METAL CHURCH: Albums Ranked (From Worst to Best) - Rank 'Em All (R.I.P. Mike Howe)

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

If you enjoyed the playlist then hit the Like-button and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE if you're new! Patreon & Discord: www.patreon.com/user?u=54741783 Donate: streamelements.com/ruthlessmetal/tip Ruthless Merch: ruthlessmetal.myspreadshop.se/ Ruthless Metal Blog: ruthlessmetal.blogspot.com/ Facebook: facebook.com/groups/176669589198816 Twitter: twitter.com/JimRuthless Instagram: instagram.com/ruthless_metal/ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@ruthlessmetal Spotify: open.spotify.com/playlist/31PjpNlVhKWwOGLGxmPxoi?si=326b6fd2392d4ce7 Stay Heavy! Cheers!

[@AMisfit]

The sad part is, you're the only KZbin Metal channel that I follow that has covered Mike's passing, and I follow many of them. Thank you so much for showing him some much deserved love

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Is that so? For me he was like top 10 metal vocalists of all time more or less. A true legend. RIP Mike Howe.

[@Gregbaltzer]

Sea of Tranquility did a segment on him yesterday

[@ronniebby3148]

Ya, don't get the seclusion of the mentioning of his passing among channels and pages I follow. I mean Joey's passing was sad and big in and of itself. Just seemed overshadowed. Anyway RIP Mike!

[@AMisfit]

@@Gregbaltzer Thank you. Followed and hit that notification bell 👍

[@Gregbaltzer]

@@AMisfit If you're into horror movies, their Monster Den segment is really good. Discovered some really great old horror movies watching those segments.

[@karlmikhailtibule1481]

R.I.P Mike Howe and also Joey Jordison (ex-Slipknot) and Dusty Hill (ZZ Top) R.I.P 😥😥😥😥

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

RIP

[@sidthejovian5105]

😭 Joey has always been my favorite drummer and it's sad to see him go, there's sk much metal legends dying this year, it effin sucks

[@elimalinsky7069]

@@sidthejovian5105 Neil Peart, Eddie Van Halen and Alexi Laiho also passed away last year. It is truly heartbreaking.

[@HeathenwoodOfficial]

The 3 deaths happening in 2 days is just horrific.

[@twikirobot6897]

1. Metal Church 2. The Dark ...that was the end for me - but I still listen to those albums all the time !

[@llongone2]

Indeed, my friend, "The Dark" does hit like a ton of bricks. (Tip of the hat)

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

RIP Mike Howe.

[@llongone2]

Most metal bands are lucky to get one great vocalist to record with them. Metal Church had TWO! R.I.P. Mike Howe and David Wayne.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

And Ronnie Munroe was also great. RIP Mike Howe.

[@georgekeating9501]

And RIP Kirk Arrington

[@llongone2]

I was a huge Metal Church fan starting with The Dark. Back then, it was hard to get info on metal bands...I didn't know why David Wayne left the band. I was a little disappointed and debated about even getting "Blessing In Disguise" when it came out. But, I did. Yeah, Fake Healer is a great opener and Mark Howe's vocals were definitely up to snuff. "Badlands" is still one of the greatest heavy metal songs of all time, IMO. Thank you for making this list, Ruthless.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Thanks, Cheers! and RIP Mike Howe.

[@sadusattack2628]

I forgot about the song Badlands!! I can remember watching the video for it on MTV's Headbangers Ball back in the day.

[@KevinOrtega1980]

So before I watch this video… A huge shout out to you for doing this in the memory of Mike and David Wayne. Great idea indeed! It’s going to be weird for me to rank these albums because I’ve only heard the newer ones once or twice and not really listened since then (basically the time it came out). Here goes anyways: 1. The Dark 2. Blessing in Disguise 3. Metal Church 4. The Human Factor 5. XI 6. Hanging in the Balance 7. The Weight of the World 8. Masterpeace 9. This Present Wasteland 10. A Light in the Dark 11. Generation Nothing 12. Damned if you Do R.I.P. Mike And Dave!

[@sylentstorm8422]

Mike not Mark. Rest In Peace.

