986, they were touring with high-profile acts like Metallica. The Dark was a commercial success, helped by the fact that the band's first music video
, featuring the song "Watch the Children Pray", received frequent airplay on MTV
. Unfortunately, these positive developments were followed by serious problems within the band, which resulted in a change in lineup.
In 1988, the band replaced Wayne with former Heretic
singer Mike Howe and released their studio album, Blessing In Disguise
, a year later. John Marshall
took over Vanderhoof's position on guitar, who now contributed mainly as a songwriter. Ironically, after being replaced by Heretic's former singer, David Wayne recruited the remaining members of Heretic to form Reverend
. It would be a decade before David Wayne worked with Metal Church again.
, in 1991, Kurdt started working solo. He formed a new band called Hall Aflame, which released a debut album in 1991 entitled Guaranteed Forever through I.R.S. Records
. This was the only album Hall Aflame would release, and the band folded shortly thereafter.
Metal Church broke up in 1994 after the release of their fifth studio album, Hanging in the Balance
, in 1993. Kurdt and Kirk formed "Vanderhoof" and released their self-titled debut album in 1997.
later that year, Live
, which featured songs from their first two albums and multiple performances in the mid-1980s. It was during the production of Live that the members of the first major lineup decided to re-form, beginning work on a new studio album. Craig Wells was forced to depart from the band, however, due to familial obligations. He was replaced by John Marshall.
The band's sixth studio album, Masterpeace
, was released in 1999. This was Metal Church's first album with new material in six years. Many fans expected Masterpeace to be a follow-up to Metal Church and The Dark, but some were disappointed when they compared the latest album to the band's early releases. Even vocalist David Wayne expressed some regret with what happened on Masterpeace. This dissatisfaction would influence Wayne's musical output years later.
David Wayne departed Metal Church again in 2001 due to personal and creative differences. He then formed a new band called Wayne
and released an album entitled Metal Church
. Kurdt Vanderhoof, David Wayne's former bandmate, objected to the album's name and cover art. According to Wayne, the purpose of the album's name was to let everyone know of his involvement.
Vanderhoof released A Blur in Time in 2002, and Kurdt started working on new material for Metal Church's studio album.
In 2004, Kurdt and Kirk recruited Ronny Munroe
, ex-Malice
guitarist Jay Reynolds, and Steve Unger. This new line-up released the band's seventh studio album later that year, The Weight of the World.
On May 10, 2005, David Wayne died of complications from injuries sustained in a car accident that occurred months before. He was 47 years old.
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
.
Metal Church released their eighth studio album, A Light in the Dark, which featured a re-recording of "Watch the Children Pray", as a tribute to David Wayne in 2006. Kurdt Vanderhoof said that the tribute was a way of showing fans that he harbored no ill-will for David Wayne, despite the contentious situation that existed between them before Wayne's untimely death.
, in 2008, which was followed by a tour. Guitarist Jay Reynolds left the band before the album was recorded; his replacement was Rick Van Zandt.
In October 2008, the band was forced to take a hiatus from touring for approximately six months due to Vanderhoof's back problems. Vanderhoof stated that he would continue working in the studio on new Metal Church projects and work on Ronny Munroe's new solo album. The remaining members of Metal Church planned to remain musically active until Vanderhoof's health returned.
on July 9, 2009, which was their last show.
Guitar
Bass
Drums
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
heavy metal
Heavy metal music
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...
band. They originally formed in Seattle, Washington as Shrapnel in 1980. Their first album was released in 1984, and the band's most recent work, This Present Wasteland
This Present Wasteland
This Present Wasteland is the ninth and final studio album by heavy metal band Metal Church. The album was released September 26, 2008 in Europe. This is the only Metal Church album to feature guitarist Rick Van Zandt....
, was released in 2008.
Metal Church was formed when the thrash metal
Thrash metal
Thrash metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that is characterized usually by its fast tempo and aggression. Songs of the genre typically use fast percussive and low-register guitar riffs, overlaid with shredding-style lead work...
genre was still evolving. Lyrically, the band's themes are usually dark, with early topics such as conflict and fear expanding to philosophical and social commentary later on. After releasing five full-length albums and touring extensively throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Metal Church disbanded in 1994, but decided to re-form four years later. Having endured numerous lineup changes since, they worked with their third vocalist, and have released four more studio albums and one live album. On July 7, 2009 it was announced on the band's official website that they have again disbanded.
