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Metal Church

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Biography

about|heavy metal band|their self-titled album|Metal Church (Metal Church album)|the album by Wayne|Metal Church (Wayne album)Infobox musical artist| name = Metal Church| image = Kurdt Vanderhoof and Jay.jpg|200px|thumb| caption = Metal Church guitarists Jay Reynolds (left) and Kurdt Vanderhoof (right).| image_size =| background = group_or_band| alias = Shrapnel| origin = San Francisco , California , United States| genre = Heavy metal music|Heavy metal , thrash metal , speed metal , power metal | years_active = 1980–1994, 1998–2009| label = Ground Zero (record label)|Ground Zero , Elektra Records|Elektra , I.R.S. Records|I.R.S. , Epic Records|Epic , SPV GmbH|SPV , Nuclear Blast , Mercury Records|Mercury | associated_acts = Hall Aflame, Presto Ballet , Vanderhoof, Reverend (band)|Reverend , Wayne (band)|Wayne , Heretic (band)|Heretic | website = URL| http://www.metalchurchmusic.com| current_members =| past_members = Kurdt Vanderhoof
William McKay
Rick Condrin
Steve Hott
Rick Wagner
Ed Bull
Aaron Zimpel
Carl Sacco
Craig Wells
Duke Erickson
Tom Weber
Mike Murphy
Kirk Arrington
David Wayne (singer)|David Wayne
Mark Baker
John Marshall (guitarist)|John Marshall
Mike Howe
Brian Lake
Jeff Wade
Jay Reynolds
Ronny Munroe
Steve Unger
Jeff Plate
Rick Van Zandt Metal Church was an United States|American heavy metal music|heavy metal band. They originally formed in San Francisco , California in 1980 before relocating to Aberdeen , Washington (state)|Washington the following year and briefly using the name Shrapnel. Their Metal Church (Metal Church album)|eponymous first album was released in 1984, and their final, This Present Wasteland , in 2008.cite web|url= http://www.metalchurchmusic.com |title=band history page, Metal Church, 2007 |publisher=Metalchurchmusic.com |date=2009-07-08 |accessdate=2011-10-24

The band is credited as a formative influence on the thrash metal sub-genre, melding the aesthetics of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal and American heavy metal behind "incredibly tight musicianship" and "piercingly screeched" vocals.cite web|url= http://www.allmusic.com/album/metal-church-r12982/review|title= Metal Church – Metal Church|publisher= All Music |date=2012-2-6cite web|url= http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,314057,00.html|title= The Human Factor Review | Music Reviews|publisher= Entertainment Weekly |date=2012-2-6 Early lyrical topics such as conflict and paranoia later expanded into philosophical and social commentary.

Founding guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof remained the group's sole consistent creative force throughout its career, despite reducing his role strictly to composition in 1986 after tiring of touring. Vanderhoof, vocalist David Wayne (singer)|David Wayne , guitarist Craig Wells, bassist Duke Erickson, and drummer Kirk Arrington composed the group's classic lineup featured on its first two records, while vocalist Mike Howe and guitarist John Marshall (guitarist)|John Marshall later contributed to the group's sound. After releasing five full-length albums and touring extensively throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Metal Church disbanded in 1994. They reformed four years later with their classic lineup, including Vanderhoof's return to performance, yielding the Masterpeace album. They endured numerous lineup changes thereafter, releasing three further studio albums while fronted by Ronny Munroe before again disbanding in July 2009.

Biography


Formative years (1980–1984)


Then based in San Francisco, Kurdt Vanderhoof formed the band in 1980 with various musicians, including a brief audition with future Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich .cite web|url= http://www.maelstrom.nu/ezine/review_iss65_4993.php? page_rs=8& sid=aaaa7c6d6c489e7f67919011ea1a1c4e& osCsid=aaaa7c6d6c489e7f67919011ea1a1c4e|title=Album Review METAL CHURCH - This Present Wasteland|publisher=Maelstrom|issue=65|accessdate=2012-4-29 The three-song, instrumental Red Skies demo appeared in 1981, featuring Vanderhoof, guitarist Rick Condrin, bassist Steve Hott, and drummer Aaron Zimpel.

