Customer Reviews

Human Factor

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Vocalist Mike Howe's sophomore release with those metal veterans Metal Church really drops a bomb on social issues, and the lyrics are so articulate on the variety of subject matter that I feel it is necessary to let them do the talking.

In my opinion, "In Harm's Way" is the album's centerpiece--a very saddening description of child abuse and it's toll on a human life.

"A lonely child with battered eyes

No joy in innocence they cry

Always has to lie his way through life

I've fallen down while playing ball

But mom beat me up and down the hall

Just because she had one of those nights..."

Sort of along those lines is "In Mourning" which brilliantly covers the topic of how music is blamed for kids committing suicide and rightfully redirects the blame to their upbringing. No doubt inspired by the Judas Priest court case, it presents its message clearly and desperately needed to be written.

"Maybe could it be that no one was there to hear

Did you pay attention to their angers and their fears?

You're trying to find someone to blame who can't be put on trial

The enemy you're looking for is laughing all the while

I mourn for those who have been so deceived

You know the last words that they spoke were "Who loves me?" "

On the lighter side, the title track is a blast at phony corporate pop stars who have no real musical talent, use computer programs instead of instruments, and use samples of real musicians' songs to scam their way to popularity. Sadly it is just as relevant today as it was in 1991 when it was written:

"I just can't believe my ears, some music out these days

The human factor has diminished, in oh so many ways

Fancy footwork gets top bill and I'll put on such a show

One more Midi cable and my 'band' is ready to go

One more money-maker and I'm set for life

Stealing from others will make my future bright..."

This is going on longer than I anticipated so I'll cut it short. But I hope enough examples have been given to really express the importance of this record. Metal Church isn't talking about nuclear war anymore, they're covering topics that hit much closer to daily life and do it in a very effective way. Each song is equally strong in its message: "Betrayed" and its tale of alcoholism; "Date with Poverty" about being poor and hounded by collectors; "The Final Word" about American activists who rag on their own country; or "Agent Green" which seems to be about some sort of political espionage or something. Musically it's one of the best songs on here, but I'll be damned if I know what it's talking about. Interestingly, during the acoustic intro to this tune, Mike Howe's voice sounds alot like latter day Geddy Lee.

Anyway, this is a great album with more typically great riffs written by Kurdt Vanderhoof (who was replaced by Metallica guitar tech John Marshall for the recording of this album, but still contributed songs) and stunningly poignant lyrics by Mike Howe. A very dramatic listening experience.

Normally, you find salvation at church. I however, found Church at salvation. That's right, I picked up Metal Church's album "The Human Factor" at Salvation Army for a mere 50 cents. I've spent more money on freakin' cans of soda. Granted, it's only a tape, but had there been a CD, I definately would have dished out the extra 10 cents. Dusting off the nearest tape player, I immediately popped in this masterpiece. Mind shattering guitars and amazing lyrics, propelled this band to the pedastal of success. Albums like this only prove that music should go back to where it belongs: the 80s. Not only that, but you don't even have to bother with going to church on Sundays anymore. This album provides enough "Church" to last a lifetime. Trust me when I say that your children will be safe spending an hour with Metal Church. Leaving them with Father Downey may be a different story. The opening riffage to "The Final Word" is like meeting the Lord himself. Genius is the only word to describe this album. Sell your soul to get this album if you have to because God will remember those with the courage to blare Metal Church at top volume. Those who sacrifice their hearing will be rewarded in paradise. I can't wait for a new album.

Coming off the excellent but commercially unsuccessful "Blessing In Disguise", Metal Church released Human Factor right about the time grunge started making metal it's punching bag. The success of the album suffered though not because of lack of good material.

Metal Church came out with a chip on their shoulder on this album. They tackle a wide range of controversial subjects from child abuse, flag burning, and bands being sued for subliminal lyrics to greed, debt, and bands ripping off other bands. As one prominent magazine of the time pointed out Metal Church unfortunately had a song that sounded almost identical to the opening riff of a Prong song. No matter.

The album opens with the very average title track attacking the obvious ... late 80's hair bands and rap sampling. "Date With Poverty" is built upon a classic Metal Church verse riff and features a frustrated chorus acknowledging the average debt-ridden american. "In Harm's Way" is a great power metal ballad similar to "Anthem To The Estranged" taking aim at child abusers with a mix of tasteful acoustic passages with a distorted bridge and chorus.

Perhaps the most memorable track is "Agent Green" which has a tremendous middle section and fine drum and guitar work from the band. Despite these strong tracks there are some weaker efforts. "Betrayed" and the "Fight Song" never really seem to get off the ground and seem a bit rushed as opposed to the careful compostion of some of the other tracks. "Flee From Reality" is pretty basic also but none of these songs are actually bad. Mike Howe's vocals sound great and the production is good but when stacked up agaist Blessing In Disguise it falls short.

