(Metal) Church Revival at Louie G’s
(METAL) CHURCH REVIVAL AT LOUIE G’S
Local legends Metal Church played the final show of their 2014 Winter Tour to Louie G’s Pizza in Fife last Friday night. And just like all things classic, there was a little bit of the old and a little bit of the new. But this was not simply contained to the face smashing performance that Kurdt Vanderhoof and his crew brought to the stage. It was in the atmosphere of the show itself.
First of all, I’d like to give a brief shout out to Louie G’s as a venue, and Louie G himself. You’ve got a fantastic and magical place there. A great place for a small show, with a warm family atmosphere and (get this folks) AWESOME FOOD! When was the last time you went to a rock show in Seattle and walked away bragging about how good the food was? Louie G’s Pizza is some of the best pizza I’ve had in a while, so if you happen to be on the south end near Fife…be sure to check them out, you won’t be disappointed.
But let’s get to the show. Local bands Harder You Fall, Sin Circus and Mom’s Rocket got everyone started out on the right foot. And there was something there for everyone. Harder You Fall brought an old school metal feel to the table, while Sin Circus pleased the ground with their nods to both old school and new. (Their instrumental medley of metal classics near the end of their set was particularly fun, and drummer Chase and I geeked out on Dream Theater fandom after the show) and Mom’s Rocket brought a dirty “sleeze rock” mood that had the crowd in the palm of their hand.
But it was the reigning local legends Metal Church that truly put the entire crowd into a frenzy. Yes, there were mosh pits to be had, and while I could no longer participate due to my own war wounds from “mosh pits past”…I did manage to use some young whipper snapper as a human shield. How “metal” is that?
Most impressive was lead singer Ronny Munroe who, as Kurdt himself put it, is truly capable of delivering the goods on both the new stuff and the classic material. As I would tell Ronny after the show, it was like listening to David Wayne *with technique*!
I can now say that I have seen all three major incarnations of the band (The original lineup opening for Metallica in ’86, the Mike Howe lineup on New Years 88/89 and now, 25 years later, the Munroe/Vanderhoof lineup) and I can honestly say that this is the tightest and most powerful I have ever heard the band play. And Kurdt Vanderhoof’s joy of playing the gig was evident. The band was on fire, and they were HAVING FUN! This vibe, for the most part (with the exception of a few people who were victims of the pit) was really light-hearted. And it was great to see so many families (yes, families! With KIDS! It was a real trip!) just out enjoying a fantastic local metal show put on by some amazing upcoming talented local bands and, of course, the seasoned veterans showing everyone how it’s done.
I must raise a glass and give salutations to all the bands who gave us such great performances, Louie G’s Pizza for fantastic food with a great atmosphere, and last but not least, Metal Church for bringing down the house! THE DUDE ABIDES!!
Metal Church Setlist:
Ton of Bricks
Start the Fire
Generation Nothing
The Dark
A Light in the Dark
Fake Healer
Badlands
Gods of Wrath
Dead City
Mirror of Lies
Watch the Children Pray
Beyond the Black
Metal Church
Encore:
The Human Factor
Highway Star