20 years has passed since the release of Metal Church's self-titled debut album. If you aren't familiar with Metal Church, they represent the wave of British heavy metal of the late 1970's (Iron Maiden and Judas Priest). So they play 'basic' heavy metal.

I must admit that I haven't heard Metal Church's earlier albums, but this album seems to be very similar to Maiden's and Priest's style. Although this album doesn't contain lot of originality, it's a good metal album. Sixth track 'Cradle to Grave' has some rip-off solos, which may give some flashbacks of Guns 'n Roses. Actually it's nice to show your influences, but I think they could have done it little less obviously. Well, the similarity was recherché (at least that's what I think).

Metal Church has got some new blood on their line-up now — Ronny Munroe of Rottweiller on vocals and Steve Unger on bass. This line-up should be able to 'deliver the goods' as Priest fans would say. Kirk Arrington is quite widely known drummer and he's actually lauded by Metallica's Lars Ulrich.

The thing with Metal Church is that they aren't too original, but if you're a friend of British heavy metal (and occasional high pitched screams), I can recommend this album to you... Tonewise this album is pretty good, although the drums could have been mixed just a little better...

Release date: July 26th 2004

Tourdates:
May 30 Rock Hard Festival, Gelsenkirchen, Germany


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- MAGE (17.06.2004)

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LINE-UP:
Kurdt Vanderhoof: Guitars Kirk Arrington: Drums Ronny Munroe: Vocals Jay Reynolds: Guitars Steve Unger: Bass
Producer:	Kurdt Vanderhoof
Mixing by:	Unavailable
Mastering by:	Unavailable

	TRACKLIST:
	01. Leave Them Behind 02. Weight of the World 03. Hero's Soul 04. Madman's Soul 05. Sunless Sky 06. Cradle to Grave 07. Wings of Tomorrow 08. Time Will Tell 09. Bomb to Drop 10. Blood Money