Metal Church's "The Dark" is a raw, uncompromising middle finger to the hairspray-soaked 80s metal scene. It's heavy, it's brooding, and it refuses to be categorized #vinylrecords

Metal Church - The Dark: A Blast from the Past

Album Description:

Historical Context and Musical Exploration

The mid-80s were a weird time for heavy metal. Hairspray and spandex were all the rage, and the scene was getting increasingly commercialized. Amidst all this, bands like Metal Church were fighting the good fight, staying true to their roots while pushing the boundaries of the genre. "The Dark" is a testament to this struggle, a raw and uncompromising record that refused to bow to the mainstream.

Musically, the album is a powerhouse. Metal Church had already established their signature sound on their debut, but "The Dark" took things to the next level. The riffs are heavier, the vocals more aggressive, and the songwriting more mature. It's a dark and brooding record, both musically and lyrically.

Genre and Controversies

Metal Church has always been hard to categorize. They're not quite thrash, not quite power metal, but they have elements of both. "The Dark" perfectly encapsulates this ambiguity. It's a heavy metal album through and through, but it's also a unique and distinctive record that defies easy categorization.

The album's title track caused a bit of a stir upon its release. The song's lyrics dealt with suicide, a taboo subject at the time. Some radio stations refused to play it, and the band faced criticism from certain quarters. But Metal Church stood their ground, refusing to censor their art.

Production Team and Recording Studio

"The Dark" was produced by Terry Date, who would go on to work with bands like Pantera and Soundgarden. Date's production is clean and powerful, perfectly capturing the band's energy and intensity.

The album was recorded at Triad Studios in Redmond, Washington. The studio's acoustics and equipment contributed to the album's massive sound.

Conclusion

"The Dark" is a landmark album in the history of heavy metal. It's a raw, powerful, and uncompromising record that still sounds fresh today. Metal Church may not be a household name, but they've earned their place in the pantheon of metal gods.

Music Genre:

Heavy Metal / Thrash Metal

Album Production Information:

The album: "METAL CHURCH - The Dark" was produced by: Mark Dodson

Mark Dodson is a British record producer and sound engineer, who mostly works with artists in the heavy metal genre. He is best known for producing albums by Anthrax and Suicidal Tendencies, as well as working with dozens of other bands.

Terry Date - Sound Engineer, Producer

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.

more...

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.

Bob Defrin - Art Direction

Bob Defrin, a prominent figure in the world of graphic design and album cover art, is best known for his significant contributions as the director, graphic designer, and head of art for Atlantic Records. Born on April 13, 1946, Defrin's creative journey began in Brooklyn, New York, where he developed a passion for art from an early age.

more...

Defrin's career in the music industry took off in the 1980s, a pivotal era for Heavy Metal music. His unique artistic vision and ability to capture the essence of a band's sound through visual imagery made him a sought-after figure among musicians and record labels. As a director and graphic designer at Atlantic Records, Defrin played a pivotal role in shaping the visual identities of numerous Heavy Metal bands during this period.

One of Defrin's notable accomplishments was his work on album covers. He understood the power of album artwork in conveying the spirit and energy of a band's music. Defrin's ability to translate the raw power and intensity of Heavy Metal into captivating visuals earned him widespread recognition and accolades. His designs often featured bold, eye-catching imagery, intricate details, and striking typography, perfectly complementing the music within.

Defrin's portfolio boasts an impressive array of iconic album covers. Among his most renowned works are the covers for AC/DC's "Highway to Hell" (1979), "Back in Black" (1980), and "For Those About to Rock We Salute You" (1981). These covers captured the band's energy, attitude, and electrifying sound, becoming iconic symbols of Heavy Metal culture.

Additionally, Defrin's artistic contributions extended beyond AC/DC. He collaborated with numerous other influential bands, including Twisted Sister, Bon Jovi, Krokus, and Skid Row, among others. Each album cover he designed encapsulated the essence of the respective band's music, making a lasting impact on the visual landscape of Heavy Metal.