[@Mr-mopar]

Listen to badlands atleast once per week..never gets old

[@JazSemGrega]

Heartbroken by Mike Howes tragic death...his powerful voice will live forever

[@marciocoelho2481]

Back in 1986 it was really difficult to get metal albuns here in Brazil, but somehow Metal Church's debut got released locally, along with Megadeth's Peace Sells. They quickly became two of my favorite heavy metal albuns back then and still are, to say the truth. Never understood why the band didn't become bigger, they had everything and sounded better than most bands around in the 80's. Poor management decision from the label, probably. I am still trying to complete my cd collection, some of those albuns are really hard to find these days.

[@LatexCult]

1. Metal Church 2. The Dark 3. Blessing in Disguise 4. Hanging in the Balance 5. The Human Factor

[@robysuscosas]

Blessing will always be my favorite. I always thought that Mike took MC to another level. R.I.P. Mike.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@bryanbeach692]

In my humble opinion, The Dark is Metal Church's best album; followed by the debut album!!!

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

yeah the top 3 picks on this list are all amazing!

[@mikeellis3240]

The first 4 albums to me can all be tied for the #1 spot. Each can easily be changed between 1-4. But they are all Epic and Hard Hitters. RIP DAVID WAYNE & MIKE HOWE

[@potatofry1237]

Metal rules. Rip mike. The best albums are first and second one

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

RIP Mike Howe.

[@manueldasilvamartins]

Mike Howe is flying right now among the star in Heaven.😢 My favorite Mike’s song is Anthem to the Stranged. Magnificent voice! My Metal Church’s Top 3: 1. Metal Church 2. The Dark 3. Blessing in Disguise

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

RIP Mike Howe.

[@TheNothing6]

The Dark will always be my favorite Metal Church album! The Hanging In The Balance album cover always makes me laugh!

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Yeah, the first three albums are so good. RIP Mike Howe.

[@MoveitorLoseit2]

"The Dark" is my favorite. That entire album is a classic. "Method to your Madness, The Dark, Start the Fire, Line of Death, Burial at Sea, Ton of Bricks." All great songs. "Watch the Chldren Pray" might be the best metal ballad I've ever heard. David Wayne was at his best there too. I liked some of his stuff with Reverend and Wayne also.

[@isofixyh]

👍

[@sjnix7044]

The scream at the start of Burial At Sea was life changing at the time. That sounds hyperbolic but I'm not kidding. I'd listen to intro over and over and over because, at the time, it was about most metal thing I had ever heard.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@sidthejovian5105]

There's so much legends dying this year, from Alexi to Mike to Joey, I can't man, my heart can't take this much sadness 😭 But RIP to the GOATS

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

RIP

[@metaldams78]

I don’t know the latter catalog too well, but the first album is an all time classic. Gotta say, since Mike Howe died, I was able to download a copy of Hanging In The Balance on iTunes. An album that seemed hard to get for whatever reason and I’m really digging it. Basically been just about all I’ve been listening to lately and am shocked a 1993 album from a band of this era is so awesome. I’ve missed out on this album for years and am happy to be catching up.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

RIP

[@brendanmcguinness2213]

My top 3 favorite Metal Church albums 1. Hanging in the balance 2. The weight of the world 3. The Dark Favorite song is definitely watch the children pray.

[@joshdieckmann595]

I've said for years, and will continue to say, that "Masterpeace" is underrated. There are a bunch of great tracks on the album, and for a metal album in '99 to sound like it could have been recorded a decade prior was definitely a good thing. Not to mention "Lb. of Cure" is one of those tracks that I just can't get enough of. I'm with you on their debut being the best. It's just such a killer record, and the songs you mention are enough to elevate it to the top spot. "XI" is a really good record, and I'm glad it was reasonably high on the list, because it deserves recognition. It's a strong record, and a nice return to the spotlight for Mike Howe.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

yeah I dig Masterpeace too, Davids singing might not have been as good as on those two first, but I still love it for what it is.

[@sandwick4209]

Metal Church is my favorite metal band, my first couple songs of them were metal Church gods of wrath and beyond the Black these songs will go down in metal history as one of the best songs

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

good stuff! Cheers!

[@josephbobbitt7759]

The first Metal Church album I bought was The human factor and it was on this tour when I saw them live for the first time. I was blown away by Mike Howe's vocals. I also saw them live with Ronnie Monroe. Fake healer, date with poverty, and we watch the children prey are three of my favorite songs from them. RIP Mike Howe.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

RIP Mike Howe.

