Metal Church is a metal band that was formed in Seattle, Washington in 1980. The band has had a long and successful career, with over ten studio albums and numerous live recordings. Their music is characterized by heavy guitar riffs, soaring vocals, and powerful drumming, and they have been cited as an influence on many other metal bands.
Early Years:
The band was formed by guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof and drummer Kirk Arrington, who were joined by vocalist David Wayne, bassist Duke Erickson, and guitarist Craig Wells. They quickly gained a local following and signed a record deal with Elektra Records. Their self-titled debut album was released in 1984, and was followed by "The Dark" in 1986.
Commercial Success:
The band achieved its greatest commercial success with the album "Blessing in Disguise" in 1989. This album featured new vocalist Mike Howe, who brought a new energy to the band. The album spawned the hit single "Badlands", and helped the band gain a wider audience. The follow-up album, "The Human Factor", was released in 1991 and also achieved commercial success.
Reunions:
The band went through a number of lineup changes over the years, with various members leaving and returning. David Wayne rejoined the band in the late 1990s, and they released several albums with him on vocals. However, Wayne passed away in 2005, and the band recruited Ronny Munroe as their new vocalist. They released several more albums with Munroe before he left the band in 2014.
In 2016, Mike Howe returned to the band and they released the album "XI". This album received critical acclaim and helped re-establish the band as a force in the metal world. The band has continued to tour and record new music, with their most recent album "From the Vault" being released in 2020.
Influence:
Metal Church has been cited as an influence on many other metal bands, including Megadeth and Metallica. Their music has been praised for its powerful riffs and memorable melodies, and their lyrics often address social and political issues.
