HAEMORRHAGE/DISGORGE "MORGUE METAL" CD NEW

Crash Music, Inc.

Earache (USA)

Metal Church: Steve Unger (bass guitar); Kirk Arrington (drums); Jay Reynolds, Kurdt Vanderhoof, Ronny Munroe.Personnel: Ronny Munroe (vocals); Jay Reynolds, Kurdt Vanderhoof (guitar); Kirk Arrington (drums).Audio Mixers: Kurdt Vanderhoof; Mark Greer.Recording information: The English Channel, WA.Ah, Metal Church. Once one of America's most promising heavy metal bands, originally colleagues (rivals, even) of the mighty Metallica -- has any other band's career been as marked by internal chaos, confusion, and, let's face it, commercial indifference, as that of these Seattle natives? The odds are slim, and yet, conversely, has any metal outfit proved as doggone persistent at the same time? Surely that must count for something, and with the realization that 2004's The Weight of the World amazingly celebrates the group's 20th anniversary (even though it's only their seventh studio album in all that time), there's at least some cause for celebration -- right? Well, if truth be told, that'll depend on the listener.

Dwell

Angel Air Records

Big Beat Records (Dance)

Personnel: Luisma (vocals, guitar); Lugubrious (vocals); Ana (guitar).Audio Mixer: Mike Behrendt.Recording information: VRS Studios (07/2010-08/2010).

Relapse Records (USA)

Metal Church's excellent debut had impressed critics and fans alike with its ferocious blend of classic metal and thrash. But by the time they released its follow-up, 1986's The Dark, the band seemed to be struggling with their direction and wrestling with internal problems. The fact that they were collectively one of the most unattractive bands ever (even by heavy metal standards) didn't help matters either, especially in image-conscious America, so it was no surprise when the band's appeal remained firmly confined to the metal underground. Which is too bad, since The Dark contained some of the group's best material, including the brutal intensity of "Start the Fire" and "Method to Your Madness, " as well as what was probably their best-known song, the astoundingly heavy epic "Watch the Children Play." Extensive touring with Elektra labelmates Metallica had also motivated the band to develop their thrashier inclinations, resulting in vicious moshers like "Ton of Bricks" and "Over My Dead Body." ~ Eduardo Riva

The first of two Anvil offerings originally released on Metal Blade, Strength of Steel signaled the decline of this once-promising Canadian outfit. The band's eroding commitment to heaviness may have been due to increasing commercial and legal concerns that followed their long period without a record contract. The second to last disc from Anvil to feature the Toronto act's original lineup, Strength of Steel is a collection of plodding, seriously fatigued metal. A comical video for "Mad Dog" brought Anvil some much needed MTV exposure, but like many Strength of Steel numbers, the song was so comical and cliché-ridden, very few fans in post-Metallica America could take it seriously. Although the group continued recording for over 15 years, it became clear after Strength of Steel that Anvil would never make a large dent in the metal marketplace. ~ Vincent Jeffries