Vanderhoof returned to his hometown of Aberdeen in 1981 and began the new group Shrapnel with Craig Wells, Duke Erickson, drummer Tom Weber, and vocalist Mike Murphy. Murphy departed before their next demo, which was recorded without vocals, and Weber departed shortly thereafter. The enlistment of Kirk Arrington and David Wayne (singer)|David Wayne completed the group's classic lineup. They released the demo Four Hymns and spent following years touring and accruing material, readopting the Metal Church moniker in 1983.

First two records; commercial success (1984–1988)


In 1984, they released their Metal Church (Metal Church album)|self-titled debut album , which included three songs from the Four Hymns demo and a cover of Deep Purple 's " Highway Star (song)|Highway Star ". They sold 70,000 copies of the album independently before signing to Elektra Records|Elektra .cn|date=February 2012 According to Wayne, Ulrich and Metallica band mate James Hetfield urged Elektra to sign the band before another label did.cite web|url= http://www.metalupdate.com/interviewwayne.html |title=www.metalupdate.com, interview with David Wayne, 2001 |publisher=Metalupdate.com |date= |accessdate=2010-09-11

By the time Metal Church released their second studio album, The Dark (Metal Church 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, "Watch the Children Pray", received frequent airplay on MTV . Shortly after the album's release, however, they were plagued by lineup changes: Vanderhoof ceased performing with the group in 1986, to be replaced briefly by Mark Baker and more extensively by John Marshall (guitarist)|John Marshall . Vanderhoof nonetheless continued to work with the group in composing thereafter, co-writing their subsequent material.

Further albums; first breakup (1988–1994)


In 1988, the band replaced Wayne with former Heretic (band)|Heretic singer Mike Howe and released their third studio album, Blessing in Disguise (Metal Church album)|Blessing In Disguise , the following year. Critics responded favorably, including some assertions that the record was the group's strongest effort.cite web|url= http://www.allmusic.com/album/blessing-in-disguise-r12983|title= Blessing in Disguise – Metal Church|publisher= All Music |date=2012-2-6 Ironically, after being replaced by Heretic's former singer, Wayne recruited the remaining members of Heretic to form Reverend (band)|Reverend .

After further touring, Metal Church released its fourth studio album, The Human Factor (album)|The Human Factor , via Epic Records in 1991. Critics applauded the group for transitioning to a major label and successfully retaining the vitality of their sound,cite web|url= http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-human-factor-r12980|title= The Human Factor – Metal Church|publisher= All Music |date=2012-2-6 while also releasing a record with conceptual accessibility beyond the heavy metal genre. Vanderhoof formed the short-lived group Hall Aflame, who released Guaranteed Forever through I.R.S. Records later that year.

Metal Church followed with their fifth studio album, 1993's Hanging in the Balance on Mercury Records , but disbanded the following year, later citing management problems and poor record sales as factors.cite web|url= http://www.metal-rules.com/interviews/vanderhoof.htm|title=Metal Rules!& #33; Interview with Kurdt Vanderhoof|publisher= http://www.metal-rules.com Metal-Rules.com|date=2012-2-6 Vanderhoof formed an eponymous new group, Vanderhoof, along with Arrington. They released their self-titled debut album in 1997.

Reunion of classic lineup; Masterpeace (1998–2001)


The members of Metal Church began compiling their first live album in 1998, Live (Metal Church album)|Live , which featured songs from their first two records performed by their classic lineup. During the production of Live , Wayne, Vanderhoof, Wells, Arrington, and Erickson decided to reform the band and began work on a new studio album. Wells was forced to depart the band due to familial obligations, however, and was replaced by the returning Marshall.

