UMUR "The Dark" is the 2nd full-length studio album by US power/heavy metal act Metal Church. The album was released through Elektra/Asylum Records in October 1986. The 1984 eponymously titled debut album was initially released on the band´s own label Ground Zero Records before being picked up by Elektra Records for a re-release in 1985. So Metal Church were on their way towards the stars at that point (major label deal, positive responses from fans and critics, and a fairly well selling debut album under their belt). All was not well within the Metal Church camp though, and this would be their last album to feature the original lineup who recorded the debut album.

"The Dark" continues the US power/heavy metal sound of its predecessor, but the change to a major label has pushed the band in a slightly more polished direction. It´s still predominantly a hard edged heavy metal album, and tracks like "Ton of Bricks", "Start the Fire", and "Line of Death", should please most fans of US power/heavy metal. The musicianship is strong and the listener is treated to high level performances from all involved. Lead vocalist David Wayne has a strong voice and a commanding delivery, which is the icing on the cake of the already strong instrumental part of the music.

"The Dark" features a powerful and well sounding production and upon conclusion it´s a quality US power/heavy metal album and a worthy follow-up to the band´s now classic debut album. "The Dark" doesn´t quite reach the heights of the debut, and there are a couple of tracks on the album, which are slightly unremarkable, but overall it´s a both powerful and memorable release. a 3.5 - 4 star (75%) rating is deserved.

Warthur I kind of think of Metal Church's debut album as being traditional heavy metal with a thrash influence, whereas this tiptoes over the line to become thrash with a traditional heavy metal influence - not too dissimilar in that respect to Anthrax, if Anthrax thrashed a little harder and had Rob Halford on vocals. Of course, it's not Rob Halford this time but David Wayne, who gives the performance of a career this time around, and the rest of the band provide a performance to match. Along with the debut, it's a truly eye-opening 80s metal release and one which has shot to a five-star spot in my eyes on first hearing and hasn't faded from there with repeated listens.