[@jermaineguillory2694]

Their first 3 albums are my favorites: Metal Church The Dark Blessing in Disguise

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

RIP Mike Howe.

[@metallicsavage788]

We seem to be losing so many metal stars. RIP Mike Howe. You left us some great music🤘

[@johnquiroz8279]

R.I.P. Mike,Joey,Dusty

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

RIP

[@juanpablomartinez6730]

“Blessing in Disguise” is my all time favorite Metal album.

[@monetti22]

Really cool of you to make this video @ this time. Much respect and RIP to Mike Howe🤙🏼

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

RIP Mike Howe.

[@superiordimension9255]

Metal Church's Debüt is just a perfect Album, their best and one of the best Metal Albums ever!

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

RIP Mike Howe.

[@danielsan3681]

Thank you for dedicating this for Mike. 💔

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

RIP

[@fzr1000981]

First album is great, but their most memorable track for me is "Burial At Sea" and "The Dark" has to be my #1

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

great stuff!

[@Powermad-bu4em]

That fucking scream David throws down in the beginning of the song might be the greatest ever recorded.

[@joelplamondon1021]

they never play Burial at Sea live, i never understood why

[@fzr1000981]

"...if I don't stop this madness now, the ship will pay the price" (good theme song for the Biden administration)

[@KardboardKenny]

i enjoyed this, but this is a sad way to get the MC Rank "Em All.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Yeah I thought of doing this before he passed but I just had to go back and listen to their albums again now after he passed. RIP Mike Howe.

[@user-fi8dh3pk9x]

The 1st album is a total monster, Gods of Wrath is a favourite of mine to play when I’m playing guitar and also the title track. Human Factor gets my number 2 slot. So many classics on there 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@krisu101]

Metal Church is one of those bands I never got into that much, but those songs I've listened to from 3 first records are great! Rest In Peace Mike Howe!

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

yeah, the first 3-4 are legendary.

[@PolkCountyWIProgressive]

I love love love the first album of Metal Church. The Dark is pretty good too, but I still really like the first album.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Yeah, their first couple of albums were just amazing.

[@jimink3047]

A song on the dark that is very underrated but lowkey soothing is method to my madness

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

good song!

[@hectorr6299]

The best!!

[@atranfanatic]

Metal Church are in my top favorite metal bands in general. I was saddened of hearing Mike Howe's death, but the music will live on within us. 1. The Dark: Watch The Children Pray 2. The Human Factor: In Harm's Way. First album I heard and instantly fell in love with it and the band in general. 3. Metal Church: Title track 4. Blessing In Disguise: Fake Healer After that I can't rank the rest. I need to listen to them some more and see what grabs me. But I agree that they never made a bad album.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

RIP Mike.

[@pantherclawshaman5840]

I love the first three albums

[@MarmiteTheDog]

I saw Metal Church supporting Anthrax in 1986 (along with the awful Crimson Glory). Great band in the mid 80s.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Crimson Glory awful? :O Must have been a magic show.

[@MarmiteTheDog]

@@RuthlessMetalYT I thought they really sucked. The singer just screeched for 30 minutes. Metal Church & Anthrax were brilliant. Both sets were recorded by the BBC and are readily available.

[@dennissweeney6774]

Saw the show with ANTHRAX and CRO MAGS at the BEACON THEATER in N.Y.C they kicked ass LIVE.

[@riximus]

Saw Metal Church at the Olympic Auditorium in LA in support of their debut album. They put on a great show, I was right at the stage. Couldn't agree with this list more.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@v1sionary100]

Thank you for getting this tribute out so quickly! The first 3 albums are some of the best in the genre I have ever heard. I was 16 when I had the 1st album imported by Way Ahead records in Nottingham - it blew my mind! Cheers Ruthless and thankyou Mike for everything 🙏🏻

[@brendanoneil3489]

wow small world - I bought 'human factor' vinyl and 'Hanging in the balance' USA import CD from 'way ahead ' Nottingham as a student! still got them.

[@v1sionary100]

It was an awesome shop! 👍😎

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@deansch6089]

Glad to see this list - I just wish it was under better circumstances. Blessing In Disguise was always my favorite of theirs.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

good stuff, RIP Mike Howe.

[@Anderson_Araujo666]

1 - S/T 2 - The Dark 3 - Blessing in Disguise RIP Mike Howe!

