METAL CHURCH — Four Hymns (review)

METAL CHURCH — Four Hymns album cover Demo · 1982 · US Power Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
3/5 ·
siLLy puPPy
FOUR HYMNS was the third demo from METAL CHURCH before the release of their eponymous debut album in 1984. While the first two were entirely instrumental, on this one they added a fifth member vocalist David Wayne who would appear on the first two MC albums and then comeback for a couple more in the 90s before dying in a car crash in 2005. While the production quality is still quite shoddy at this point, the rampaging metal musicianship is on full fire and it was inevitable that the band would find a record deal at this point as they rivaled anyone else in the metal universe at this point with super speed induced guitar riffs, pummeling bass line and a healthy dose of drum attack.

Wayne was the perfect vocalist for the job as he was obviously steeped in NWOBHM influences with Rob Halford being the most obvious however Wayne had a dirtier and gritty vocal attack. It’s also true that the compositions themselves emanate from the British influences of the day with some Priest-ish and Maiden-esque riffs in the music.

Of the four tracks on FOUR HYMNS, only “Gods Of Wrath” and “Battalions” would find a home on the debut album but while the others are decently done they don’t match the beauty of the first few full albums. The production is still crap at this point and actually sounds worse than the previous demo but FOUR HYMNS remains a compelling listen at least once for historical value as the music is absolutely on fire and it’s apparent the musical mojo is steaming hot and ready to make its mark on the world. Far from essential but quite the speed metal attack for 1982.
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