METAL CHURCH
METAL CHURCH “Congregation of Annihilation”
By Iron Sheik
METAL CHURCH 2023 is a beast resurrected. I am not trying to diminish the memory of Mike Howe in any way as he did some kickass stuff with the band before his untimely death. I have listened to METAL CHURCH since the debut in 1984 which was a jawdropping headbanger. With Marc Lopes replacing Mike Howe on vocals for the new album “Congregation Of Annihilation” it's like the best elements of the debut, “The Dark”, “The Human Factor”, and “Damned If You Do” are expanded both musically and now with insane Wayne/Howe/Munroe vocals from Lopes.
The unholy and only church was first proclaimed in 1984. Forty years later they prove it more than ever with some heavier and thrashier music on “Congregation Of Annihilation”. First single “Pick A God And Pray” is a jawdropping song. Soaring David Wayne like vocals and touches of the old sound perfected by Kurdt Vanderhoof left me wanting more when I first heard it. Saying I was intrigued is an understatement, and it did not prepare me for the face melting that ensued upon hearing the rest of the album.
Opener “Another Judgement Day” gives the feeling of a continuation of “The Dark” album. The energy on display here does not let up throughout the album. It is as if the band has gelled even more after the core of Kurdt Vanderhoif (rhythm guitar), Rick Van Zandt (lead guitar), and Steve Unger (bass) have played together for over ten years. Ex- WASP man Stet Howland (drums) has been in the band for “only” six years and plays the drums like a man on fire.
“Children Of The Lie” contains some of the heaviest guitar work ever by METAL CHURCH. Just when you thought they are as heavy as could be they prove you wrong. “Say A Prayer With 7 Bullets”, one of the faster tracks, has an air of familiarity. Fire away with a frenzy it does. While “My Favorite Sin” is a bonus track, it should be a part of the overall album as it fits perfectly. It is a song which has a groove to it and lets us know in shadows we are powerless.
Hopefully this lineup can keep a great thing thrashing into the future. Wherever Kurdt came up with the riffs on “Congregation Of Annihilation” hopefully he can reach in and pull out more. I have read Kurdt saying the new album is the sound of early METAL CHURCH with a modern bent and today's technology. He said, I think, the truest thing any artist has ever said about their new album. It has become my favorite release of 2023 so far.