Metal Church

Metal Church formed in 1980 in San Francisco, then moved to Aberdeen, Washington the following year, briefly calling themselves Shrapnel. Guitarist and songwriter Kurdt Vanderhoof has led them throughout, and they are counted among the pioneers of thrash, speed and power metal, as well as an important part of Seattle's 1980s heavy metal scene. Early songs dealt with conflict and paranoia before widening into philosophical, political and social commentary.

Their self-titled debut arrived in 1984, followed by the breakthrough The Dark in 1986, both with vocalist David Wayne. Mike Howe took over for Blessing in Disguise (1989), home to "Badlands", then sang on The Human Factor (1991) and Hanging in the Balance (1993). Two of their first three albums reached the US Billboard 200 Top 100. Breakups and reunions followed, and Howe returned in 2015 before his death in 2021. The band's latest album is Dead to Rights (2026).