Review Summary: The 'Lost' Metal Church Album that Deserves to be Found
Metal Church are a longstanding institution within metal. While never reaching the heights of popularity that their contemporaries of the 80s metal scene did, they have nevertheless endured and nurtured a cult following fitting of their theological underpinnings.
It almost seems fitting then that perhaps their best album should itself be relegated to second fiddle among their discography. Released to decent reviews at the time but quickly forgotten as Mike Howe departed and the band searched for his replacement, Hanging in the Balance serves as the endcap to what many would consider the 'classic' era of Metal Church's life. In this way it is a very fitting bookend.
Throughout the runtime of this album the listener will be treated to styles and soundscapes that touch on every aspect of the band's sound up to this point. Whether its the punchy riffs of 'No Friend of Mine' and 'Conductor', the oppressive and moody structure of 'Little Boy' and "Gods of Second Chance" or the downright hard rock stylings of 'Losers in the Game' listeners will find Metal Church firing on all cylinders in whatever style they choose.
Lyrically, Mike delivers some of his best work. No longer concerned with preaching at the listener (pun intended) he adopts are more general approach to his political and social commentary. The album is better for it, and as always he delivers impressive growls and soaring melodies that convince you he is as angry about these topics as he says he is. Across the board, he delivers memorable chorus after memorable chorus. I'd go so far as to say that no Metal Church album is as 'singable' as this one.
Many bands would be content to let Mike take center stage and simply fade into the background as mere supports, but not Metal Church. Riffs and solos abound. Offering everything from thrashy head-bangers to hard rock head-bobbers. When the quiet moments come, beautiful acoustic elements lure the listener to a quiet place before the band sneaks up behind you and smacks you over the head with another riff reminding you that this is a metal album.
This all comes together to deliver an album that is both catchy, dark, light, airy, and oppressive all rolled into one tight package that does not overstay it's welcome. Sounds very Metal Church doesn't it?
All in all, Hanging in the Balance is an album that could be accused of not knowing what it is, but I would disagree. It knows exactly what is. It's Metal Church at the top of their game, delivering their brand of metal that is impossible to classify. So, if you can forgive the abomination that is the artwork and just peek inside you will find an album that deserves to be found.
