METAL CHURCH Starts A Fire in Fridley, Minnesota [Review & Photo Gallery]

 

Thrash metal is alive and well. It was a genre born in the underground that spread like a wildfire across the globe and today is forefathers continue to unleash pulverizing records that inspire a new legion of fans. Put the recharged Metal Church into that category. After nearly a two-decade absence, vocalist Mike Howe rejoined the band and founding guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof and Metal Church has been off and running ever since. The band dropped ‘XI’ in 2016 and followed that up with their 12thfull-length studio album ‘Damn If You Do’ in 2018. Metal Church has been on the road promoting the new record and played their last show before taking a break at Route 47 Pub & Grub in Fridley, Minnesota to celebrate the past, the present, and future of one of thrashes favorite sons. Continue reading

Chicago Open Air 2017 Day Two: Korn, Godsmack, Avatar, Clutch, Body Count, & More [Photo Gallery]

After an electric first day, it was time to get back up early Saturday morning to head in for day two of Chicago Open Air. Several great performances from bands like Rob Zombie, Megadeth, Anthrax, Crobot, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Code Orange, and more had all of us very interested to see if the second day could top it. With Korn, Godsmack, Avatar, Body Count, Clutch, and several others, we knew it would be very close. It only took a few performances and we already knew that Saturday would be on an even higher level. Continue reading

Chicago Open Air Spotlight: METAL CHURCH

*Every Tuesday and Thursday from now until Chicago Open Air gets here we will be releasing an article about a band playing the festival to get you familiar with them.*

Today’s artist is METAL CHURCH.

 

There are various legendary metal bands playing this years Chicago Open Air. One of those acts have been creating head banging riffs and incredible hooks for over 3 decades. That’s right Metal Church one of the most iconic and legendary bands in heavy metal will be playing Saturday at this years Chicago Open Air Festival. Metal Church first formed in 1980 in San Francisco, California. The band has a strong traditional heavy metal sound that also included some thrash elements which became more prevalent later on in their career. It wasn’t long however before they packed up and headed north to Aberdeen, Washington the following year. During a brief time after moving they also played under the name Shrapnel. If you think about the two words “metal” and “church” its the two things a lot of people find comfort in. Those of us that are die hard metal heads consider live shows, festival grounds and hole in the wall venues to be our personal church. The bands namesake is really what metal is all about. The band has released 11 studio albums. The founding members vocalist David Wayne, guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof, drummer Kirk Arrington, bassist Duke Erickson, and guitarist Craig Wells released the bands self-titled debut album in 1984. It was first released independently through Ground Zero Records and because of how successful the album was it re-release via Elektra Records a year later. “Beyond The Black” was the opener on the album and one of the standout songs. In 1986 the band released their sophomore album ‘The Dark’. In 2005, the album was ranked number 389 in Rock Hard magazine’s book of The 500 Greatest Rock & Metal Albums of All Time.  Continue reading

METAL CHURCH Release New Music Video And Begin Summer Tour This Week

American heavy metal veterans METAL CHURCH who formed back in the 1980s and considered a vital influence on the genesis of thrash metal have been going strong with the occasional hiccups down the years in between. They released their latest album titled rightly as, ‘XI‘ in 2016. The five piece outfit has released a new music video of the song called ‘Reset‘, from their ‘XI‘ album. This album is also the first recording where you can treat your ears to Mike Howe’s epic high screeching vocals, as he makes a return to the group after a long time since 1995, 20 years after leaving the same band. You can watch the official music video attached below, directed by Jamie Brown. Continue reading

Odyssey’s 25 Best Albums Of 2016

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Armored Saint Announce West Coast Co-Headlining Tour With Metal Church

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It’s only a few months away until the mighty Armored Saint will head back out on the road, playing to fans across the world this summer! Before they head abroad to conquer stages the band will first tour the U.S. with another iconic band Metal Church for a special west coast trek. Armored Saint’s Joey Vera (bass) comments: “We’re super excited to go back out for some select dates this summer. The June dates with Metal Church are a fan-made match that is sure to be an amazing time!” Continue reading

Interview with THE Kurdt Vanderhoof of Metal Church

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When we asked to review the pre-release of “XI” for Metal Nexus (Please see: Metal Church “XI”, for the review), we had no idea that Metal Church would be so gracious as to offer us an interview. When we found out that the interview was going to be personally handled by Kurdt Vanderhoof himself, there was collective gasp among the staff. The Man himself! We are truly honored!

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Metal Church “XI”: Flames of the Phoenix

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The much anticipated CD by Metal Church, aptly named “XI” is due for release on March 25th.  With the return of singer Mike Howe, whose last release with the band was 1993’s “Hanging in the Balance”, those that have followed the band for as many years or more have been anxiously waiting to hear the result of this star-crossed reunion.  Metal Nexus recently procured a pre-release copy for review and…  But wait…

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