Metal Church is an American heavy metal band formed in 1980. The band was established in San Francisco, California, by guitarist and songwriter Kurdt Vanderhoof. In 1981, Vanderhoof relocated to Aberdeen, Washington, where the group briefly operated under the name Shrapnel before reverting to Metal Church in 1983. Over the course of its career, Metal Church has released fourteen studio albums and has been associated with the Seattle-area heavy metal scene of the 1980s. The band's music has been variously described as heavy metal, thrash metal, speed metal and power metal. Its lyrics have addressed subjects including conflict, paranoia, philosophy, politics and social issues.
Metal Church has experienced numerous lineup changes throughout its history. Vanderhoof has remained the band's principal songwriter and only continuous member. The band's early lineup consisted of Vanderhoof, vocalist David Wayne, guitarist Craig Wells, bassist Duke Erickson and drummer Kirk Arrington. This lineup recorded the band's self-titled debut album, "Metal Church" (1984), and its follow-up, "The Dark" (1986).
The group's origins can be traced to 1980, when Vanderhoof formed Metal Church with several musicians in San Francisco. During this period, future Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich briefly auditioned for the band. In 1981, Metal Church released the instrumental demo "Red Skies". After relocating to Aberdeen, Vanderhoof formed Shrapnel with Wells, Erickson, drummer Tom Weber and vocalist Mike Murphy. Following personnel changes, Arrington and Wayne joined, completing the lineup that would record the band's early releases.
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