This Present Wasteland - Dark Publications

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Editorial Reviews:

Product Description
Founded in the early eighties in Seattle, Metal Church are one of the best known Metal bands of all time. Their self titled 1985 debut and 1987 s The Dark are considered by Metal affectionados as true bona fide classics. Since signing with SPV they have continued the tradition of high quality Metal releases with 2004 s The Weight Of The World and 2006 s A Light In The Dark . This Present Wasteland , Metal Church s ninth release, is a return to their roots and contains some of their strongest material to date. All hail the true Church of Metal: The Metal Church!

Customer Reviews: Read 4 more reviews...

4 out of 5 stars

Good album from a very consistent band. September 26, 2008
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

With the turnover this band has had over the years it has now become Vanderhoof's baby and whoever it seems he can recruit to play on it. This is the third album with Ronny Munroe singing, Jeff Plate returns on drums with Steve Unger on bass and adding Rick Van Zant on second guitar. This is straight ahead power metal with some thrash touches without any symphonics like so much European power metal. Somehow they manage to make very consistent albums which tells me Vanderhoof knows what he wants and how to get it out of the band. Many decry Ronnie's vocals not being Waynes or Howes but they should be measured on their own right and they fit very well. Listen to albums by all three and the music is right for each one. With new releases by Metallica and Testament getting the attention in thrash circle it's hoped this doesn't get overlooked as it's a quality slab of American heavy metal. The artwork is all done by fans which is a nice touch and there are actually some pictures inside that I think would have been better covers. Good stuff.

4 out of 5 stars

Another Solid & Dependable Offering by Metal Church October 2, 2008
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

You've got to give them credit where credit is due. Sure, just Kurdt Vanderhoof is the lone remaining original member, but Metal Church is still a real band, not just Vanderhoof and a bunch of studio "rented" musicians. Hell, this is singer Ronnie Munroe's 3rd album. As you know, not many bands from the early 80's are still around playing, let alone releasing new material every other year.
The music itself you ask? If you are a fan of Metal Church, then you'll enjoy this disc. Is the music just a carbon copy of previous releases? A bit Yes, which is a good thing, and a bit No, which is a great thing. This Present Wasteland is far better than their last effort called A Light in the Dark (which was still good stuff). Kurdt and the boys decided to turn it up a notch or two on the heaviness, distortion, and overall "metal" sound. There are some killer riffs, solos, memorable choruses, heavy drums, and outstanding singing on ALL tracks! Easily the BEST Monroe has done with Metal Church. Also, the songs themselves are well written lyrically and musically. You can tell they took a bit more time in the studio with this one....no filler whatsoever. On many songs, you get that classic "Metal Church" intro sound (before the heavy riff comes in) that could be right out of their S/T album 25+ years ago.
In my mind, this band will always have the title of "Most Underated Metal Band". They'll get no airplay or recognition by any magazines, but any real metal fan knows this doesn't matter, and only makes it better. Metal Church once again delivers. Pick this one up and keep giving them your support. I hope they keep it going for many more years.

3 out of 5 stars

Decent, but not great October 22, 2008
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

My quick thoughts are this - it's a good offering of new Metal Church, but other than a few songs (In the company of sorrow, monster and war never won), it's kind of lacking. Nothing jumps out at you or says "yes, this is awesome."
I'm sure I will listen to this CD from time to time, but in reality....there isn't anything to make someone come back to it. No killer riffs, catchy choruses, etc...
I will say, the cover (done by a fan), is awesome!

5 out of 5 stars

no less than 5 stars October 19, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

simply because they are the most classic, under-rated, metal band in history. It doesn't get better than this in pure heavy metal..it reminds me of the classic sounds of the 80's and 90's, some bands are suppose to be legends. This a great release from this masters of metal.

5 out of 5 stars

Extremely solid effort from a legendary (whats left of them) band! November 4, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

This album simply rocks. Every song is solid, with no throwaways. The title track leads off and is probably the strongest song. By far their best effort since Ronny Munro has taken over the vocals. Wish they were able to tour right away, but Kurt Vanderhoof's back is acting up, so their tour is on hold for six months.

If you are a Metal Church fan, you will love this. Do not hesitate to buy it. Well worth the $$$$.

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