Customer Reviews

This Present Wasteland

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

After this album was released Metal Church called it quits due to poor album sales and poor concert ticket sales. How the hell does that happen, this band is heavier and true to the classic thrash than Metallica but they get ignored, it's truly sad, this album needed more advertising and it would have been big in the metal community. Great solid album from an awesome metal band, lets hope we have not seen the doors closed to the Metal Church forever.

This is the most underated CD of this Century.

there are 3 songs here I don't consider great.

that being said. the other 7 make it one of this century's finest straight ahead metal. Vocals are steller with screams that will haunt you. Plenty of good music/singing/drumming on those and the other 3 songs. It won't go far from your rotation. That's a guarantee!!! I liken it, not so much in style, by way of comparison, but in greatness with Metallica's and AC/DC's '08 releases (Death Magnetic and Black Ice). 5 Stars. Must have! Now, a DVD concert!!!!

This album simply rocks. Every song is solid, with no throwaways. The title track leads off and is probably the strongest song. By far their best effort since Ronny Munro has taken over the vocals. Wish they were able to tour right away, but Kurt Vanderhoof's back is acting up, so their tour is on hold for six months.

If you are a Metal Church fan, you will love this. Do not hesitate to buy it. Well worth the $$$$.

I'll start by saying I have been a huge fan of Metal Church since 1989. They have been one of my favorite bands since I heard 'Blessing in Disguise'. Sadly, this release is very mediocre. The songs just aren't that memorable. I listened to this CD a couple times when it was first released and found nothing impressive. Time went by, I pulled it out for another listen, and still no reaction. Oh, the musicianship is excellent as always, and although alot of people bash Ronnie Munroe, I think he is an adequate vocalist. Their first release under this new line-up, 'Weight of the World', was excellent. 'Light in the Dark' slipped a bit, and this latest release just doesn't do justice to the Metal Church name. It's unfortunate that this is the note that they will go out on, because the Metal Church faith has seen much greater glory.

with this release, Ronny Munroe sounds a bit like Bruce Dickinson. also with this release, you will see some artwork donated by fans as well. the music is killer.

I kind of thought it funny the comment on 80's bands not being around anymore. in the past years, Overkill has released some material, Kreator, Sodom, Destruction released new material, Slayer has a new release coming out next month, Metallica released one last year, Megadeth has a new release out, Armored Saint has a new one coming next year, and Exodus has one coming out next year. back to the subject on Metal Church. this last album rocks and it has a tiny bit of melody to it. these guys will be missed, but they may be back on their feet with another project.

This is a good release by one of the most consistent names in heavy metal, Metal Church.

This singer does not have the soaring vocals of Mike Howe, circa "Blessing in Disguise", but he does a better David Wayne era set.

Overall, I really like it. It's hard to find a decent album to just throw in and jam to, with solid rocking tracks. This is better than the newest Metallica release, hands down.

Way back in 1986 when I was only 13 I bought a CD called The Dark and to this day I still enjoy that CD. There are very few albums that can stand the test of time like that. Most things become so dated and you lose interest in them, but that Metal Church CD seems timeless.

That's what inspired me to try their latest release. Unfortunately, it was a sad disappointment. I knew that the singer had changed due to the unfortunate demise of their original singer, but I had hoped they picked a good replacement. They didn't. To me vocals are vitally important. To me they really make or break a band and I understand that not everyone agrees with me on that. I personally rank Bruce Dickinson as the best vocalist of all time with his stunning vocal range. I'd rank Axl Rose as #2. Ozzy would get the #3 spot, being a very good singer even if he lacks the incredible vocal range of a guy like Dickinson. I like singers who sing loud & clear so that you can easily make out the words after a few listens and looking at the liner notes to clarify anything that you didn't get at first.

The problem is that Ronny Munroe simply doesn't sing very clearly. He's certainly not the worst singer I've ever heard, though that's not saying much giving that some think that screaming incoherently in something that one presumes (though you can't be sure) to be English is "singing".

He's a mediocre singer at best backed by a decent band. They ought to dump him and get somebody who can sing well, somebody who is deserving of the position of lead singer for Metal Church.

I wish I hadn't wasted my money on this. This CD definitely is a Wasteland.