METAL CHURCH - BLESSING IN DISGUISE 12" Vinyl LP Album

- Incl. Lyrics Sheet

    "Blessing in Disguise" is the third studio album by American heavy metal band"Metal Church" and was their final record release on the Elektra label in the summer of 1989. is the third studio album by American heavy metal band "Metal Church" and was their final record release on the Elektra label in the summer of 1989. It was the band's final release on the Elektra label. Much to the dismay of some Metal Church fans, this was the first album not to feature the vocals of David Wayne, due to his departure to form the band Reverend. This release featured new vocalist Mike Howe (ex-Heretic) and guitarist John Marshall, who took over Kurdt Vanderhoof's position. Kurdt Vanderhoof had produced Heretic's final album Breaking Point previously. It seems that is how Mike Howe came to the attention of Metal Church. Ironically, David Wayne's new project was made up of the remaining members of Heretic

 

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Metal Church - Blessing in Disguise: The Metal Church Strikes Back, With a New Voice and a Vengeance
Album Description:

1989. The year Metal Church unleashed "Blessing in Disguise" upon an unsuspecting world. Thrash was king, hair metal was teetering on the edge of extinction, and grunge was still a glint in Kurt Cobain's eye. Amidst this musical upheaval, Metal Church, the unsung heroes of American heavy metal, returned with a new vocalist and a renewed sense of purpose. This wasn't just another album; it was a statement, a declaration that they weren't going down without a fight.

Produced by the legendary Terry Date (the man behind Pantera's sonic assault), "Blessing in Disguise" was recorded at the equally legendary London Bridge Studios in Seattle. The album's title track, a blistering indictment of religious hypocrisy, set the tone for what was to come - a relentless onslaught of razor-sharp riffs, thunderous drums, and soaring vocals courtesy of new frontman Mike Howe.

Howe, who replaced original vocalist David Wayne, brought a fresh energy to the band. His powerful voice, combined with the band's signature blend of thrash and traditional metal, created a sound that was both familiar and exhilarating. Songs like "Fake Healer" and "Rest in Pieces" showcased the band's ability to craft anthems that were both catchy and complex, while "Badlands" and "The Spell" delved into darker, more introspective territory.

"Blessing in Disguise" wasn't without its controversies. The album's cover art, depicting a priest holding a gun to his head, drew criticism from religious groups. But Metal Church, never ones to shy away from a challenge, stood their ground, defending their right to artistic expression.

The album's production was nothing short of stellar. Date's expertise, combined with the sonic capabilities of London Bridge Studios, resulted in a sound that was both raw and polished. The guitars roared, the drums thundered, and Howe's vocals soared above the mix, creating a sonic landscape that was both brutal and beautiful.

In a year filled with musical landmarks, "Blessing in Disguise" stood out as a beacon of integrity and passion. Metal Church, with their new vocalist and their unwavering commitment to their craft, delivered an album that was both a celebration of their past and a bold statement about their future. This wasn't just a blessing in disguise; it was a triumph, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the spirit of heavy metal will always endure.

Music Genre: 

Heavy Metal 

Album Production Information:

The album: "METAL CHURCH - Blessing in Disguise" was produced by: Terry Date

Terry Date is an American Music producer and sound recording engineer, specializing in the rock genres, specially heavy metal.

He was born on 10 November 1954, and grew up in the Pacific Northwest. Date began his musical career in the 1970s as a recording engineer, working on albums by a number of well-known artists in the rock and heavy metal scenes.

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He is known for his distinctive production style, which combines powerful, heavy guitar sounds with dynamic, punchy drums and clear, clean vocals. Date has been recognized as an influential figure in the heavy metal and hard rock communities, and his work has been widely praised for its impact on the sound of modern metal music.

He is well known for his work with Overkill , Metal Church , Slipknot, Pantera, Soulfly, White Zombie, Deftones, Dark Angel , Dream Theater, Slayer , Soundgarden and Limp Bizkit.

Record Label: 

Elektra 960 817

Record Format: 

12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram  

Year and Country 

1988 Made in EEC
Band Members and Musicians on: METAL CHURCH - Blessing in Disguise
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Guitars: John Marshall, Craig Wells

    Craig Wells an American guitarist best known for his work with the heavy metal band Metal Church. He was born on 7 May 1962, and grew up in the Pacific Northwest. Wells joined Metal Church in 1984 and played on several of the band's early albums, including "Metal Church" (1984) and "The Dark" (1986). He was known for his aggressive and energetic playing style, which was a key part of Metal Church's sound during his time with the band.

    Wells left Metal Church in 1986 due to creative differences, but continued to play music and work with other artists throughout his career. He is remembered as an influential figure in the heavy metal community and a talented guitarist.

  • Drums: Kirk Arrington

    Kirk Arrington was an American drummer with the heavy metal band Metal Church. He was born on 19 February 1963, and grew up in the Pacific Northwest. Arrington joined Metal Church in 1986 and played on several of the band's most well-known albums, including "The Dark" (1986), "Blessing in Disguise" (1989), and "The Human Factor" (1991). He was known for his powerful and aggressive drumming style, which was a key part of Metal Church's sound during his time with the band.

    >  Arrington left Metal Church in 1994 due to health issues, but returned to the band for a brief period in the late 1990s. He continued to play music and worked with other artists throughout his career. Arrington died on April 19, 2013, at the age of 50. He is remembered as an influential figure in the heavy metal community and a talented drummer.

  • Bass: Duke Erickson

    Duke Erickson an American bassist best known for his work with the heavy metal band Metal Church. He was born on 5 June 1956, and grew up in the Pacific Northwest. Erickson joined Metal Church in 1986 and played on several of the band's well-known albums, including "The Dark" (1986), "Blessing in Disguise" (1989), and "The Human Factor" (1991). He was known for his solid and dependable bass playing, which was a key part of Metal Church's sound during his time with the band.

    Erickson left Metal Church in 1994, but continued to play music and work with other artists throughout his career. He has been recognized as an influential figure in the heavy metal community and a talented bassist. Erickson has also worked as a producer and engineer on several musical projects.

  • Vocals: Mike Howe
Complete Track Listing of: "METAL CHURCH - Blessing in Disguise"

The Songs/tracks on "METAL CHURCH - Blessing in Disguise" are

  1. Fake Healer - 5:55
  2. Rest in Pieces (April 15, 1912) - 6:38
  3. Of Unsound Mind (Marshall, Craig, Wells) Based on Edgar Allan Poe's Tell-Tale Heart - 4:44
  4. Anthem to the Estranged - 9:31
  5. Badlands (Howe, Vanderhoof, Wells) - 7:21
  6. The Spell Can't Be Broken (Marshall, Vanderhoof, Wells) - 6:46
  7. It's a Secret (Wells) - 3:47
  8. Cannot Tell a Lie (Marshall, Vanderhoof, Wells) - 4:17
  9. The Powers That Be - 5:22
Album cover photos of : METAL CHURCH - Blessing in Disguise
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