Metal Church
The Dark

THE REVIEW

The 1986 was the year of Thrash Metal. Masterpieces that would make history in this genre were simultaneously released in the United States. The Metallica released their masterpiece "Master of Puppets", the Slayer "Reign in Blood". Dave Mustaine's Megadeth responded to "cousins" Metallica with "Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?". England was no less. The Iron Maiden, who were already enjoying great fame, released "Somewhere in Time", while the Motorhead and Venom were raging. The only sore point in the metal world were the Judas Priest, who released a disappointing album that year.

But 1986 was also the year of the second album of the "Metal Church", a band that had made a name for themselves with the first excellent self-titled album, dated 1984. Metal Church were and still are a somewhat overlooked band in the metal scene. Perhaps known because they supported Metallica for a few years or because guitarist John Marshall (who joined in 1989) was Metallica's support guitarist and also played live when James Hetfield got injured. Certainly, a group known only to true enthusiasts.

The cover, in my opinion beautiful and very fitting, makes us imagine a hard but especially dark album. And so it is!

"Ton of Bricks", which will become one of the most replayed songs live as an opener, opens the record with a relentless rhythm and a pounding drum (almost always with double bass drum) always playing a leading role throughout the album (on drums Kirk Arrington). Kurdt Vanderhoof, composer of almost all the lyrics for Metal Church, as well as the group's founder, delights us with sharp riffs and hyper-fast solos in pure thrash style that will surely delight a true Metal lover, and dark lyrics concerning death.

"Star the Fire" is, in my opinion, one of the best tracks on the album. A refrain that gets you involved and makes you want to sing along, it will surely be another live highlight. Also energetic and direct, almost in the Judas Priest style. The title track imposes a wild head-banging. Noteworthy is also the semi-ballad "Watch the children pray" with a great vocal performance by David Wayne. Perhaps here one can see a certain power metal influence. Indeed, in David Wayne's singing style, there is an influence of Rob Halford (Judas Priest), whom he himself will declare as his "inspirer".

David Wayne recorded three studio albums and a live with Metal Church before leaving us due to a car accident (2005). Some have indicated Metal Church as forerunners of power metal, but in my opinion, their career has little to do with power and much with thrash.

Although I consider the album a good album, my rating could have been higher (a four-star), but since absolute masterpieces already mentioned were released that year, the comparison would be too daring, and so I believe this is the fairest rating.

1. Ton of Bricks - 3:00
2. Start the Fire - 3:50
3. Method To Your Madness - 4:52
4. Watch The Children Pray - 5:57
5. Over My Dead Body - 03:36
6. The Dark - 4:11
7. Psycho - 3:32
8. Line Of Death - 4:42
9. Burial At Sea - 4:58
10. Western Alliance - 3:18