Metal Church is an American heavy metal band formed in 1980. Originally based in San Francisco, California, they relocated to Aberdeen, Washington the following year and briefly called themselves Shrapnel. Led by guitarist and songwriter Kurdt Vanderhoof, the band has released thirteen studio albums and is considered to be an integral part of the Seattle heavy metal music scene of the 1980s. They achieved considerable popularity that decade, with two of their first three albums entering the Top 100 on the US Billboard 200 chart. The band's early lyrical topics such as conflict and paranoia later expanded into philosophical, political and social commentary.
Metal Church performing at Wacken Open Air in 2016
Founding guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof began performing with the group for the first time in 12 years for their 1998 reformation.
Vocalist Mike Howe, singer for Metal Church from 1988 to 1996, rejoined the group in 2015 and stayed until his death in 2021. His return contributed to Metal Church's resurgence in popularity.
Aberdeen is a city in Grays Harbor County, Washington, United States. The population was 17,013 at the 2020 census. The city is the most populous in Grays Harbor County and the region's economic center, bordering the cities of Hoquiam and Cosmopolis. Aberdeen is occasionally referred to as the "Gateway to the Olympic Peninsula".
Aberdeen, Washington
A tribute to Kurt Cobain was installed by the Kurt Cobain Memorial Committee. "Come as You Are" is a song by Nirvana.
Ellmore Packing Co. clam and salmon cannery in Aberdeen, 1915
The Weatherwax building of Aberdeen High School burned down in 2002.
