Metal Church

Eruption – Cloaks of Oblivion Review

By Dr. A.N. Grier on May 7, 2017 in 2017, Reviews, Slovenian Metal, Thrash Metal, Xtreem Music, Thrash Metal, 29 comments

“Two things come to mind when I see the word ‘eruption.’ One is filthy and the other is raunchy. The former isn’t for virgin eyes and the latter? Van Halen. Guess which one the Slovenian outfit Eruption fits in. Neither. Sorry pervs and, well… pervs. Instead, Eruption fit under a third, yet unlisted category: thrash metal. Yep, I said ‘Slovenian’ and ‘thrash’ in the same sentence. That combination alone should pique some interest for these worshipers of the old and true.” Slovenian speed and perversion.

Ghost Avenue – Impact Review

By Dr. A.N. Grier on January 26, 2017 in 2017, Heavy Metal, Norwegian Metal, Pitch Black Records, Reviews, Heavy Metal, 16 comments

“It goes without saying that to enjoy music reviewing, you have to also enjoy the discovery and research of an album just as much as writing about it. And that doesn’t mean just the good records from your favorite bands. It means every album you get your hands on. But, even if I could review just the good records and albums from my favorite groups, I’m not sure I would want to. I have to say, while I love reviewing records from my go-to groups, there’s something fun and stress-free about grabbing a record from an unknown band. It’s like watching the World Series between two teams you don’t care about.” Zero drama metal.

Serious Black – Mirrorworld Review

By Dr. A.N. Grier on August 31, 2016 in 2016, AFM Records, International Metal, Power Metal, Reviews, Power Metal, 35 comments

“I can’t believe it’s already been a year since Serious Black’s fantastic debut As Daylight Breaks. An album that proved dream teams can exist and can work. Not only that, but this supergroup achieved it via a style that rarely receives RotY nods from yours truly. Urban Breed, et al. even had El Cuervo singing along to tunes like “High and Low” and “Sealing My Fate” whilst leaving the AMG restrooms in terrible condition for the n00bs to clean up. And now, a year and change later, Serious Black is back with Mirrorworld.” Clean up in Aisle Trve!

Vicious Rumors – Concussion Protocol Review

By Huck N Roll on August 18, 2016 in 2016, American Metal, Heavy Metal, Power Metal, SPV, Steamhammer, Thrash Metal, Heavy Metal, Thrash Metal, 22 comments

“Originally Steel Druhm was going to write this review, but I used my Inception-like powers to convince him I should handle it. I’ve spent the days since, chewing on my nails, wondering what the hell I’ve gotten myself into – no pressure at all! What to write?” Don’t screw this up, rookie!

Metal Church – XI Review

By Steel Druhm on March 24, 2016 in 2016, American Metal, Heavy Metal, Rat Pak Records, Heavy Metal, Thrash Metal, 53 comments

“Way back in 1984 I was pretty much blown away by the Metal Church debut. David Wayne’s (R.I.P.) air raid demon vocals were one-of-a-kind and the slick, hooky writing and quasi-thrash energy really won me over. While their follow up The Dark was widely panned, I loved it almost as much as the debut. When Wayne packed off for greener pastures, I was loathe to accept the band without him, until they wrangled Mike Howe from Heretic and made stellar use of his leather lunged roar on the amazing Blessing in Disguise. I went on to love all the Howe era albums and struggled mightily to get into subsequent platters with Ronny Munroe standing in his stead. Now 23 years after he left, Howe is back for their 11th album, the cleverly titled XI.” Is church back in session or should you get the flock away from this thing?

Fallen Angels – World in Decay Review

By Dr. A.N. Grier on July 30, 2015 in 2015, American Metal, Cyberdyne Records, Reviews, Thrash Metal, Thrash Metal, 16 comments

“The biggest problem with grabbing a thrash promo from a band that references Forbidden, Annihilator and Testament, is that I have no choice but to spend hours listening to some of the greatest metal albums to date. Not that I’m complaining but it is difficult to shut off Annihilator’s Alice in Hell once it gets started.” Thrash is back…for the attack.

Hellbastard – Feral Review

By Dr. A.N. Grier on July 16, 2015 in 2015, Crust Punk, English Metal, PATAC Records, Reviews, Thrash Metal, Crust Punk, 10 comments

“As made blatantly obvious in my first review of 2015, last year left me drained, beaten, and more fucked over than a single person can stand. So, it is only fitting that Hellbastard’s brutally honest and extremely pissed-off Feral allowed me the opportunity to let everything go, smash shit, speed recklessly down the highway, and drop a big “fuck you” to all the bullshit.” Go fookin coconuts!

Reign of Fury – Death Be Thy Shepherd Review

By Dr. A.N. Grier on March 24, 2015 in 2015, English Metal, Heavy Metal, Reviews, Static Tension Recordings, Thrash Metal, Thrash Metal, 16 comments

“I bet you have that friend that swears they can guess a band’s genre solely from the band name? Well, if your friend is anything like mine, a genre can also be identified by the band’s font style, the album artwork, the attire in the band pic, and the track titles. For those ignoring these words and instead staring drop-jawed at the album cover to the left, you know exactly what you’re getting yourself into. However, your friend will mighty upset with themself when they make the assumption that Reign of Fury is just another re-hashing, re-thrashing outfit.” Now THAT’S a cover!

Ronny Munroe – Electric Wake Review

By Steel Druhm on June 18, 2014 in 2014, American Metal, Heavy Metal, Rat Pak Records, Reviews, Heavy Metal, 8 comments

“Although not exactly a household name, Ronny Munroe is the third generation of vocalists for quasi-legendary act Metal Church. The band itself may be past it’s creative peak and none of the Munroe-era albums are what I’d consider essential listening, but he’s always been a solid and dependable vocalist blessed with above average pipes seemingly made for metal. Electric Wake is his third solo outing, and though the prior platters sported a few interesting tunes, neither fully served Mr. Munroe and his quality vocals were often wasted on underwhelming and passé numbers.” Is the third time a charm for Mr. Munroe’s solo career?

Metal Church – Generation Nothing Review

By Steel Druhm on October 14, 2013 in 2013, American Metal, Heavy Metal, Rat Pak Records, Reviews, Thrash Metal, 7 comments

“Of all the bands on “Steel Druhm’s Soft Spot in the Heart” list, Metal Church is up near the top. Ever the over-performing underdog, their mix of semi-thrash with classic metal caused them to slip between the genre cracks. Too slow to make serious waves in the original thrash boom, they were perpetually overshadowed by Metallica, Anthrax and Slayer and never seemed to gain big traction with mainstream metal fans either. Their debut was a classic dose of melodic speed metal and had some of the band’s best writing moments (title track, “Gods of Wrath,” “My Favorite Nightmare”). Follow-up The Dark had its share of detractors though it was a high energy, enjoyable ride. Album number ten, Generation Nothing is billed as a return to the style of the early David Wayne albums where speed was king and screamy, glass-shattering vocals ruled the roost.” Steel Druhm is a big ole’ mush when it comes to old school bashers like Metal Church, but we let him review this anyway because he cares and we don’t.