Metal Church "Blessing In Disguise" CD

Few bands have captured the spirit of 80s heavy metal as well as Metal Church. With the most accomplished artists in the metal community they developed its own distinctive style even after their first self-titled debut in 1985. And with the subsequent album “The Dark” they went for better things, which many consider to be their finest record and a classic offering among 80s speed-thrash. But for me things were not yet perfect till Vandehoof, the driving force behind most of the band’s work, brought vocalist Mike Howe into the band along with ex-Metallica roadie John Marshall on the guitar. Having released an album with his former band Heretic, the vocalist Mike Howe eventually found a new band that could do justice to his voice.
While there isn’t a tremendous musical shift on this album, there is something highly conspicuous that is not typical of Church’s previous two records. As soon as you hear the first track “Fake Healer” it is obvious that melody rather than speed is the keynote which resulted in a more precise delivery. The monumental opening riffs of the track together with the spellbinding voice is a moment where Metal Church is becoming a real blessing in the skies with a heavier riffing and deeper subject matter (with prime importance given to the lyrics), yet not completely deviating from what they do best which is extremely unique 80s metal music.
“Anthem to the Estranged”, “Badlands”, “Fake Healer”, “The Powers That Be” are the best tracks on the album respectively. How can I even try to describe the brilliance of these tracks played with instruments fit for the gods. “Anthem to the Estranged” starts with a moment of blessed calm and a voice gifted with unmarred grace, as if depicting last moments of a farewell scene frozen in time. The wailing anthem suddenly turns into a raging storm and the same formula repeats itself several times. It’s a superbly executed semi-ballad of fantastic beauty. And after having heard this one we are no longer totally unaware of the suffering there is outside our own comfortable little worlds. To fully appreciate this song one has to be in the mood, for sometimes how we perceive an album is the product of a vital interaction between time and place. “Badlands” is the second best track although it might just as well be the best. This one is one of those in which music speaks for itself. There aren’t many songs around that can leave a lasting impact as this one, encapsulating a moment of astral journey written in music. The rest also has their moments tinged with excellence that make this album a pure musical heritage. It’s an album I enjoy every minute of it.
You know few pleasures can equal that of a cold drink on a hot summer day. For me this album is definitely one of them. Listening to it is like eating a favourite food of mine. Smells good, tastes good and sounds even better. Enjoy it…

Official promo video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?...

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?...