Early days (1981-1990)
Metal Church was formed in 1981 under the name Shrapnel with Mike Murphy on vocals, Kirk Arrington on drums, Craig Wells and Kurdt VanderhoofKurdt Vanderhoof
Kurdt Vanderhoof, born in 1961, is an American guitarist, best known as the lead guitarist and founding member of the American heavy metal band Metal Church. He formed the band in 1980 after the alias given to his San Francisco apartment. Vanderhoof moved back to his hometown, Aberdeen, Washington....
on guitars, and Duke Erickson on bass. Mike Murphy quit, however, citing personal and creative differences. He was replaced by David Wayne
David Wayne (singer)
David Wayne was an American singer for the heavy metal bands Metal Church, Reverend and Wayne.-Biography:From 1982 to 1988, Wayne appeared as vocalist on two studio albums and two live albums by Metal Church...
.
In 1982, the band released a demo tape, titled Four Hymns. It 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.
In 1984, Metal Church released their self-titled debut album, which included three songs from the Four Hymns demo and a cover of Deep Purple
Deep Purple
Deep Purple are an English rock band formed in Hertford in 1968. Along with Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, they are considered to be among the pioneers of heavy metal and modern hard rock, although some band members believe that their music cannot be categorised as belonging to any one genre...
's "Highway Star". The band had to sell 70,000 copies of the album on their own before being signed to Elektra
Elektra Records
Elektra Records is an American record label owned by Warner Music Group. In 2004, it was consolidated into WMG's Atlantic Records Group. After five years of dormancy, the label was revived by Atlantic in 2009....
. According to David Wayne, James Hetfield
James Hetfield
James Alan Hetfield is the rhythm guitarist, co-founder, main songwriter, and lead vocalist for the American heavy metal band Metallica. Hetfield co-founded Metallica in October 1981 after answering a classified advertisement by drummer Lars Ulrich in the Los Angeles newspaper The Recycler,...
and Lars Ulrich
Lars Ulrich
Lars Ulrich is a Danish drummer, and one of the founding members of the American thrash metal band Metallica. He was born in Gentofte, Denmark to an upper-middle class family. A tennis player in his youth, Ulrich moved to Los Angeles, California at age sixteen to pursue his training; though rather...
of Metallica
Metallica
Metallica is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1981 when James Hetfield responded to an advertisement that drummer Lars Ulrich had posted in a local newspaper. The current line-up features long-time lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo ...
urged Elektra to sign the band before some other label did.
By the time Metal Church released their second studio album, The Dark, in 1986, they were touring with high-profile acts like Metallica. The Dark was a commercial success, helped by the fact that the band's first music video
Music video
A music video or song video is a short film integrating a song and imagery, produced for promotional or artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a marketing device intended to promote the sale of music recordings...
, featuring the song "Watch the Children Pray", received frequent airplay on MTV
MTV
MTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
. Unfortunately, these positive developments were followed by serious problems within the band, which resulted in a change in lineup.
In 1988, the band replaced Wayne with former Heretic
Heretic (band)
Heretic was an 80s speed/thrash metal band from Los Angeles, California. Its members were: Mike Howe, vocals; Dennis O'Harra, Bass; Brian Korban, Guitar; Rick Merrick, Drums; and Bobby Marquez, Guitar. The band released two albums before Howe joined Metal Church; following these releases, Heretic...
singer Mike Howe and released their studio album, Blessing In Disguise
Blessing in Disguise (Metal Church album)
Blessing in Disguise is the third studio album by American heavy metal band Metal Church, released as a vinyl LP in the summer of 1989; a CD release followed in 1990....
, a year later. John Marshall
John Marshall (guitarist)
John Marshall is a former guitarist for the thrash metal band Metal Church . Before joining the band in 1989, he was the guitar tech for Metallica's lead guitarist Kirk Hammett...
took over Vanderhoof's position on guitar, who now contributed mainly as a songwriter. Ironically, after being replaced by Heretic's former singer, David Wayne recruited the remaining members of Heretic to form Reverend
Reverend (band)
Reverend is an American heavy metal band that was originally based in Seattle, Washington, and is based in San Antonio, Texas. Reverend was formed in 1989 by ex-Metal Church vocalist David Wayne, who took the band's name from his own moniker, which he acquired as the frontman of the "Metal Church"...
. It would be a decade before David Wayne worked with Metal Church again.
Break-up and solo careers (1991-1998)
Following the release of Metal Church's fourth studio album, The Human FactorThe Human Factor (album)
The Human Factor is the fourth album by Metal Church, released in 1991 .-Track listing:-Personnel:*Mike Howe - vocals*John Marshall - guitar*Craig Wells - guitar*Duke Erickson - bass guitar*Kirk Arrington - drums...
, in 1991, Kurdt started working solo. He formed a new band called Hall Aflame, which released a debut album in 1991 entitled Guaranteed Forever through I.R.S. Records
I.R.S. Records
I.R.S. Records was a record label, started in the United States in 1979 by Miles Copeland III along with Jay Boberg and Carl Grasso. Miles was also the manager of Wishbone Ash, The Police, and later, Sting, as well as other bands. I.R.S. was the sister label of Copeland's Illegal Records .I.R.S...