The resulting Masterpeace album was released in 1999 on Nuclear Blast Records . Critics responded positively, hailing it as a focused product that increased the energy over previous releases, despite its ultimately failing to break new ground.cite web|url= http://www.allmusic.com/album/masterpeace-r422753|title= Masterpeace – Metal Church|publisher= All Music |date=2012-2-6 Arrington and Erickson were unable to tour behind the record, so the band enlisted Vanderhoof bassist Brian Lake and drummer Jeff Wade for live performances later that year.

Wayne expressed regret regarding the record, which influenced his musical output that followed. He again departed in 2001 due to personal and creative differences, forming the group Wayne (band)|Wayne with Wells and releasing the curiously-titled debut album Metal Church (Wayne album)|Metal Church thereafter. Vanderhoof objected to the album's name and cover art; according to Wayne, the purpose of the album's name was to alert the audience of his involvement. Erickson and Marshall also ceased involvement with Metal Church after Wayne's departure.

Later activity (2004–2009)


Vanderhoof's eponymous band released A Blur in Time in 2002, and he began working on new material for Metal Church's next album thereafter. In 2004, he and Arrington recruited singer Ronny Munroe , ex- Malice (metal band)|Malice guitarist Jay Reynolds, and bassist Steve Unger to form a new lineup of Metal Church. They released the band's seventh studio album later that year, The Weight of the World (Metal Church album)|The Weight of the World . Critics generally received the record with a lukewarm response, recognizing its accomplishments while noting its lack of consistency and innovation.cite web|url= http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-weight-of-the-world-r711947/review|title= The Weight of the World – Metal Church|publisher= All Music |date=2012-2-6

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, 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 .cite web|url= http://www.metalreview.com |title=Interview with Kurdt Vanderhoof, 2006 |publisher=Metalreview.com |date= |accessdate=2011-10-24 Later that year, the band released their eighth studio album, A Light in the Dark , which featured a re-recording of "Watch the Children Pray" as a tribute to Wayne. Vanderhoof said that the tribute was a way of showing fans that he harbored no ill will towards Wayne despite the contentious situation that existed between them before Wayne's death.cite web|url= http://www.metal-rules.com/zine/content/view/600/1/ |title=www.metal-rules.com, interview with Kurdt Vanderhoof, 2006 |publisher=Metal-rules.com |date=2006-07-27 |accessdate=2010-09-11

Reynolds left the group in 2008 and was replaced by Rick Van Zandt.cite web|url= http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx? mode=Article& newsitemID=95066 |title=Blabbermouth.net news article April 16th, 2008 |publisher=Roadrunnerrecords.com |date= |accessdate=2010-09-11 The band's ninth and final studio album, This Present Wasteland , followed in 2008, which was hailed generally as an effective release consistent with their previous accomplishments. After subsequent touring, the band took a hiatus from performing due to Vanderhoof's back problems. They nonetheless continued studio work, while Munroe and Vanderhoof also completed the former's solo album.cite web|url= http://www.metalchurchmusic.com |title=A message from the band.., October 27, 2008 |publisher=Metalchurchmusic.com |date=2009-07-08 |accessdate=2011-10-24

After Vanderhoof's health improved, they returned to performing and composing new material. On July 7, 2009, however, the group announced unexpectedly that they were disbanding following a final performance at Rocklahoma two days later, cancelling numerous further live dates. They cited industry frustrations as a major factor influencing the decision. Several former members remained musically active, including Munroe and Vanderhoof in Presto Ballet cite web|url= http://legacy.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx? mode=Article& newsitemID=141358|title=Former METAL CHURCH Singer Ronnie Monroe Comments On His New PRESTO BALLET Gig|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|accessdate=2012-4-29|date=June 10, 2012 and Plate in Machines of Grace .

