This Present Wasteland

Metal Church | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 23, 2008)
• Original Release Date: 2008
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Steamhammer / SPV
• ASIN: B001CISHOU
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #24,909 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

METAL CHURCH THIS PRESENT WASTELAND

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good album from a very consistent band., September 26, 2008

By 

Brent E. Johnson (Naches, WA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: This Present Wasteland (Audio CD)

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.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Another Solid & Dependable Offering by Metal Church, October 2, 2008

By 

Mike "Metal Mike-Milwaukee" (Milwaukee, WI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: This Present Wasteland (Audio CD)

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.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Decent, but not great, October 22, 2008

By 

Chris Lund (Seattle, WA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: This Present Wasteland (Audio CD)

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!