. This was the only album Hall Aflame would release, and the band folded shortly thereafter.
Metal Church broke up in 1994 after the release of their fifth studio album, Hanging in the Balance
Hanging in the Balance
-Bonus track :-Bonus tracks :-Personnel:*Mike Howe - vocals*John Marshall - guitar*Craig Wells - guitar*Duke Erickson - bass guitar*Kirk Arrington - drums...
, in 1993. Kurdt and Kirk formed "Vanderhoof" and released their self-titled debut album in 1997.
Reunion (1998–2007)
The founding members of Metal Church reunited in 1998. The band released their first and to date only live albumLive album
A live album is a recording consisting of material recorded during stage performances using remote recording techniques, commonly contrasted with a studio album...
later that year, Live
Live (Metal Church album)
Live is the first live album of heavy metal band Metal Church. Only the track "Start the Fire" was previously released in the late 1980s, albeit with a different mix and possible studio treatment, on a compilation album called Time to Rock....
, which featured songs from their first two albums and multiple performances in the mid-1980s. It was during the production of Live that the members of the first major lineup decided to re-form, beginning work on a new studio album. Craig Wells was forced to depart from the band, however, due to familial obligations. He was replaced by John Marshall.
The band's sixth studio album, Masterpeace
Masterpeace
Masterpeace is the sixth album of heavy metal band Metal Church. This album features the return of David Wayne, absent since The Dark. All original members recorded on Masterpeace except guitarist Craig Wells and drummer Kirk Arrington. Jeff Wade filled in for Arrington...
, was released in 1999. This was Metal Church's first album with new material in six years. Many fans expected Masterpeace to be a follow-up to Metal Church and The Dark, but some were disappointed when they compared the latest album to the band's early releases. Even vocalist David Wayne expressed some regret with what happened on Masterpeace. This dissatisfaction would influence Wayne's musical output years later.
David Wayne departed Metal Church again in 2001 due to personal and creative differences. He then formed a new band called Wayne
Wayne (band)
Wayne was a band formed around lead singer David Wayne, formerly of Metal Church and Reverend. Wayne released their only album, "Metal Church", on August 7, 2001...
and released an album entitled Metal Church
Metal Church (Wayne album)
Metal Church is the only album of heavy metal band Wayne, led by David Wayne, former singer of Metal Church and Reverend.- Track listing :# The Choice — 3:45# The Hammer Will Fall — 3:55# Soos Creek Cemetery — 3:38# Hannibal — 4:30...
. Kurdt Vanderhoof, David Wayne's former bandmate, objected to the album's name and cover art. According to Wayne, the purpose of the album's name was to let everyone know of his involvement.
Vanderhoof released A Blur in Time in 2002, and Kurdt started working on new material for Metal Church's studio album.
In 2004, Kurdt and Kirk recruited Ronny Munroe
Ronny Munroe
Ronny Munroe is an American heavy metal singer, most noted as the lead vocalist of the heavy metal band Metal Church until the band broke up on July 7, 2009. He joined in 2004, replacing David Wayne and Mike Howe. He also had brief stints as the vocalist for Brutal Godz and Lillian Axe. He was...
, ex-Malice
Malice (metal band)
Malice is an American heavy metal band formed in the early 80s. Their sound is comparable to that of Judas Priest's, and they are notable for having toured with popular metal group Slayer. They had mild popularity that disappeared and reappeared frequently. The 1988 film Vice Versa featured a...
guitarist Jay Reynolds, and Steve Unger. This new line-up released the band's seventh studio album later that year, The Weight of the World.
On May 10, 2005, David Wayne died of complications from injuries sustained in a car accident that occurred months before. He was 47 years old.
In 2006, Kirk Arrington left the band due to health complications with diabetes. His replacement was Jeff Plate, who previously worked with Savatage
Savatage
Savatage is an American heavy metal band founded by the brothers Jon and Criss Oliva in 1978 at Astro Skate in Tarpon Springs, Florida.-Early days :...
, Chris Caffery
Chris Caffery
Chris Caffery is a heavy metal guitarist who is best known for his work as a member of Savatage and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra...
and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Trans-Siberian Orchestra is an American progressive metal band founded in 1993 by producer, composer, and lyricist Paul O'Neill, who brought together Jon Oliva and Al Pitrelli and keyboardist and co-producer Robert Kinkel to form the core of the creative team. Since then, TSO sold nearly 8...
.
Metal Church released their eighth studio album, A Light in the Dark, which featured a re-recording of "Watch the Children Pray", as a tribute to David Wayne in 2006. Kurdt Vanderhoof said that the tribute was a way of showing fans that he harbored no ill-will for David Wayne, despite the contentious situation that existed between them before Wayne's untimely death.
