Auburney, Seattle's 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 Zimple (a.k.a. Aaron Whymer) created ANVIL CHORUS-THE CHURCH OF METAL the remnants of LEVIATHAN, Zimple, switching to vocals, bassist Bill Skinner and drummer Kenny Feragen became Progressive Rock trio VIENNA.

Upon Vanderhoof's return to Aberdeen, Washington in 1981 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 (they even invited a pre METALLICA Lars Ulrich to join). 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 acknowledgement 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 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 illustrates.

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 SHRAPNEL. 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 SHRAPNEL vocalist Mike Murphy opened up the vacancy for Wayne by bailing out to join ROGUES GALLERY. The band debuted on May 4th 1984, performing at the D&R Theater in Aberdeen with ROGUES GALLERY and THE MELVINS as opening acts. Before long, METAL CHURCH's uncompromising approach had placed the band, alongside QUEENSRYCHE, at the head of the Seattle scene. Early devotees numbered latter day influential figures such as Kurt Cobain and Layne Staley.

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', recorded at Woodmont Beach Studio in Kent, Washington with co-producer Richard Rogers, to the label's 'Northwest Metalfest' compilation album. METAL CHURCH shared the grooves alongside other local acts such as THE BONDAGE BOYS, LIPSTICK, STRIKE, SATO, MACE, OPEN FIRE, KODA KAHN and OVERLORD.

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. The band closed the year as part of what was to rank as one of the ultimate thrash concerts, ranked alongside METALLICA, MEGADETH and EXODUS at a New Year Eve bash at the San Francisco Civic Center.

In 1986, METAL CHURCH released their second album, 'The Dark', an album that quickly warranted its status as one of the premier Metal release of the 80's and probably the band's finest moment to date. Committed to tape by the team of producer Mark Dodson and engineer Terry Date, 'The Dark', blended high octane thrash with monumental heavy metal and even caught the band expanding into epic territory with songs such as 'Watch The Children Pray' and 'Burial At Sea'. 'The Dark' broke the Billboard top 100 at number 92. On November 8th 1986 the band's headline show at the Country Club in Reseda went down in Thrash history as METALLICA took on the opening spot to break in their new bassist Jason Newsted. Major exposure was guaranteed by a support tour to METALLICA, the group acting as openers throughout Europe and Canada.

However, in a band bust up Wayne was ejected. Wayne would reveal that band problems with drugs had forced him out of the picture. Wayne's first attempt at putting a new band unit together involved ex-W.A.S.P. guitarist Randy Piper but only songwriting sessions were undertaken before the singer moved on. The frontman then worked with ex-LIZZY BORDEN guitarist Gene Allen, then REVEREND and later joining INTRINSIC. The singer also had a brief union with HEATHEN.

In August 1988 METAL CHURCH commenced work on the 'Deadly Blessing' album, this record witnessing Terry Date's promotion from engineer to producer, saw METAL CHURCH now fronted by ex-HERETIC singer Mike Howe and with former BLIND ILLUSION man John Marshall augmenting Wells on guitar. Initially the band drafted in guitarist Mark Baker to fulfill Vanderhoof's role for touring in America but added Marshall on a full time basis. Howe had been suggested to the band by Vanderhoof, the guitarist having produced the debut HERETIC album. Vanderhoof's dislike of touring prompted his opting out. However, Vanderhoof was to remain a central character within METAL CHURCH as a songwriter and conspirator and regained his taste for playing by forming HALL AFLAME and releasing an album through IRS.

METAL CHURCH's 1991 opus, 'The Human Factor', saw production credits going to Mark Dodson. Although a solid effort, the record failed to provide upward momentum. 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 deputised his guitar duties to Marshall for much of their American tour. This was the second time Marshall had depped for Hetfield, the first was in 1987 when the frontman had broken his wrist skateboarding.

