Blessing in Disguise (1989)
---7/7/15
I bought this on LP when it came out, and 26 years later it just gets better and better. The songwriting is top notch, the riffs are sharp and memorable, the production is massive, and new singer Mike Howe's shrill and passionate vocals fit the music perfectly. There are plenty of progressions within each track, keeping the music exciting throughout. 'It's a Secret' recalls the killer instrumental 'Merciless Onslaught' from the debut. Overall, Blessing in Disguise sits comfortably in the middle ground between old school metal and late 80s thrash. Superb.
---12/22/25
For whatever reason I did not add that review to UMR, so it makes its debut here. It's interesting to note that this album isn't really progressive - or even all-out thrash - yet it has elements of both embedded that makes it a fascinating listen. It's a sophisticated album, but not overtly so. Metal Church found a niche in an overcrowded metal marketplace. I didn't mention it above, but if you're going to listen to one track here, make it 'Badlands'. At once beautiful and powerful. Incredible vocal performance by Howe. A true 5 star masterpiece.
As I catch up on the band's history, it's sad to read that both of their iconic lead singers have passed away, along with their original drummer. On the positive front, they are still marching forward with ever changing lineups around founder Kurdt Vanderhoof, and plan on releasing their 14th album in 2026. As you can see at the bottom, I've barely heard a fraction of them. And only one recent title.
Ownership:
1989 Elektra (LP). Lyric insert.
1989 Elektra (CD). Tri-fold booklet with lyrics and photos.
1989 (LP acquired); 7/7/15 (review); 12/22/25 (update)
The Dark (1986)For whatever reason, I could never buy this album back in the day. It was like a reverse magnet. I'd have it in my hands, and put it back. I loved the first album (still do), and when Blessing in Disguise came out, I jumped on it. This latter work remains one of my all-time favorite metal albums. But I still didn't get The Dark. I even had a CD of Human Factor at one point (long gone). So leave it to me to wait until it's expensive. That's the Genius Hans way! Ah well, on the same wall with Wrathchild America was a perfect copy of this (it was an incredible metal buy from these guys - all in shrink and most looked untouched). It was overpriced (like unfortunately most of the others, though the WA was fairly marked), but I can never find anything to use my trade credit on, so what the hell - still free for me essentially.
I offer this prelude to give you perspective on how I approached my first listen. It was with high anticipation. Well... it appears my basic instincts were correct. Or I should state - sort of correct. It's a good album for sure - solid metal all the way. But it misses the X factor that the two albums that surround it have. Whether it be the lack of hooks, energy, or epics, this album isn't breaking any new ground for 1986. I do appreciate Dave Wayne's shrieky voice though. On the downside, the production is a bit "square wave" if you know what I mean. I'm sure I need more time with the album - as the other two I must have heard well over 50 times each (which is what we all did back then). But I wasn't compelled to hear The Dark twice in a row last night. Anyway, a keeper for sure. But disappointing.
Ownership: 1986 Elektra (LP). Lyric insert.
3/7/21 (acquired / review)
Also own and need to review: Metal Church (1984); XI
Once owned and need to revisit The Human Factor.
3/7/21 (new entry)
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