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

If you like their early stuff you'll probably get into there more recent stuff too, XI especially. RIP Mike Howe.

[@mikeellis3240]

They did bad ass covers of Black Betty and Please Don’t Judas Me with Mike Howe on vocals. The current and long time bassist Steve Unger sent me a friend request on Facebook about 10 years ago and I was blown away to find out that Metal Church’s freaking bassist sent ME a friend request. How fucking cool is that??? Steve’s son’s Derek and Devon are in a great up and coming band called Sin Circus. Derek is bassist/lead vocalist and Devon is one of the guitarists. They started the band when Derek was like 11 years old.

[@chriscornetto6471]

Nailed it again. Most underrated metal band ever. You are correct the first album is one of the best ever. Gods of wrath one of best songs ever.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

for sure

[@morganfarlie]

I'm proud of you for covering a great piece of metal history and a band that I know VERY little of and honestly only know of them due to john Marshall covering for James Hetfield on a few Metallica tours, but I definitely enjoyed The Dark and Blessing in Disguise quite a lot for what they were! Thanks again for another great list and I look forward to the next :D

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Thank you, a brilliant and rather underrated band. RIP Mike Howe.

[@hansgraichen8051]

Metal Church used to have the band my brother sings for, Iron Circus, open for them whenever they played in Portland, OR (USA). Metal Church gave them permission to do the song Metal Church since Metal Church wasn’t playing the song Metal Church as part of their set. They only got to open for them twice before COVID.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

That is cool. :)

[@garyharris2940]

I own the first 3 on vinyl bought them new still have them today metal church and the dark are my favorites In that order

[@cscates3598]

Thank the gods of wrath that you chose the first self-titled album as the #1 album. Of all my metal collection, I always keep going back to this album. RIP Mike.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

same here, I listen to it pretty much every month for the last 25 years haha

[@mikerobertson2402]

Rest In Power Mike Howe! I actually prefer The Dark over the Debut but it's really close. The rest of your list was spot on! 🤘

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@thalesvasconcellos2086]

The self-titled debut album is killer! Great work, man!

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Yeah, their first three are absolutely essential.

[@raymahannah4336]

I remember going into my junior year of high school when their first album came out, and even to this day it holds up as one of my timeless favorites! I'm glad you did a tribute to Mike! Like someone else posted, I don't think I saw any tributes to him in other channels. Such a shame! 😞

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

RIP

[@careful...Icarus]

Absolutely loved this unfortunately timely ( RIP Mike Howe ) video. As the ranking got closer to #1 I was so happy until...Blessing in Disguise only made #2. My favorite Metal Church lp and in my personal top 10 of greatest metal lps of all time. But I do understand your choice of the self titled as #1. Flip your top 2 and perfection. Check out the Vanderhoof band lps too if you haven't already. Also very cool. Keep the excellent content coming! Celtic Frost next please. Cheers!

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@cinemason38]

I talked with mike howl, he said their label company manager at the time forced them to have that hanging in the balance artwork. Mike said he really hated it, and it was one of the bigger reasons he left the band after that. I got this info when he called me when I preordered the last compilation album off rat pack records.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

yeah I think I've read that somewhere.

[@glenkepic3208]

All i knew was that first Metal Church album. It was awesome.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

You must check out The Dark and Blessing in Disguise too. ;) and then the rest of them.

[@fzr1000981]

Go listen to The Dark ASAP

[@glenkepic3208]

On my way. Thanks !!

[@juliomatos6342]

Amazing band r.i.p. mike and wayne

[@Gregbaltzer]

I'm surprised to see Damned if you Do ranked so lowly. I find it an easier album to like than Hanging in the Balance and I'd say I like it even more than XI, which is growing on me.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Yeah, they released so many good albums that this one wasn't easy. :D

[@Gregbaltzer]

@@RuthlessMetalYT It's the same with Armored Saint. Not a bad album.

[@hanserikask]

Again, great list and a great tribute to Mike Howe! Never got to see Metal Church live with Howe, but I saw the reunion show with David Wayne at Wacken back in '99. Had a chat with both Kurdt and David before the gig so that was kinda cool.. Keep up the good work! \m/

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Ah, cool to have seen David Wayne, I saw them with Ronny Munroe once and that's it. Cheers!