Members


col-begincol-2;Vocals
  • William McKay (1980)

  • Ed Bull (1980)

  • Mike Murphy (1981)

  • David Wayne (musician)|David Wayne (1981–1988, 1998–2001)

  • Mike Howe (1988–1994)

  • Ronny Munroe (2004–2009)


    • ;Guitar
  • Kurdt Vanderhoof (1980–1986, 1998–2009); co-composition (1986–1994)

  • Rick Condrin (1980)

  • Craig Wells (1981–1994, 1998)

  • Mark Baker (1986)

  • John Marshall (guitarist)|John Marshall (1986–1994, 1998–2001)

  • Jay Reynolds (2004–2008)

  • Rick Van Zandt (2008–2009)


    • col-2;Bass
  • Steve Hott (1980)

  • Duke Erickson (1981–1994, 1998–1999, 2000–2001)

  • Brian Lake (1999)

  • Steve Unger (2004–2009)


    • ;Drums
  • Rick Wagner (1980)

  • Aaron Zimpel (1980)

  • Carl Sacco (1980)

  • Tom Weber (1981)

  • Kirk Arrington (1981–1994, 1998–1999, 2000–2006)

  • Jeff Wade (1999)

  • Jeff Plate (2006–2009)

    • col-end
    ;Timeline


    ImageSize = width:900 height:375
    PlotArea = left:100 bottom:60 top:0 right:50
    Alignbars = justify
    DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy
    Period = from:01/01/1980 till:07/09/2009
    TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy

    Colors =
    id:Vocals value:blue legend:Vocals
    id:Guitars value:orange legend:Guitars
    id:Bass value:red legend:Bass
    id:Drums value:gray(0.45) legend:Drums
    id:Composition value:yellow legend:Composition
    id:Lines value:black legend:Releases
    id:bars value:gray(0.92)

    Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:2
    BackgroundColors = bars:bars

    ScaleMajor = increment:3 start:01/01/1980
    ScaleMinor = unit:year increment:1 start:01/01/1980

    LineData =

    at:01/01/1984 color:black layer:back
    at:04/06/1986 color:black layer:back
    at:10/08/1989 color:black layer:back
    at:11/02/1991 color:black layer:back
    at:10/07/1993 color:black layer:back
    at:03/30/1999 color:black layer:back
    at:06/26/2004 color:black layer:back
    at:07/27/2006 color:black layer:back
    at:09/26/2008 color:black layer:back

    BarData =

    bar:McKay text:"William McKay"
    bar:Bull text:"Ed Bull"
    bar:Murphy text:"Mike Murphy"
    bar:Wayne text:"David Wayne"
    bar:Howe text:"Mike Howe"
    bar:Munroe text:"Ronny Munroe"
    bar:Vanderhoof text:"Kurdt Vanderhoof"
    bar:Condrin text:"Rick Condrin"
    bar:Wells text:"Craig Wells"
    bar:Baker text:"Mark Baker"
    bar:Marshall text:"John Marshall"
    bar:Reynolds text:"Jay Reynolds"
    bar:VanZandt text: "Rick Van Zandt"
    bar:Hott text:"Steve Hott"
    bar:Erickson text:"Duke Erickson"
    bar:Lake text:"Brian Lake"
    bar:Unger text:"Steve Unger"
    bar:Wagner text:"Rick Wagner"
    bar:Zimpel text:"Aaron Zimpel"
    bar:Sacco text:"Carl Sacco"
    bar:Weber text:"Tom Weber"
    bar:Arrington text:"Kirk Arrington"
    bar:Wade text:"Jeff Wade"
    bar:Plate text:"Jeff Plate"

