Metal church

Metal Church are a great metal band from Seattle, (yes, way before grunge.) Originally, Metal Church was formed in 1980 in San Francisco by Kurdt Vanderhoof and others. One of the drummers rejected was none other than Lars Ulrich in 1981! This lineup released a few demos but nothing else. In 1981, Kurdt moved to Washington State and found Craig, Duke, and for a while Tom Weber on drums. Tom was quickly replaced by Kirk Arrington and this lineup recorded an instrumental demo. After a few unsuccessful vocalist experiences, they found David Wayne, and released the "Four Hymns" demo which got them a recording deal. After their second album "The Dark" in 1986, Kurdt Vanderhoof left and was replaced temporarily by Mark Baker, and then by John Marshall as permanent guitarist. Kurdt remained heavily involved in the songwriting process of Metal Church however. For the next three albums ex-Heretic singer Mike Howe inherited the mic. The new band, in my opinion, was even better. David Wayne went on to form Reverend, with, ironically enough, some of the ex-members of Heretic. Metal Church never reached the level of success of label-mates Metallica, although they deserved to and in seemed as though they were headed for success. After only three more albums, Metal Church became discouraged and broke up. However, in 1998 they reformed with all the original members and released a live album from "The Dark" tour. In '99 they singed with Nuclear Blast and released a new studio album titled "Masterpeace". David Wayne then left the band to reform Reverend and release his solo album "Wayne". David Wayne passed away from complications after a car accident David Wayne on 5/11/2005.