METAL CHURCH rank as one of the true founders of the early 80s North American Thrash Metal scene. Guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof created the band, actually naming it after the commonly used name for his San Francisco apartment upon his departure from Punk act THE LEWD. As THE LEWD evolved into more of a Hardcore Thrash act Vanderhoof found himself more and more interested in the Metal scene. During a 1980 gig LEVIATHAN members guitarist Rick Condran and Aaron Zimpel got into a conversation with Vanderhoof and discussed the idea of an "ultimate" Metal band. As Vanderhoof, Condran, bassist Steve Haat and drummer Aaron Winer created ANVIL CHORUS-THE CHURCH OF METAL the remnants of LEVIATHAN, Zimpel, bassist Bill Skinner and drummer Kenny Feragen, became Progressive Rock trio VIENNA.

The first Vanderhoof all instrumental demo comprised the LEVIATHAN track 'Red Skies,’ 'Heads Will Roll' and 'Merciless Onslaught.’ The formative band went through numerous drummers, including an invitation to pre-METALLICA Lars Ulrich. A pair of other local musicians, guitarists Thaen Rasmussen (ex-VY-KING) and Doug Piercy (ex-COBRA and DELTA) liked the name ANVIL CHORUS so much they took it for themselves. They did, however, offer acknowledgment with the homage to their inspiration with the track 'Bow To The Church Of Metal.’ Vanderhoof trimmed the name of his act down to simply METAL CHURCH.

SINISTER SAVAGE man Billy McKay fronted METAL CHURCH for a brief spell prior to founding GRIFFIN. Singer Ed Bull was invited to join the band but guitarist Condran objected. When the guitarist quit METAL CHURCH Bull was on the mike stand the very next day. With the abandonment of VIENNA, Zimpel also joined forgoing his normal frontman position to become METAL CHURCH's drummer. With this line up METAL CHURCH cut their second demo. This four track affair included a rework of 'Heads Will Roll' titled 'Put The Chains On,’ an ANVIL CHORUS number 'Arab Nations,’ 'Wake Up And Die' and 'The Trap Is Set.’ The latter track displayed the enmity between Bull and Condran as the singer's chorus of "Die Ricky, Die!" amply illustrated.

However, despite intensive tape trading, this early incarnation of METAL CHURCH folded, with Haat going on to a temporary stint with GRIFFIN then glamsters JETBOY. Bull founded CONTROL with guitarists Dino Scarposi and Bill Tuder. A later version of CONTROL featured another ex-ANVIL CHORUS man guitarist Doug Piercy, later of HEATHEN. Zimpel meantime joined the ranks of ANVIL CHORUS. Vanderhoof journeyed back to Seattle to create SCHRAPNEL. In 1983 this act had evolved into METAL CHURCH with a line-up of Vanderhoof, vocalist David Wayne, guitarist Craig Wells, bassist Duke Erikson and drummer Kirk Arrington. An earlier SCHRAPNEL vocalist Mike Murphy opened up the vacancy for Wayne by bailing out to join ROGUES GALLERY. METAL CHURCH debuted on May 4, 1984, performing at the D&R Theater in Aberdeen, Washington with ROGUES GALLERY and THE MELVINS as opening acts.

In 1984, METAL CHURCH signed to the Seattle based Ground Zero label and released the critically acclaimed, self-titled debut the same year. The band had previously contributed the track 'Deathwish' to the label's 'Northwest Metalfest' compilation album. The debut album was to be re-issued by Elektra in 1985 following the signing of a major deal that would propel the group to the forefront of the mid 80s Thrash Metal boom.

In 1986, METAL CHURCH released their second album, 'The Dark,’ an album that quickly warranted it's status as one of the premier Metal releases of the 80's and probably the band's finest moment to date. However, in a band bust up Wayne was ejected, the frontman forming working relationships with ex-LIZZY BORDEN guitarist Gene Allen, then REVEREND and later with INTRINSIC. The singer also had a brief union in 1989 with San Francisco metal band HEATHEN.

In 1992 Howe got his name onto the second BOOTSAUCE album "Bull" guesting on the track "'Touching Cloth". Marshall meantime boosted the band's profile in an unusual manner when he was drafted into METALLICA on a temporary basis. Hetfield had burnt his hand and deputized his guitar duties to Marshall for much of their American tour. This was the second time Marshall had stood in for Hetfield, the first was in 1987 when Hetfield had broken his wrist skateboarding.

Following 1994's "Hanging In The Balance," released on Joan Jett's Blackheart label, METAL CHURCH fizzled out. However, during 1997, Kurdt Vanderhoof made his recording comeback in the modestly titled VANDERHOOF, a band that also comprised old METAL CHURCH colleague Kirk Arrington. Although the VANDERHOOF album surprised many with its undoubted quality, under pressure from their German record label the classic "The Dark"-era METAL CHURCH reunited in mid 1998. The band heralded their return with probably their most over the top release to date with a live album culled from tapes recorded in the mid 80's.

