Metal Church "Metal Church"

Metal Church is the self-titled debut album of the heavy metal band of the same name. The album was originally released independently by Ground Zero in 1984. Based on the success of the album, the band was signed to a recording contract by Elektra, who reissued it in 1985. The cover art depicts a cruciform Gibson Explorer hidden in shadows and smoke.

Some of their most notable songs are the opener, "Beyond The Black"; their title track; the instrumental "Merciless Onslaught"; "Gods Of Wrath" (which is different from all the other songs, as it had clean vocals, clean rhythms, and fluent solos); and the Deep Purple cover "Highway Star". The first European vinyl edition also contained a bonus track, "Big Guns". This bonus track is now available to download from Metal Church's official website.

Track listing

All lyrics are written by Kurdt Vanderhoof, except where noted; all music is composed by Vanderhoof, David Wayne and Craig Wells, except where noted.

Side one

1. "Beyond the Black" 6:23
2. "Metal Church" 5:03
3. "Merciless Onslaught" (instrumental) Vanderhoof 2:54
4. "Gods of Wrath" 6:41
5. Side two
6. "Hitman" Wayne, Vanderhoof 4:39
7. "In the Blood" 3:31
8. "(My Favorite) Nightmare" 3:12
9. "Battalions" Wayne, Vanderhoof, Kirk Arrington Vanderhoof, Wells 4:53
10. "Highway Star" (Deep Purple cover) Ian Gillan Ritchie Blackmore, Roger Glover, Jon Lord, Ian Paice 4:39

European edition bonus track

1. "Big Guns" (demo) 3:23

First press includes a t shirt.

Recorded at Steve Lawson Productions, Seattle, USA.