Following October 1993's 'Hanging In The Balance', released on JOAN JETT's Blackheart label, itself a subsidiary of Epic, saw the inclusion of a guesting JERRY CANTRELL from ALICE IN CHAINS on opening song 'Gods Of Second Chance'. Unfortunately promotion for the album was poor and the use of a garish cartoon sleeve also put many fans off. The group got to tour the European continent once again as it headed up the heavyweight October 1995 ZODIAC MINDWARP, VICIOUS RUMORS and KILLERS package. However, METAL CHURCH then duly 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 eighties.

The band bounced back with a fresh studio album 'Masterpeace' (somewhat confusingly released with the track titles in completely the wrong order) 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 him 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, the singer joining BASTARDSUN, the British Metal band assembled by former CRADLE OF FILTH guitarist Stuart Anstis.

METAL CHURCH itself regrouped during 2003, original members Kurdt Vanderhoof and Kirk Arrington bringing onboard 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 prioritised 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 and keyboard player Brian Cokeley alongside former METAL CHURCH man Jeff Wade on drums. Subsequently this intended project would be issued under the existing VANDERHOOF banner.

Live dates for METAL CHURCH in Europe, including an announced headliner at the Dutch 'Raise Your Fist' festival, were cancelled. However, the band put in extensive Summer road work in the USA as part of the 'American Metal Blast' tour flanking W.A.S.P., L.A. GUNS and STEPHEN PEARCY. However, with Vanderhoof already having given a prior commitment to engineer material for TRANS SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA, his place on these dates would be filled by VICIOUS RUMORS and EMERALD TRIANGLE man Ira Black.

The METAL CHURCH family was dealt a huge blow on 10th of May with the passing of David Wayne. Just 47 years old, the singer died from complications from injuries he sustained in a head-on automobile accident months previously.

Early February 2006 saw a line-up change as an official aanouncement read "Due to health complications from years of struggling with diabetes, Kirk Arrington has stepped down as METAL CHURCH's drummer. He will be missed and we wish him only the best." Stepping in as substitute would be the SAVATAGE, CHRIS CAFFERY and TRANS SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA credited Jeff Plate.

The album 'A Light In The Dark' featured a re-recording of the classic 'Watch The Children Play' in tribute to David Wayne. METAL CHURCH European tour dates in June would see support from VICTORY and GORILLA MONSOON. In November 2006 Jay Reynolds, retaining his ties to METAL CHURCH, was announced as heading up the resurrected MALICE.

January 2007 headline dates in January 2007 saw MELIAH RAGE as support. However, at a show in Nashville on January 31st drummer Jeff Plate suffered spinal problems, dating from a 1994 herniated disc injury sustained while playing golf, causing the cancellation of further concerts. In March it was learned METAL CHURCH lead singer Ronny Munroe was working on a solo album with his former ROTTWEILLER band mates guitarist Rick Van Zandt and bassist Israel Rehaume.

Changes in the METAL CHURCH camp following recording of the album 'This Present Wasteland' saw Jay Reynolds opting out due to "personal reasons'. He would be swiftly replaced by Rick Van Zandt. Notable shows for this new line-up took place on August 2nd in Mapplewood, Minnesota supporting JUDAS PRIEST and on August 16th in San Juan, Puerto Rico at Roberto Clemente Coliseum with QUEENSRYCHE. On October 4th Ronny Munroe and Rick Van Zandt put in an an acoustic performance in San Francisco to benefit the Castro Valley Sunrise Rotary to raise money and awareness for The Kids' Breakfast Club.

'This Present Wasteland' landed on the Billboard US charts at no. 121.European concerts aligned with New Jersey's OVERKILL were plotted  to commence 20th February 2009 in London but the band withdrew, citing ongoing back problems suffered by guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof.

RONNY MUNROE issued his debut solo album 'The Fire Within' during 2009. His live band included ROTTWEILLER and METAL CHURCH colleague Rick Van Zandt on guitar.

METAL CHURCH performed at the 9th July 2009 'Rocklahoma' festival in Pryor, Oklahoma. As it transpired, this was to be their final show as the group announced they were disbanding for good.