[@Jayagebee]

I only just started listening to the band today. Started from the amazing debut! I think I’ll take the first two Mike Howe fronted albums next! R.I.P. Mike \m/

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

yeah, don't forget about the dark either, it's excellent. I'm a bit jelous of you, discovering Metal Church was amazing for me. :)

[@aldersmoke1]

I was beyond fortunate to get to see Metal Church twice live since Howe's return. All I can say is that the 20-year break preserved his voice, because he sounded exactly the same. Exactly. They put on a phenomenal show. They seemed to be having more fun than the bands half their age that opened. Such a huge loss. I hate it when people say someone is "underrated," but it applied to Howe. He was seriously to my ear one of the top 5 metal singers I've ever heard. And he still sounded so good. It's a damn shame he won't get to record any more.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

RIP

[@jasonbala7858]

Thanks 🙏 I love this and RIP Mike Howe

[@limenka666]

Love Metal Chruch. Lets face it, we all belong to it. PS: You could do your top favourite vocalists in metal. Would be very interesting.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

It would only be a lot of squeaky vocalists that nobody likes. ;) haha

[@limenka666]

@@RuthlessMetalYT King Diamond approves :)

[@KevinOrtega1980]

So before I watch this video… A huge shout out to you for doing this in the memory of Mike and David Wayne. Great idea indeed! It’s going to be weird for me to rank these albums because I’ve only heard the newer ones once or twice and not really listened since then (basically the time it came out). Here goes anyways: 1. The Dark 2. Blessing in Disguise 3. Metal Church 4. The Human Factor 5. XI 6. Hanging in the Balance 7. The Weight of the World 8. Masterpeace 9. This Present Wasteland 10. A Light in the Dark 11. Generation Nothing 12. Damned if you Do R.I.P. Mike And Dave!

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

RIP Mike Howe.

[@jdg6336]

only listened to the first two. but saw them live maybe like 1985 or so and always remembered they just were so loud and intense.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

RIP Mike Howe.

[@speedking4951]

Nice ranking. Metal Church and the world have lost 2 amazing vocalists. Gone too early. R.I.P. I finally completed by "Church" collection by adding both Masterpeace and Wayne's Metal Church on cd. Those 2 were so hard to find. Cheers 🤘 🍻.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@RobertWeingher]

Nice job, the debut album of metal church must be number one, it is the best metal album in history along with the album metalized by sword, i saw metal church live only once at wacken open air festival at 2006, it was my lucky day since metal church wasn't on the bands list, they replaced some other band at the last moment, blessing in disguise must be the number two, mike howe was a great vocalist, R.I.P. , the drums on that album are the best in kirk arrington career, the album is fantastic, especially the tracks badlands and the powers that be, thanks for sharing.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

RIP Mike Howe.

[@georgecolby7488]

My first experience with MC was The Dark, what a great album! RIP Mike Howe, what a loss for metal.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

RIP Mike Howe.

[@andrettski8686]

#1-Metal Church debut. #2-The Dark. #3-Masterpeace. #4-Blessing in Disguise. #5-Weight of the World. #6-XI. I've actually never listened to Hanging in the Balance because of the artwork and Vanderhoof not playing basically. But from comments I better get after it.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

yeah Vanderhoof didn't play on several records but... hanging in the balance is a great record.

[@ronoreb2646]

Mike Howe was my favorite lead in Metal Church. They are a much better band than credited.

[@gareldfield8372]

I'm really liking this series so far. Would love to see Death albums ranked. RIP Mike Howe.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

I need to lock myself in a cabin and just listen to death for a month or two first. hehe

[@pixelrebirth]

12. Masterpeace 11. Generation Nothing 10. This Present Wasteland 09. A Light In The Dark 08. The Weight Of The World 07. Damned If You Do 06. Hanging In The Balance 05. The Human Factor 04. XI 03. Metal Church 02. Blessing In Disguise 01. The Dark RIP Mike Howe!

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

RIP Mike Howe

[@mikeellis3240]

@Pixel I haven’t heard 9, 10, and 12, but your 1-8 are right on. They also now have out Classics Live

[@NigeSavage]

Saw Metal Church (with Mike Howe, obviously) at the 2019 Alcatraz Festival in Belgium. The band were on fire, and Mike's voice was flawless. RIP to an amazing singer....

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

RIP

[@rick9977015]

No argument here my friend. The Blessing in Disguise album was a huge surprise for me. New singer and new album were just awesome.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@arngnor1123]

R.I.P. Mike Howe and Dusty Hill from ZZ Top, 2 legends.

