The legendary Metal Church returns to Brooklyn for a show at Saint Vitus Bar.
Tag Archives: metal church
Metal Church Announces The Passing Of Singer Mike Howe (1965-2021)
We’ve just learned the news about the passing of Metal Church lead singer Mike Howe from the bands Official Facebook Page. I’ve shared a photo that we took of the musician back in 2016 during an incendiary performance at the B.B. King Blues Club. The bands statement and additional thoughts are below the photo.
Continue reading Metal Church Announces The Passing Of Singer Mike Howe (1965-2021)
Doro & Metal Church Announce Co-Headlining Tour
Things are always promising in the Metal Republic when there comes news about a tour from the legendary Doro Pesch. I tell you that I have always made it a point to see her in action because there are few performers like her when it comes to delivering all the Metal goods. She will be joined by Metal Church and you can learn all about it in the lengthy press release down below.
The Press Release:
The Metal Queen is back! Back in the USA! DORO Pesch of WARLOCK will tour the states in April & May 2019!
And the world-famous female singer is not alone. “We are doing a double headliner tour with our long time friends METAL CHURCH,“ DORO unveils. “What a superb power package for all Metal fans. I am so exited to hit the stage together with METAL CHURCH and I am very sure that the fans in the United States will be as thrilled as we are.“
The two-leg tour will start on April 17 in Las Vegas, NV and conclude on May 11th in New Bedford, MA. Tickets for the dates are now on sale!
Fans can expect a best of Warlock show with all the highlights from the 80´s, when Warlock conquered the metal world with smash hits like “All We Are,“ “I Rule The Ruins,“ When East Meets West“ or “Für Immer,“ and their famous album “Triumph & Agony“ sold over 5 million copies!
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Metal Church @ Colos-Saal, Aschaffenburg, Germany (6/12/2017)
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.
Continue reading Metal Church @ Colos-Saal, Aschaffenburg, Germany (6/12/2017)
ProgPower USA XVIII Day Two Musings (9/7/2017)
Contributor Steven Stolper was on point enjoying the findings at the annual ProgPower USA Festival that takes place in Atlanta, Georgia at the Center Stage Atlanta theater. Historically speaking, PiercingMetal has NEVER been to the event but we’ve occasionally had interest in going based on the lineup for the year. I asked for a quick briefing of the acts that he saw and here are his transmissions to the High Command from the field about Day Two.
ProgPowerUSA XVIII Day 2: Sadly, I was a tad bit hungover from the previous day’s festivities which would cause me to miss the first band of the day – Next to None. This is the band that features the son of Mike Portnoy on drums so perhaps another time. That said, there was still plenty more music to see and hear over the course of the day so onward we march.
Twilight Force (Sweden):
This was the perfect way to start the night. Light happy fairy tale themed power metal with tales of dungeons, dragons, elves, and other creatures set to galloping Helloween style tunes. Hands were held high and choruses repeated. (Plastic) swords were unsheathed and brandished. Smiles all around. Band performed a very competent set of jolly songs, slaying the dragons of self-doubt and banishing negative emotions to distant realms, and all was right in the world.
Vanden Plas (Germany):
Back to the prog portion of the event. This veteran German band plays very smooth Dream Theater style melodic prog metal. Great dramatic singing. I seem to recall the singer also does musical theater productions back in Germany. Sounds about right. Songs are not super technical though there is a good amount of keyboards. Fans of recent Fates Warning albums would definitely appreciate Vanden Plas. This is an exclusive US appearance for Vanden Plas . I believe the only other time they performed here was at an earlier ProgPower some years ago. This is what this festival is truly about – bringing over groups who would otherwise remain unseen by the North American audiences.
Continue reading ProgPower USA XVIII Day Two Musings (9/7/2017)