Depending on who you talk to most Metal Church fans cite this album as their best or their worst. However you look at it, it is hard to go wrong with a Metal Church album and this one is well worth the purchase even if it is slightly inferior to some of their other albums.

This is finally avalaible as an mp3. Thank you epic records even if it did take forever!!!! This is an underated album for the ages. It came out at the worst possible time 1991 the year of GRUNGE. Sigh!!!!! Do yourself a favor and get this album METAL CHURCH fans!!!!

This is a record that i really love. In my opinion is the best Metal Church album. Ok, there are very very good songs in almost the entire band's discography but The Human Factor is THE ALBUM to me. I was desperate to have this one in my hands and i didn't care about the almost 30 bucks (shipment included) i spended on it.

The product description refered to an out of print version of the album, i knew i wouldn't get that version,ok, but Amazon never mentioned that what i was ordering was a digipak version of this album, MY PERFECT METAL CHURCH ALBUM!. As everybody knows this kind of product versions won't last for a long time and a tiny single scratch can ruin the product... because it's made of carton!!!

You want some more?, ok. The booklet inside have no lyrics, just the band's biography with only two pictures that wheren't in the first cd printings, and without the original ones.

The album is great, i enjoyed every second of it and deserves more than the 2 star i'm givin' it. I only wanted the album in the regular jewell case with the original artwork, lyrics, original photos and maybe some extra stuff like the bio and more photos knowing it's a 2008 version.

I think Amazon should have the precise product information for every product, not refering to an out of print or anternate version of the disc. I hope my Human Factor copy last forever but i know it won't happen.

I remember seeing and hearing this album my friend owned at a tennis center where we both worked back in the 1991. This album and the album's cover with Metal Church laying in between candles is totally awesome and one of my favorites as well. All songs on here are great. My favorites include Human Factor,Date with Poverty,In Due Time,and Agent Green. The song Agent Green what I believe is about the young soldiers who fought during the Vietnam War. Hence the name Agent Orange. This song Agent Green is incredible with the nice building intro. Probably the weakest song on Human Factor and it is pretty tough to decided is Fight Song. Fight Song is still a great song though almost punkish like. This albums' release suffered during this greatly remembered time period (love the '90's). Alternative rock...aka grunge was making the biggest impact in music at the time and who could not forget about Metallica's self title album having the crown in sales and recognition. Though Metallica's self titled album was released in the later part of '91 it still had an effect on Metal Church and some many other rock/metal bands during '91-'93. This album is well worth owning and it is highly recommended from a great band named Metal Church.

THE HUMAN FACTOR is a first class trash metal album. The album is strongly played, well composed, smartly crafted. I enjoy it completely, mainly the song "In Harm's Way".

It's incredible how artists so good like that have an album like this out of catalogue, and things like Jennifer Lopez and Britney Spears go on and on and on forever....

Here is the thing. Who doesn't love Metal Church????

I know I love the band and all they have done so far, but now with a new vocalist I don't know what's gonna happen. Just have to wait and see.

As we all know The Human Factor is Metal Church's fourth release, and the best in my book. I love all done with Wayne on vocals (Metal Church, & The Dark,) but Howe is a better vocalist. I do have to agree with a few people that it sucks that after Blessing In Disguise, there was less relation between the band and the writer of the songs (Kurdt Vanderhoof,) but who cares.? The music to me just was better. and The Human Factor shows that.

My favorite M.C. release so far, and with the best M.C. songs ever.

The Human Factor, Date With Poverty, The Final Word, In Mourning, In Harm's Way, In Due Time, Agent Green, & all others. So I guess you can say I like all tracks in here. LOL

Enjoy the music.

Even better than the original release!

Normally, you find salvation at church. I however, found Church at salvation. That's right, I picked up Metal Church's album "The Human Factor" at Salvation Army for a mere 50 cents. I've spent more money on freakin' cans of soda. Granted, it's only a tape, but had there been a CD, I definately would have dished out the extra 10 cents. Dusting off the nearest tape player, I immediately popped in this masterpiece. Mind shattering guitars and amazing lyrics, propelled this band to the pedastal of success. Albums like this only prove that music should go back to where it belongs: the 80s. Not only that, but you don't even have to bother with going to church on Sundays anymore. This album provides enough "Church" to last a lifetime. Trust me when I say that your children will be safe spending an hour with Metal Church. Leaving them with Father Downey may be a different story. The opening riffage to "The Final Word" is like meeting the Lord himself. Genius is the only word to describe this album. Sell your soul to get this album if you have to because God will remember those with the courage to blare Metal Church at top volume. Those who sacrifice their hearing will be rewarded in paradise. I can't wait for a new album.

If you like METAL CHURCH, then you should always give them 5 stars. The vocalist in this album stands out to speak for itself. It is very rare to hear a good metal band with a good vocalist that can sing very well, and this album has that. It is too sad that this band has disbanded a few years ago. I hope they will reunite and I hope Mike Howe will be among the band members. You must include this album in your Metal Church collection before they completely become extict.