[@WorldWithOEnd]

Metal Church song will always be an anthem

[@madbadbat]

Excellent list! I mostly agree with you except I would have swapped Hanging in the Balance with Human Factor... HF certainly had more popular songs, but HitB was overall a more cohesive album IMHO. Other than that, I 100% agree with your rankings. RIP Mike Howe.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

RIP Mike Howe.

[@mikeellis3240]

I’ve seen Metal Church twice. First time was in ‘86 The Dark tour with Heretic opening. Future Metal Church vocalist Mike Howe was the vocalist of Heretic. Then I saw them on the XI tour which was Mike’s return to the band after 20 years. RIP MIKE HOWE!!!

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

oh, must have been cool to watch them back then, I've only seen them with Ronnie Munroe.

[@mattiapramotton7486]

Metal Church (1984) is arguably in my top 10 of US heavy metal albums. Great vocals, killer riffs and one of the best drumming of 80s.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

yes, it's insanely good

[@ericfranklin9332]

Living in Southern California I had many opportunities to see mike howe in heritic as well as metal church could not have been a nicer guy I do think you pretty much nailed the order of these albums you can maybe flip flop a couple in the top five but it's all down the personal taste , I'm glad I got to see Mike perform a few years back when he returned to Metal Church he looked sounded absolutely incredible and talking to him and Kurt after they seemed genuinely happy to be a performing such an incredible loss for his family friends and fans RIP

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

RIP Mike Howe.

[@mikeellis3240]

In ‘86 in Phoenix I saw Metal Church touring for The Dark with Heretic opening. Mike was their lead singer. I believe that’s how he got the job was that they saw his greatness. The only other time I saw them was the XI tour which was Mike’s first album back in the band. That show had Metal Church in the middle spot of a 5 band bill. It was in this order: Butcher Babies, Suicidal Tendencies, Metal Church, Amon Amarth, and Megadeth. I met the band at the merch table after their set and they all signed my paper print out ticket. It’s cool cause they signed over all the other bands but not on top of where it says Metal Church

[@jerryhensley6255]

Blessing in disguises one of my top three favorite albums of all time

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

It's amazing! Cheers!

[@thrashlvis8540]

Love these Rankings! Overkill Next Please!! RiP Mike Howe

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

RIP

[@davidrehm9681]

Thank you for placing the debut at #1. I agree with everything you said about it. Yes, some of the songs on this album are indeed some of the best ever written. However there is one thing I guess I'm not in agreement...the Highway Star cover. It falls short for me. Ate you familiar with their song Big Guns? It was left off the American pressing. A killer track.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Yeah, but I haven't heard that song in 20 years, so I don't remember it that well. haha Cheers!

[@aaronlee4403]

Good commentary. My first album was The Dark and I loved it as a 13 year old and BID after that. Also a good point that Metal Church never seemed to have to pander to the mainstream in the 90s like the mainstream bands, except the ridiculous cover art. Part of the Seattle Metal scene that was before the Seattle grunge scene. On that note, reminded me of a heavier, better Queensryche and I mean that in a good way. RIP

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

RIP Mike Howe.

[@metalmat3651]

12. "Generation Nothing" 11. "Damned if you Do" 10. "A Light in the Dark" 9. "This Present Wasteland" 8. "Masterpeace" 7. "XI" 6. "The Weight of the World" 5. "Blessing in Disguise" 4. "The Dark" 3. "The Human Factor" 2. "Hanging in the Balance" 1. "Metal Church"

[@MCDLHOTP]

Very saddened by Mike Howe's passing. But as you said, I would like to see Metal Church continue - hopefully with Ronny Munroe.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Yeah I also think they should continue, with Ronny or with a new vocalist, I trust them to find someone good.

[@mikeellis3240]

They are putting out an album in 2023 and starting tour in Chicago in June or July. They have not as of yet announced who the singer will be

[@bello_bellissimo]

Wow! Such a great way to pay tribute to an underrated us band Love it

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Thanks, cheers!

[@denmyos]

10:07min You switch "The Dark" and "Blessing in Disguise"! Metal church first album, one of my all time favorite albums. David wayne was such a great singer, every time i hear him sing, i feel a sadness in my heart. :(

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

yeah, I made a mistake there, blessing should be number 2.

