Not so new..... new Metal Church....

[Bryant]

Don't know what made me post this here, but I just played a few tracks from their latest CD. I have had it for a while, but haven't posted about it. I can't say I am particularly crazy about the new vocalist, but the music reminds me of how masterful and under-appreciated this band was/is even with different lineup changes. This band SOUNDS LIKE METAL CHURCH !!
If there are former fans here that question this band because only Arrington and Vanderhoof are original members, download an mp3 of the first track, "Leave Them Behind." I have always been a big Metal Church fan but it wasn't until this release that I realized just how much they somehow seperated themselves from others stylistically. It's pretty good stuff.



Bryant

 

[Layla's Dad]

I'd love to hear it. I had METAL CHURCH and THE DARK on cassette back in the day. God knows where those tapes are now. I have one of the CDs with the second vocalist Howe on it, the one with "Fake Healer" and "Badlands".
Excellent album.

 

[The Invisible Guest]

Don't know what made me post this here, but I just played a few tracks from their latest CD. I have had it for a while, but haven't posted about it. I can't say I am particularly crazy about the new vocalist, but the music reminds me of how masterful and under-appreciated this band was/is even with different lineup changes. This band SOUNDS LIKE METAL CHURCH !!
If there are former fans here that question this band because only Arrington and Vanderhoof are original members, download an mp3 of the first track, "Leave Them Behind." I have always been a big Metal Church fan but it wasn't until this release that I realized just how much they somehow seperated themselves from others stylistically. It's pretty good stuff.



Bryant

I think the new disc is solid. The new singer, Ronnie Munroe, does a pretty nice job both in the studio and live. He's a good guy too. I've seen them live twice since he's been on board. I saw them at BWBK in Cleveland this year, and just the other night in Springfield, Illinois. It's unfortunate that bands as good as Metal Church can only get 50 to 75 people to come out to a gig, but it's refreshing to see the band give it a 100 percent anyway.

 

[hunter]

I've only ever really like the 'Mike Howe' years of Metal Church. I simply think he was the best vocalist they have ever had, and some of my favorite songs (particularly on Human Factor) are some of the best they've written. But it's cool to see the band still rocking away.

 

[Mxgonzo]

I've only ever really like the 'Mike Howe' years of Metal Church. I simply think he was the best vocalist they have ever had, and some of my favorite songs (particularly on Human Factor) are some of the best they've written. But it's cool to see the band still rocking away.

I agree. I mean-I like David Wayne also but Howe really added to the band.
Anyone know what he is doing now?

 

[ashaman7122]

I would love to know what happened to Mike Howe...

Also, I kinda feel like Bryant...I've had the album for a while...I kinda like it...not really too sure how to feel about it. Ronnie's not a bad singer...just doesn't quite do it for me. I swear, I hear some parts on that disc that were just made for Howe...and I expect to hear his voice come roaring...and then...he doesn't...and I'm left disappointed.

Great band, though...great history...still defending the faith, which is cool. Also, this album kicks the shit out of Masterpeace.

 

[MysticX9]

I like the new Metal Church, good stuff - another new one you need to check out is Saxon's latest called LIONHEART, excellent!

Neal

 

[Creeps]

I liked it a lot more than the last effort they put out.. Masterpeace. I think I really only cared for a few tracks off that. With Wayne on that it just didn't sound like Wayne-era Metal Church. Now Wayne's solo album did... that I like.

 

[dargormudshark]

Hopefull I will be at the show

 

[Pellaz]

Is John Marshall still with them?

I met him years ago during a Metallica tour when he was filling in for James (after the pyro accident) and he was a hella nice guy. (He was even nicer to a friend of mine....she and John ended up dating for the rest of that tour. Oooh, the stories we got back from the road.... )

 

[General Zod]

The new CD bares no resemblance to the Metal Church of old. However, it is still a quality Power Metal CD that's worth owning.

Zod

 

[Bryant]

I agree. I mean-I like David Wayne also but Howe really added to the band.
Anyone know what he is doing now?

Mike Howe retired after "Hanging in the Balance" and moved to Tennessee with his family. As far as I know he is not involved with music.


Bryant

 

[Bryant]

I would love to know what happened to Mike Howe...

Also, I kinda feel like Bryant...I've had the album for a while...I kinda like it...not really too sure how to feel about it. Ronnie's not a bad singer...just doesn't quite do it for me. I swear, I hear some parts on that disc that were just made for Howe...and I expect to hear his voice come roaring...and then...he doesn't...and I'm left disappointed.

Great band, though...great history...still defending the faith, which is cool. Also, this album kicks the shit out of Masterpeace.

Howe was a metal God in my ears. He didn't "MAKE" Metal Church as I would put Kirk Arrington up (especially in the BiD era up against any drummer in metal, but I think the combination of Metal Church (who already established a unique metal style) and Howe was lethal. If the new CD was as good as Howe era MC, I would have bombarded every message board I was involved with Metal Church posts, but it's not at that level. Still I recommend it. There is so much "generic" metal out there and despite Metal Church not being what they were with Howe, this IS a Metal Church release and it sounds unique to them despite the lineup changes.


Bryant

 

[Bryant]

The new CD bares no resemblance to the Metal Church of old. However, it is still a quality Power Metal CD that's worth owning.

Zod

Yep Zod, though I am always a little more concise than you, I have to agree. I personally would have taken a little less verbose style than you, but I do agree with your general idea.


Bryant