The band bounced back with a fresh studio album "Masterpeace" (somewhat confusingly released with the track titles in completely the wrong order) and touring Europe on a double package with THUNDERHEAD throughout October and November of 1999. By 2000, METAL CHURCH had a new rhythm section of bassist Brian Lake and drummer Jeff Wade, both members of VANDERHOOF.

The story took a further twist when it emerged that Wayne had set up a fresh act titled DAVID WAYNE'S METAL CHURCH. Joining Wayne were ex-WARRIOR guitarist Joe Floyd, former JOINT FORCES, GEEZER and THUNDERHEAD guitarist Jimi Bell and drummer B.J. Zampa, a veteran of YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, MVP, TONY MACALPINE and THUNDERHEAD. Bell was also operational with the covers band TATTERED TRAMPS.

VANDERHOOF made a return in 2002 with a fresh album, "A Blur In Time," featuring new vocalist Drew Hart and a re-instated Kirk Arrington on drums. David Wayne was back in the news in July of 2003, with the singer joining BASTARDSUN, the British Metal band assembled by former CRADLE OF FILTH guitarist Stuart Anstis.

METAL CHURCH itself regrouped during 2003, with original members Kurdt Vanderhoof and Kirk Arrington bringing on board vocalist Ronny Munroe from Seattle metal band ROTTWEILLER. Local try out gigs were conducted under the pseudonym of "MENTAL SEARCH." By the following year it was learned that the re-vamped band, having cut a new album, "Weight Of The World," also included former MALICE guitarist Jay Reynolds. 2004 winter dates in the US saw Canadians 3 INCHES OF BLOOD as support act.

Although Vanderhoof prioritized the METAL CHURCH album "Weight Of The World," he would also fire up a progressive rock project entitled PRESTO BALLET. This band would comprise VANDERHOOF colleagues vocalist Damon Albright, bassist Brian Lake, keyboard player Brian Cokeley and drummer Jeff Wade. Subsequently, this intended project would be issued under the existing VANDERHOOF banner.

Former METAL CHURCH vocalist David Wayne was back in action on the live front in 2005, touting a band entitled DAVID WAYNE'S METAL CHURCH. Live dates for METAL CHURCH in Europe, including an announced headliner at the Dutch Raise Your Fist Festival, were canceled. The band did, however, put in extensive road work as part of the American Metal Blast tour flanking W.A.S.P., L.A. GUNS and STEPHEN PEARCY.

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REVEREND

The history of REVEREND, HERETIC and METAL CHURCH are truly intertwined in a holy trinity of Thrash Metal. In an odd twist of fate after the dissolution of HERETIC which saw singer Mike Howe leave to join METAL CHURCH, the band evolved into REVEREND with ex-METAL CHURCH vocalist David Wayne in command. (This is probably what HERETIC are most well-known for....) Guitarists Stuart Fuji and Brian Korban along with bassist Dennis O’Hara were all members of HERETIC. Joining REVEREND would be drummer Stuart Vogel. By the 1990 album, Vogel had made way for drummer Rick Basha. REVEREND debuted at the Rainbow Club in Los Angeles on a Friday night as the main attraction; "REVEREND, featuring David Wayne" was on the marquis.

After the success of the debut EP on Caroline Records and capitalizing on Wayne’s history with METAL CHURCH, the band signed with Charisma, a small but stable record label. The Charisma full-length debut, "World Won’t Miss You," was a rampaging affair, cranking the brutality up just a notch above and beyond either of the previous acts. The album was dedicated to the late Dave Pritchard of ARMORED SAINT and featured Rocky George of SUICIDAL TENDENCIES as a guest as well as Chris Goss of MASTERS OF REALITY.

Late 1990, early 1991 saw some big changes in the line-up with Fuji, O’Hara and Basha all departing with Angelo Espino joining to play bass and Jason Ian appearing on drums. The album, "Play God," was another punishing opus, and the band had utilized a second guitarist in the studio by the name of Tommy "V" Verdonck. The release also featured a ripping cover of the CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL tune "Fortunate Son" and also had Juan Garcia of EVIL DEAD providing some backing vocals.

Unfortunately, with the onset of grunge and alternative music, Thrash started to loose momentum and the band capped the first stage of their career with a six-song live EP simply called "Live." 1992 saw the addition of Ernesto F. Martinez on guitar for the live recording. The short punchy live EP was considered to be a nice cap on the career of REVEREND as the band entered a period of inactivity.

Locating to Yakima, Washington from Los Angeles, in 1993, Wayne began re-forming REVEREND, and in 1994 for a sixth-month period, the band played as the house band for Little Dutch Inn after Wayne had hooked up with several local musicians, notably, Jamie Northrup (drummer), Chuck Smith (bass) and Bill Rhynes (lead guitar). During this period the band would jam during the week to work out original REVEREND material. Todd Stotz later joined REVEREND as drummer. From Yakima, the band located to the Seattle area, performing on-and-off for the next several years.

Wayne would then found a further act simply titled WAYNE. Cutting an album billed as "Metal Church," complete with the characteristic guitar-cross icon and the WAYNE logo rendered in METAL CHURCH's own familiar font left no doubting to which audience the frontman was pitching.