Bob Defrin's expertise in graphic design and his ability to understand and interpret the musical vision of Heavy Metal bands made him an invaluable asset to Atlantic Records. He left an indelible mark on the music industry, helping to shape the visual identities of some of the most influential Heavy Metal acts of the 1980s.

Beyond his work with Atlantic Records, Defrin's influence continued to resonate in the field of graphic design. His unique style and contributions left a lasting impression on album cover art, inspiring generations of designers to think creatively and push the boundaries of visual storytelling.

Bob Defrin's legacy as a director, graphic designer, and head of art for Atlantic Records endures as a testament to his immense talent and profound impact on the Heavy Metal genre. His ability to merge music and visual artistry has forever left an indelible mark on the history of album cover design.

Don Brautigam - Album artwork

Don Brautigam, a renowned American painter and graphic artist, emerged as a true icon in the world of album cover art during the 1980s. Born on 12 July 1950, in a small town in Wisconsin, Brautigam's passion for art ignited at an early age. Growing up, he found solace and inspiration in the works of the great masters, studying their techniques and envisioning a future where he would leave his own indelible mark on the art world.

Learn more...

Education played a crucial role in shaping Brautigam's artistic prowess. He attended the prestigious School of Visual Arts in New York City, where he honed his skills and developed a unique style that seamlessly blended realism with vivid imagination. Immersed in the bustling artistic scene of the city, he drew inspiration from various sources, including contemporary art movements and the thriving music industry.

In the late 1970s, Brautigam's talent caught the attention of record labels seeking captivating artwork for their album covers. It was during this period that he embarked on a remarkable journey that would define his career and solidify his status as one of the most sought-after album cover artists of his time.

Brautigam's breakthrough came when he was approached by renowned heavy metal band Anthrax to create the cover art for their debut album, "Fistful of Metal" . The collaboration proved to be a tremendous success, and Brautigam's distinct style resonated with both the band and its fans. His ability to capture the essence of the music and translate it into visually striking images made him a natural choice for other heavy metal acts.

Throughout the 1980s, Brautigam painted over 3000 book and record cover works, leaving an indelible mark on the visual landscape of the era. His iconic album covers became synonymous with the rise of heavy metal music and captured the rebellious and edgy spirit of the genre. Bands such as Axe , Metallica , Motley Crue , and Vicious Rumors sought out his talent, entrusting him with the task of translating their music into captivating visual narratives.

Brautigam's ability to infuse his paintings with energy and emotion, while maintaining a strong sense of realism, set him apart from his contemporaries. His covers featured intricate details, vibrant colors, and powerful compositions that perfectly complemented the intensity of the music within.

Beyond the world of heavy metal, Brautigam's artistic range extended to various other genres, including rock, punk, and even classical music. He worked with an array of artists and bands, each collaboration an opportunity to explore new artistic directions and push the boundaries of his own creativity.

In addition to his album cover work, Brautigam also ventured into other artistic endeavors. He created intricate and thought-provoking illustrations for magazines, book covers, and promotional materials. His ability to capture the essence of a story or concept through a single image made him a highly sought-after illustrator in the publishing industry.

Brautigam's career spanned 35 years, during which he continued to evolve as an artist while staying true to his distinctive style. His work not only left an indelible impact on the music industry but also inspired a generation of artists who followed in his footsteps.

Today, Don Brautigam's legacy lives on through his iconic album covers and his continued influence on the world of art and design. His ability to fuse music and visual art, capturing the essence of a sound through a single image, remains unparalleled. Brautigam's contributions to the art world solidify his place as a true master painter and graphic artist, forever remembered for his unparalleled creativity and unwavering passion for his craft.

Record Label & Catalog-nr:

Elektra 960 493

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record

Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram

Year & Country:

1986 Made in Germany

Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: METAL CHURCH - The Dark

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: Guitars
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: Guitars
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.