Artist: Metal Church in Germany
Venue: Colos-Saal, Aschaffenburg, Germany
Opener: n/a
Date: 6/12/2017
Label: Rat Pak Records
Three subways, a regional train from Hessen to Bavaria, one taxi, and ½ mile of walking, and I finally made it to Aschaffenburg, Bavaria. An intimidating trip to take alone as a stranger in a strange land, but well worth the trek.
Backwoods Germany is a strange place to see the very American Thrash legends Metal Church, but it was probably one of the most packed shows. Another group with the energy of fully functional teenagers. Mike Howe is back on lead vocals and has the same range that made his early albums with Metal Church classics. The other change in lineups since the last album/tour cycle didn’t slow the guys down as Stet Howland killed on drums and will, hopefully, be a permanent addition. Those only now following the bands activity should know that Howeland replaced Jeff Plate (Savatage, Trans-Siberian Orchestra) a few short months ago.
“Fake Healer” was an easy choice to get the crowd going and despite the remote location, this was a fair size audience for Church to hold Metal services. I was honestly shocked at how many enthusiastic fans came out to see them. At the end note of every song, the audience was screaming for “Metal Church” until the band relented and played their next hit. Seismic activity could probably be read as far away as London.
This audience loved Kurdt and his latest incarnation of Metal Church, and I would predict that for as long as Vanderhoof wants, the torches will be brightly lit for him. They finished with “The Human Factor” and the crowd was left wanting more.
So, despite the inauspicious start, the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal travels through central Germany were well worth the time, energy and strained translations with airport transporters.
Metal Church Set List:
1. Fake Healer
2. In Mourning
3. Needle and Suture
4. Start the Fire
5. Reset
6. Gods of Second Chance
7. Date with Poverty
8. No Tomorrow
9. Watch the Children Pray
10. No Friend of Mine
11. Killing Your Time
12. Beyond the Black
13. Badlands
14. The Human Factor
Official Website: http://www.metalchurch.com