Review by UnhinderedbyTalent for Metal Church - Metal Church (1984)

In the top twenty albums of all time that I have never understood the attraction of I would add the debut from Metal Church in the top five.  It does get oodles of praise and attention from virtually all corners of the known universe but I just don't get it I am afraid.  To start with, I have always found David Wagner to be overrated as a vocalist.  I mean his voice is unique most definitely, I have little grounds for argument there.  But it just lacks an real punch when needed (and the album needs a lot more punch in my book) to elevate the promise of an intense and raging metal album that rarely gets past growling stage.

The album opens with more than enough promise.  The big build up to Beyond the Black serves to lift expectations from the off but somehow it just peters out into a very mediocre and forgettable track.  The title track is guilty of pretty much the same thing, talking a good enough game to begin with but then delivering a half-arsed performance.  It is like all the good ideas were used up on intros to tracks instead of focusing on the long game. 

There's not even any real dazzling leads or solos to look to for comfort that things are going to live up to expectations.  What few there are of these are average and far too obvious and predictable.  It is not to say that Vanderhoof and Wells are poor players though, I think the arrangements of the tracks themselves are off in the main and this kind of shoe horns their work in around twisted or poorly constructed songs.  Instrumental track Merciless Onslaught tries to showcase the skill on display but is just all a bit senseless as opposed to merciless. 

The one track I find has any discernible form is side A's closer Gods of Wrath  this actually flows like all the other tracks should do.  With its mid-tempo and paired back feel the lead work really shines and the track feels that it has some overall direction.  Not even a cover of Deep Purple's Highway Star rescues proceedings as the band try to close the record out with a bit of style.  The effort feels forced and rushed, like the track itself is forcibly taken out of context as opposed to the band putting their own stamp on it.  Very overrated record.