[@existentialismtyrant5722]

As good as the debut was, they didn't find that sweet spot until blessing. Blessing was my first and I went backwards from there but nothing they did ever topped blessing. From the song writing to the production that was one of the most perfect metal albums from that era. There was no filler from start to finish. RIP Mike

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

RIP Mike Howe.

[@brendanoneil3489]

snap!

[@yazidbakar1485]

I very like "metal church" song from metal church..very great metal church song of all time..snare and drum siund is very clear..good recording..

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

RIP Mike Howe.

[@williamstoutenburgh2116]

I saw Metal Church a few times and was a big fan of their first few albums. I saw them open for Anthrax at the Beacon Theater in NYC and they were awesome! I agree with your list and opinion on their debut album. One of the best ever. I fell out of touch after Human Factor, but I plan on checking out their more recent stuff. Thanks RM ! 👊

[@pjcannaday6337]

Make sure you start with the follow up to Human Factor (Hanging In The Balance) from 1993 is amazing. Gods of Second Chance is one of the best Metal Church songs of all time.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@nonrevnosnibormetalbeerrev6251]

My favourite band from the thrash era, R. I. P. Mike and David 🤘🤘

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

RIP

[@romaincassignol]

I totally agree with you concerning the 5 firsts, RIP Mike 🤘

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

RIP Mike Howe.

[@dennisperin2989]

Seems he gets little love among those who have left us recently, Mike killed it live, that dude ( not unlike Brian Johnson) leaves it all out there. You can’t ask for more than that. Talented, i never thought they could replace David Wayne, they never really did in a way, but Mike was amazing in his own right. RIP Mike, David Wayne..

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Yeah, Mike was a different vocalist from David Wayne. But it was like they fit into the bands different periods so well, they were the perfect match for the band.

[@dennisperin2989]

@@RuthlessMetalYT thats better said. Yes they fit the diff era’s of that band, i remember the first time we saw the original Metal Church, we were not prepared for what David Wayne was gonna bring live, Holy Shit! Dude was Halford like on the top end. Gods Of Wrath 4 Lf

[@mechfly8960]

I agree 100%the power of the first album for its time, was a nuclear addition to metal,RIP Mike.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

RIP

[@Jay.McCarty]

This had to happen today. 1. Metal Church 2. Blessing in Disguise 3. The Dark 4. The Human Factor I was ready, and it would have been easy, to hate on Blessing and Mike but GD if it wasn't a great album. Top Tracks: 1. "Beyond the Black" 2. "Metal Church" 3. "The Spell Can't Be Broken" 4. "The Dark" 5. "Badlands"

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

RIP Mike Howe.

[@samuelferrell9257]

I bought my 1st metal church album when i was a kid. Never heard them before, just bought it on a whim. Glad I did. 🤘😜🤘

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@redwelder]

You and me are definitely on the same page when it comes to Metal Church album rankings…🤘🏻😎🤘🏻

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers! 🤘🏻

[@husq48]

Got to see them on "The Dark" tour w/Anthrax, great show!

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Oh, must have been insane. :)

[@TheWinterwraith]

I got into MC with The Dark album. To this day that opening to Ton of Bricks is one of my top ten favourite openings. Just so tight, relentless and brutal. I had the great pleasure of seeing Metal Church at the Marquee Club in London when they were touring Blessings in Disguise, with Metallica opening that show! . I was pressed up against the stage for the whole show, and both bands were awesome! Afterwards I met Mike and Duke Erickson, and they were fantastic. Funny, easy going and really friendly guys who really appreciated the support they got from fans. Duke even bought me a beer! MC are a massively underrated band and Mike deserves so much more recognition as one of the greatest metal vocalists of all time. RIP Mike Howe 🤘

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Yeah, they are so underrated still somehow. RIP Mike Howe.

[@godetonter4764]

1. BIessing in Disguise 2. Metal Church debut 3. Human Factor 4. Hanging in the Ballance 5. the Dark Never heard the rest

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers Mr Tonter.

[@bobbiegordon4431]

Loved David Wayne and Mike Howe rip

[@SOSOGUDRANA]

Nice that you are doing this, but why are likes/dislikes hidden?

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

They are hidden? I think that is KZbin doing that. But I'm not sure.

[@pjcannaday6337]

It’s “Q”. LOL