Formed in 1980 in the burgeoning Bay Area metal scene who at one time had Lars Ulrich audition for the drummer’s position before he left to form some other band no one had heard of. With their self-titled debut album in 1984, Metal Church, arguably one of the great classics of American heavy metal, launched an international career.
Unfortunately, everything ends. Even in the legendary realms of heavy metal and with the loss of their legendary singer and frontman Mike Howe in July 2021, Metal Church has released this live album, The Final Sermon, recorded in 2019, the vocalist’s final performance. So not only does this serve as a lasting tribute but also as a reminder just how legendary all parties still are all these years later.
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The fourteen tracks show not only has a phenomenal setlist with particular highlights in “The Black Things” and “Bandlands”.
Production is ridiculously tight and really emphasises the components that even as someone who wasn’t there you are made to feel as if you were. The interactions from the band are nicely balanced and the reactions from the crowd at regular intervals captures what sounds like an absolutely incredible atmosphere.
Even having gone back and watched the Bloodstock Festival performance from that time, The Final Sermon manages to have a complete throwback feel reminiscent of the band’s early days which I found particularly fitting.
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The Final Sermon is out on 26th July
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