METAL CHURCH - S/T SELF-TITLED 12" Vinyl LP Album

- ELEKTRA Records Release

This album "METAL CHURCH - S/T self-titled Elektra" is the self-titled debut album. Released in 1984, this album and its successor, 1986's The Dark, are considered metal classics. The cover art depicts a cruciform Gibson Explorer hidden in shadows and smoke.

On this album "Metal Church" performs a fantastic cover of the song "Highway Star" (Deep Purple)

large album front cover photo of: Metal Church
Metal Church's Self-Titled Debut: A Bolt from the Blue in the Heavy Metal Thunderstorm
Album Description:

In the eye of the heavy metal hurricane that was the mid-1980s, amidst the spandex, hairspray, and pyrotechnics, a band from the Pacific Northwest emerged with a sound that was as raw and powerful as a bolt of lightning. Metal Church's self-titled debut album, released in 1984 on Elektra Records, was a thunderclap that shook the foundations of the genre, a primal scream that announced the arrival of a new force in heavy metal.

The album was recorded at the legendary Triad Studios in Redmond, Washington, with producer Terry Date, who would later go on to work with bands like Pantera, Soundgarden, and Deftones. Date's production was raw and unpolished, capturing the band's live energy and intensity. The album's sound was a mix of classic heavy metal, thrash metal, and punk rock, with influences ranging from Black Sabbath and Judas Priest to Motörhead and The Ramones.

Metal Church's lineup at the time consisted of vocalist David Wayne, guitarists Kurdt Vanderhoof and Craig Wells, bassist Duke Erickson, and drummer Kirk Arrington. Wayne's vocals were a force of nature, a banshee wail that could pierce through the heaviest riffs. Vanderhoof and Wells' guitar work was a whirlwind of power chords, intricate solos, and lightning-fast picking. Erickson's bass lines were a solid foundation, while Arrington's drumming was a relentless assault.

The album's opening track, "Beyond the Black," is a classic heavy metal anthem, with a galloping riff, a soaring chorus, and a blistering guitar solo. Other standout tracks include the thrashing "Metal Church," the epic "Gods of Wrath," and the anthemic "Hitman." The album's lyrics explored themes of social commentary, personal struggles, and the dark side of human nature.

Metal Church's self-titled debut was a critical and commercial success, establishing the band as one of the leading lights of the emerging thrash metal scene. The album's raw power, intensity, and emotional depth resonated with fans around the world, and it remains a landmark album in the history of heavy metal.

While the album didn't stir up any major controversies, it did face some criticism for its raw production and Wayne's unconventional vocal style. Some critics found the production to be too unpolished, while others found Wayne's vocals to be too abrasive. However, these criticisms were ultimately overshadowed by the album's undeniable power and intensity.

Metal Church's self-titled debut is a testament to the band's raw talent, passion, and commitment to their craft. It's an album that captures the essence of heavy metal, a primal scream that continues to resonate with fans decades after its release. It's a reminder that heavy metal is more than just music; it's a way of life, a rebellion against the mundane, a celebration of the power of the human spirit.

The album: "METAL CHURCH - S/T self-titled Elektra" was produced by: Metal Church and Terry Date

Music Genre:
 80s Thrash Metal 

Album Production Information:

Terry Date is a renowned American music producer and sound engineer known for shaping the sonic identity of heavy metal and rock. His work with Pantera, Soundgarden, Deftones, and White Zombie set new production standards, blending crushing heaviness with clarity. His influential career spans decades, leaving a lasting impact on modern metal. Read more .

Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Terry Date

This album was recorded at: Steve Lawson Productions Seattle

Logo design: Kurdt Vanderhoof

Album cover photography: Saulius Pempe, Castor and Pollux Studio, Seattle

Record Company / Catalog number / Label:
  Elektra 960471

Record Format:

12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record

Total Album (Cover+Record) Weight: 230 gram
Year & Country: 

1984 Made in Germany

Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: METAL CHURCH S/T SELF-TITLED ELEKTRA
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • David Wayne - Vocals

      David Wayne was an American singer and songwriter best known as the original lead vocalist for the heavy metal band Metal Church. He was born on March 2, 1955, in Salt Lake City, Utah, and grew up in the Pacific Northwest. Wayne started his musical career in the late 1970s, playing in various local bands before forming Metal Church in 1980. He provided lead vocals for the band's first two albums, "Metal Church" (1984) and "The Dark" (1986), which are considered classic examples of the thrash metal genre.

