Metal Church

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Metal Church Hair Metal Band

These guys worshiped heavy metal instead of Jesus Christ, thus the name Metal Church.  Some how we have a feeling that this might not quite be enough to get into heaven.  Metal Church was a thrash metal band that was formed in San Francisco by guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof back in 1980 (the band moved to Washington State shortly thereafter).  The band signed with Elektra records and their self-titled release hit the shelves via Shrapnel Records in 1984.   Some of you may remember the Deep Purple cover song "Highway Star".   Word has it that it was recommended to Elektra Records that they sign Metal Church by members of Metallica.

Their 1986 release, The Dark, found the band touring with Metallica.  Some of you may remember the song "When the Children Pray" from this album, and the accompanying MTV music video.  After this release, founder Vanderhoof quit performing with the band, but did continue helping them compose new tunes.  After several member changes, including lead singer, Metal Church released Blessing in Disguise in 1989, an album that received much acclaim. 

By 1993, Metal Church had disbanded.  By 1998, original members, including Vanderhoof, had reprised their old roles and the band was back in the studio.  After several more releases and band line up changes, Metal Church disbanded again in 2009 after a stint at Rocklahoma.  At the time of this writing, the Metal Church Discography was as follows:

Listen for free or download any Metal Church track for just 12 cents per song!

  • 1981: Red Skies (Demo)
  • 1982: Hit Man (Demo)
  • 1982: Four Hymns (Demo)
  • 1984: Metal Church
  • 1986: The Dark
  • 1989: Blessing in Disguise
  • 1991: The Human Factor
  • 1993: Hanging in the Balance
  • 1999: Masterpeace
  • 2004: The Weight of the World
  • 2008: The Present Wasteland