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User
Soundoffs 846
Album Ratings 3311
Objectivity 78%
Last Active 09-03-22 1:19 am
Joined 05-26-14
Review Comments 2,191
| Metal Church Albums: Worst to First
In memory of Mike Howe. RIP | | 12 |  | Metal Church
Generation Nothing
The closest thing to a dud that the band ever released. The first half is atrocious, but the second half of the record manages to keep it from being a total dumpster fire.
Best Track: Scream
Grade: D | | 11 |  | Metal Church
The Weight of the World
Okay: The Album
Best Track: Leave Them Behind
Grade: D | | 10 |  | Metal Church
This Present Wasteland
On par with WOTW, but with better highlights and performances.
Best Track: Deeds of a Dead Soul
Grade: D+ | | 9 |  | Metal Church
Masterpeace
Not the triumphant return that we were expecting, but it’s still a serviceable chunk of 90’s thrash. Between The Dark and this record, Wayne really lost his mojo and hands in a pretty weak vocal performance. Not bad, just disappointing.
Best Track: Faster Than Life
Grade: C- | | 8 |  | Metal Church
A Light in the Dark
Out of the first 5 post-reunion records Metal Church released, this is definitely the strongest of the bunch. The first half slaps hard, but the second half definitely drags on for a bit too long.
Best Track: A Light in the Dark
Grade: C | | 7 |  | Metal Church
Damned If You Do
A bit of a disappointment following up the triumphant comeback album ‘XI’, but still a really solid 2010’s thrash record on it’s own merits. I’d definitely say that Mike Howe is the key ingredient that helps this album stand out amongst its contemporaries.
Best Track: The War Electric
Grade: B- | | 6 |  | Metal Church
Hanging in the Balance
While I don’t think the highlights on here shine as brightly as they do on ‘The Human Factor’ or ‘Blessing’, I can’t deny that it’s an all-killer-no-filler release that gets better with each successive listen. But that artwork is fuckin’ rough on the eyes. JESUS.
Best Track: Conductor
Grade: B+ | | 5 |  | Metal Church
XI
For me, this is up there with ‘Ironbound’ and ‘Worship Music’ as one of the best thrash comeback records of the 2010’s. The return of Mike Howe on this album was definitely a welcomed change of pace, and even after 20 years of absence from metal music, he manages to sound just as good as he did back in his heyday. Highly recommended.
Best Track: Needle and Suture
Grade: A- | | 4 |  | Metal Church
Blessing in Disguise
This record sounds like it was recorded in a massive cave, and I fucking love it. Not quite as good as the record that preceded it, but still a classic record full of absolute bangers.
Best Track: The Powers That Be
Grade: A- | | 3 |  | Metal Church
The Human Factor
While BID was written before Howe had even joined the band; Human Factor had the benefit of having songwriting contributions from the new vocalist. This time around the songs were crafted with Howe’s vocals in mind; thus playing to his strengths better, resulting in a slightly stronger end product. Definitely a record that doesn’t get the respect it deserves.
Best Track: In Mourning
Grade: A | | 2 |  | Metal Church
Metal Church
An absolutely classic with the greatest album cover of all time.
Best Track: Beyond the Black
Grade: A | | 1 |  | Metal Church
The Dark
The greatest Power-thrash record of all time.
Best Track: Western Alliance
Grade: A+ | |
combustion07
08.19.21 | Only heard 1,2,3 and 6 but I believe I agree with you ranking on those. Although 2 might be 1. Gotta jam again to be sure | rockarollacola
08.19.21 | I'd say most people would put the debut at #1, but The Dark has always been my favorite. | TheAntichrist
08.19.21 | 2,4,6,3,7,5,1,8,9,10,11,12 | wham49
08.19.21 | 1 and 2 are the only ones I have heard, any reason to keep going? | rockarollacola
08.19.21 | Definitely give the first 5 albums a spin. If you really enjoy those, then give XI and DIYD a listen. The rest are rather middling, and pretty much for the hardcore fans only. | TheNotrap
08.22.21 | The Dark and Blessing are my favs | DotWGene
12.18.22 | Awesome. I used your list for the Disciples of the Watch podcast where we go 'Worst-to-Best' on Metal Church. https://www.dotwpod.com/2022/12/16/233-worst-to-best-metal-church/ |
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