      Wayne left Metal Church in 1987 due to creative differences and formed his own band, Reverend, which released several albums throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s. He also worked as a session musician and collaborated with other artists in the heavy metal scene. Wayne died on May 10, 2005, at the age of 50, due to complications from a car accident. He is remembered as an influential figure in the heavy metal community and a pioneer of the thrash metal genre.

  • Kurdt Vanderhoof- Guitar

      Kurdt Vanderhoof an American guitarist, songwriter, and producer, founder and guitarist of the heavy metal band Metal Church. He was born on 9 June 1961, in San Francisco, California, and grew up in the Pacific Northwest. Vanderhoof started his musical career in the early 1980s, playing in various local bands before forming Metal Church in 1980. He has been the main songwriter and guitarist for the band throughout their career, and his distinctive playing style, characterized by powerful riffs and intricate solos, has been a key part of Metal Church's sound.

     Vanderhoof has been the only constant member of Metal Church throughout the band's history, and has also worked as a producer and engineer on several of their albums. He has also collaborated with other artists in the heavy metal scene and has been recognized as an influential figure in the genre. Metal Church continues to tour and record music, and Vanderhoof remains an active member of the band to this day.

  • Kirk Arrington - Drums

      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.

  • Craig Wells - Guitar

      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.

  • Duke Erickson - Bass

      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.

Complete Track-listing of the album "METAL CHURCH S/T SELF-TITLED ELEKTRA"

The detailed tracklist of this record "METAL CHURCH S/T SELF-TITLED ELEKTRA" is:

    Track-listing :
  1. Beyond the Black - 6:20
  2. Metal Church - 5:03
  3. Merciless Onslaught - 2:55
  4. Gods of Wrath - 6:41
  5. Hitman - 4:36
  6. In the Blood - 3:31
  7. (My Favorite) Nightmare - 3:11
  8. Battalions - 4:55
  9. Highway Star - 4:37

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High Resolution Photo #10 Metal Church - Self-Titled

 Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).

Album Back Cover  Photo of "METAL CHURCH S/T SELF-TITLED ELEKTRA"
High Resolution Photo #11 Metal Church - Self-Titled  
Photo of "METAL CHURCH S/T SELF-TITLED ELEKTRA" 12" LP Record Label - Side One:
High Resolution Photo #12 Metal Church - Self-Titled  
Photo of "METAL CHURCH S/T SELF-TITLED ELEKTRA" 12" LP Record Label - Side Two:
High Resolution Photo #13 Metal Church - Self-Titled  

 

Spinning Through Time: The Ultimate Collection of Metal Church's Vinyl LPs in a Comprehensive Discography

METAL CHURCH - Blessing in Disguise ( Elektra )

Thumbnail of METAL CHURCH - Blessing in Disguise 12" Vinyl LP album front cover

Elektra 960 817 , 1988 , EEC

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

Blessing in Disguise ( Elektra ) 12" Vinyl LP

METAL CHURCH - The Dark (German & USA Releases)

Thumbnail of METAL CHURCH - The Dark ( Germany ) 12" Vinyl LP album front cover

Elektra 960 493 , 1986 , Germany

Metal Church's "The Dark" is a relentless sonic assault, a testament to the band's evolution into a heavier, more aggressive sound. Released in 1986, it features the powerhouse vocals of David Wayne and the twin guitar attack of Kurdt Vanderhoof and John Marshall.

The Dark (German Release) The Dark (USA Release)

METAL CHURCH - S/T self-titled (Elektra Records)

Thumbnail of METAL CHURCH - S/T self-titled ( Elektra ) 12" Vinyl LP album front cover

  Elektra 960471 , 1984 , Germany

Metal Church's self-titled debut is a raw, unadulterated blast of heavy metal thunder. It blends classic metal riffs, thrashing energy, and a touch of punk attitude. Songs like "Beyond the Black" and "Gods of Wrath" showcase the band's power and intensity, while David Wayne's vocals are a force of nature.

METAL CHURCH Self-Titled (German Release Elektra) METAL CHURCH Self-Titled (German Release Steamhammer) METAL CHURCH Self-Titled (Canadian Release Banzai)