During 2000, Wayne and WARRIOR guitarist Joe Floyd would produce the BYFIST "Adrenalin" EP.

After several years of somewhat inactivity and spurred perhaps by the global resurgence in Metal, REVEREND re-emerged in 2001 with an independent 4-song EP called "A Gathering Of Demons" on the Nuclear Blast label. The EP was notable for the song "Legion" which was a re-working, both musically and lyrically, of the METAL CHURCH song "Fake Healer." The line up now consisted of Wayne and newcomers guitarist Chris Nelson and bassist John Stahlman (both former members of FAUSTUS) and drummer Todd Stotz (formerly of LIBRIUM and GANGLAND). It was the heaviest recording by the band to date. REVEREND, at this point was now hailing totally from the Seattle/Tacoma, Washington area.

A connection was strengthened when BYFIST guitarists Davey Lee and Notch Vara duly joined Wayne's REVEREND supplanting guitarist Chris Nelson. Bassist John Stahlman's position would be taken by Pete Perez, a veteran of CARRION, SPASTIK INK and hard rockers RIOT. Subsequently, the four-string duties were taken over by ex-HEIR APPARENT, HETERADOX and KILLER STRIKE bassist Jay Wegener, also from Seattle. At a time following the release of "A Gathering Of Demons," Nelson and Stahlman formed GRAVL TUNG (Spring 2002) along with still-current REVEREND drummer Todd Stotz. Rumors surfaced that David Wayne and REVEREND were thinking on moving south and hooking up with the Texas metal scene.

ONWARD would be announced as support act for REVEREND's August 2002 West Coast Tour. The band would confirm they were to put in a special appearance as support for JUDAS PRIEST and BUDGIE in San Antonio, Texas, but shortly after this announcement the band was dropped from the billing.

REVEREND continued with its West Coast tour and concluded with the band touring The Netherlands and Germany in December including headlining The Netherlands' Black Rose Festival. In addition to REVEREND duties, bassist Jay Wegener doubled up with BYFIST in January 2003. As REVEREND activity slowed, David Wayne put the band on hold as he joined BASTARDSUN in July, the British metal band assembled by former CRADLE OF FILTH guitarist Stuart Anstis. Eventually, communications broke down within BASTARDSUN and Wayne returned to the United States.

During the period 2004-2005, REVEREND conjured with BYFIST, and DAVID WAYNE'S METAL CHURCH began taking on added shape with David Wayne supplying the vocals, Davey Lee and Nacho Vara on guitars, Brendon Kyle on bass, and Jesse Vara on drums. Wayne commuted between Tacoma and San Antonio, as necessary, for live performances.

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WAYNE

A twist in the tale of renowned and highly respected Thrash veterans METAL CHURCH occurred in 2001. Following the comeback studio album "Masterpeace," METAL CHURCH, not for the first time in their career, parted ways with singer David Wayne. The man had originally fronted the band from 1983 onwards lending his distinctive bellow to what many regard as METAL CHURCH's finest moments, the debut "Metal Church" and the mammoth second effort, "The Dark."

Wayne would decamp at the pinnacle make-or-break juncture of METAL CHURCH's success in what many analysts at the time perceived was a rash move. Years later, it would be revealed the singer had bailed out in order to clean up from drug abuse. Wayne resurfaced with REVEREND issuing a further string of commendable, if not commercially successful, albums. METAL CHURCH persevered turning in solid and even inspiring works with Wayne's replacement Mike Howe, but would ultimately bite the dust.

METAL CHURCH, complete with Wayne and much of the classic line up, reunited for the "Masterpeace" album, but fractures began to show again. With the METAL CHURCH membership in disarray at the turn of the millennium, it emerged that Wayne had set up a fresh act initially titled DAVID WAYNE'S METAL CHURCH, but subsequently named WAYNE. Joining him were METAL CHURCH colleague and guitarist Craig Wells, highly-acclaimed former JOINED FORCES, GEEZER and THUNDERHEAD guitarist JIMI BELL and drummer B.J. Zampa, a veteran of YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, MVP, TONY MACALPINE and THUNDERHEAD. Bell also operated the covers band TATTERED TRAMPS.

The resulting album, released by the German Nuclear Blast label and called "Metal Church," not only witnessed the re-introduction of METAL CHURCH's famous guitar-cross device on the cover art but sported a WAYNE icon in the exact logotype as METAL CHURCH. The record would also sport a cover version of MOUNTAIN's "Mississippi Queen." A caption on Nuclear Blast's website reads:  "Metal Church captures the spirit of the ‘80s, proving true metal is alive and well in this age of teen-queen pop and suburban rap disguised as "extreme music."

Wayne would not neglect his REVEREND act though, inducting BYFIST guitarists Davey Lee and Notch Vara into the fold during March 2002. In early 2003, JIMI BELL contributed a guest solo to the ROB ROCK album "Eyes Of Eternity." By early 2004, Bell would be collaborating with the OBSESSION and LOUDNESS credited singer Michael Vescara for a MVP project album.

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