    PlotData=

    width:10 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(10,-4)
    bar:McKay from:01/01/1980 till:06/01/1980 color:Vocals
    bar:Bull from:06/01/1980 till:12/31/1980 color:Vocals
    bar:Murphy from:06/01/1981 till:09/30/1981 color:Vocals
    bar:Wayne from:12/01/1981 till:06/01/1988 color:Vocals
    bar:Howe from:06/01/1988 till:06/01/1994 color:Vocals
    bar:Wayne from:01/01/1998 till:03/01/2001 color:Vocals
    bar:Munroe from:01/01/2004 till:end color:Vocals
    bar:Vanderhoof from:01/01/1980 till:06/01/1986 color:Guitars
    bar:Vanderhoof from:06/01/1986 till:06/01/1994 color:Composition
    bar:Condrin from:01/01/1980 till:12/31/1980 color:Guitars
    bar:Wells from:06/01/1981 till:06/01/1994 color:Guitars
    bar:Wells from:01/01/1998 till:06/01/1998 color:Guitars
    bar:Baker from:06/01/1986 till:08/01/1986 color:Guitars
    bar:Marshall from:08/01/1986 till:06/01/1994 color:Guitars
    bar:Vanderhoof from:01/01/1998 till:end color:Guitars
    bar:Marshall from:06/01/1998 till:03/01/2001 color:Guitars
    bar:Reynolds from:01/01/2004 till:01/01/2008 color:Guitars
    bar:VanZandt from:01/01/2008 till:end color:Guitars
    bar:Hott from:01/01/1980 till:12/31/1980 color:Bass
    bar:Erickson from:06/01/1981 till:06/01/1994 color:Bass
    bar:Erickson from:01/01/1998 till:10/01/1999 color:Bass
    bar:Lake from:10/01/1999 till:12/31/1999 color:Bass
    bar:Erickson from:01/01/2000 till:03/01/2001 color:Bass
    bar:Unger from:01/01/2004 till:end color:Bass
    bar:Wagner from:01/01/1980 till:03/01/1980 color:Drums
    bar:Zimpel from:03/01/1980 till:10/31/1980 color:Drums
    bar:Sacco from:10/01/1980 till:12/31/1980 color:Drums
    bar:Weber from:06/01/1981 till:09/01/1981 color:Drums
    bar:Arrington from:09/01/1981 till:06/01/1994 color:Drums
    bar:Arrington from:01/01/1998 till:10/01/1999 color:Drums
    bar:Wade from:10/01/1999 till:12/31/1999 color:Drums
    bar:Arrington from:01/01/2000 till:03/01/2006 color:Drums
    bar:Plate from:03/01/2006 till:end color:Drums




    Discography


    ;Studio albums
  • Metal Church (Metal Church album)|Metal Church (1984)

  • The Dark (Metal Church album)|The Dark (1986)

  • Blessing in Disguise (Metal Church album)|Blessing in Disguise (1989)

  • The Human Factor (album)|The Human Factor (1991)

  • Hanging in the Balance (1993)

  • Masterpeace (1999)

  • The Weight of the World (Metal Church album)|The Weight of the World (2004)

  • A Light in the Dark (2006)

  • This Present Wasteland (2008)


    • ;Live albums
  • Live (Metal Church album)|Live (1998)


    • ;Demos
  • Four Hymns (1982)

  • Hitman (1982)

  • Red Skies (1981)


    • References


    reflist|2

    External links


  • http://www.metalchurchmusic.com Official website

  • http://www.metalreview.com/Interviews/30136/Kurdt-Vanderhoof-of-Metal-Church.aspx Interview with Kurdt Vanderhoof


    • Metal Church
    Category:American thrash metal musical groups
    Category:American power metal musical groups
    Category:Speed metal musical groups
    Category:Heavy metal musical groups from Washington (state)
    Category:Musical groups from Seattle, Washington
    Category:Musical groups established in 1980
    Category:Musical groups disestablished in 1994
    Category:Musical groups reestablished in 1998
    Category:Musical groups disestablished in 2009

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    Copyright Citations

    This article is licensed under the GNU License
    Click here for original article: Metal Church

    Metal Church Photo by: www.nolifetilmetal.com



          

    		  
       
     
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