This Present Wasteland and touring hiatus (2008)
Metal Church released their ninth and final studio album, This Present WastelandThis Present Wasteland
This Present Wasteland is the ninth and final studio album by heavy metal band Metal Church. The album was released September 26, 2008 in Europe. This is the only Metal Church album to feature guitarist Rick Van Zandt....
, in 2008, which was followed by a tour. Guitarist Jay Reynolds left the band before the album was recorded; his replacement was Rick Van Zandt.
In October 2008, the band was forced to take a hiatus from touring for approximately six months due to Vanderhoof's back problems. Vanderhoof stated that he would continue working in the studio on new Metal Church projects and work on Ronny Munroe's new solo album. The remaining members of Metal Church planned to remain musically active until Vanderhoof's health returned.
Breakup (2009)
On July 7, 2009, the band announced on their website and Myspace Blog that they were "calling it quits". They had canceled all concert dates for August and beyond. The band played RocklahomaRocklahoma
Rocklahoma is an annual hard rock music festival held in Pryor, Oklahoma...
on July 9, 2009, which was their last show.
Final lineup
- Kurdt VanderhoofKurdt VanderhoofKurdt Vanderhoof, born in 1961, is an American guitarist, best known as the lead guitarist and founding member of the American heavy metal band Metal Church. He formed the band in 1980 after the alias given to his San Francisco apartment. Vanderhoof moved back to his hometown, Aberdeen, Washington....
(founding member) - lead guitar (1980–1988, 1998–2009) - Ronny MunroeRonny MunroeRonny Munroe is an American heavy metal singer, most noted as the lead vocalist of the heavy metal band Metal Church until the band broke up on July 7, 2009. He joined in 2004, replacing David Wayne and Mike Howe. He also had brief stints as the vocalist for Brutal Godz and Lillian Axe. He was...
- vocals (2004–2009) - Steve Unger - bass (2004–2009)
- Jeff PlateJeff PlateJeff Plate is a professional drummer and percussionist. He currently plays with the progressive rock group Trans-Siberian Orchestra and with thrash metal band Metal Church until their 2009 disbanding, although he is most remembered for his drumming for the band, Savatage on their albums since...
- drums (2006–2009) - Rick Van Zandt - rhythm guitar (2008–2009)
Former members
Vocals- Ed Bull (1980–1981)
- Mike Murphy (1981)
- David Wayne (1982–1988, 1998–2001)
- Mike HoweMike HoweMike Howe is an American heavy metal singer from Taylor, Michigan. From 1988 until 1994 Howe was the lead singer for the heavy metal band Metal Church, replacing David Wayne. After Howe joined Metal Church the riffing became heavier and the subject matter deeper...
(1988–1994) - William McKay (2001–2003)
Guitar
- Rick Condrin (1980)
- Craig Wells (1982–1994)
- Mark Baker (1986)
- John MarshallJohn Marshall (guitarist)John Marshall is a former guitarist for the thrash metal band Metal Church . Before joining the band in 1989, he was the guitar tech for Metallica's lead guitarist Kirk Hammett...
(1988–2001) - Jay Reynolds (2001–2008)
Bass
- Steve Hott (1981)
- Duke Erickson (1982–2001)
Drums
- Rick Wagner (1980)
- Aaron Zimpel (1980)
- Carl Sacco (1981)
- Kirk Arrington (1982–2006)
Studio albums
- Metal Church (1984)
- The Dark (1986)
- Blessing in DisguiseBlessing in Disguise (Metal Church album)Blessing in Disguise is the third studio album by American heavy metal band Metal Church, released as a vinyl LP in the summer of 1989; a CD release followed in 1990....
(1989) - The Human FactorThe Human Factor (album)The Human Factor is the fourth album by Metal Church, released in 1991 .-Track listing:-Personnel:*Mike Howe - vocals*John Marshall - guitar*Craig Wells - guitar*Duke Erickson - bass guitar*Kirk Arrington - drums...
(1991) - Hanging in the BalanceHanging in the Balance-Bonus track :-Bonus tracks :-Personnel:*Mike Howe - vocals*John Marshall - guitar*Craig Wells - guitar*Duke Erickson - bass guitar*Kirk Arrington - drums...
(1993) - MasterpeaceMasterpeaceMasterpeace is the sixth album of heavy metal band Metal Church. This album features the return of David Wayne, absent since The Dark. All original members recorded on Masterpeace except guitarist Craig Wells and drummer Kirk Arrington. Jeff Wade filled in for Arrington...
(1999) - The Weight of the World (2004)
- A Light in the Dark (2006)
- This Present WastelandThis Present WastelandThis Present Wasteland is the ninth and final studio album by heavy metal band Metal Church. The album was released September 26, 2008 in Europe. This is the only Metal Church album to feature guitarist Rick Van Zandt....
(2008)