By: Rob Cavuoto
Metal Church’s latest release, Generation Nothing, marks the bands 10th full-length studio release and boasts the return to the band’s classic metal sound. It has elements of both the first album and The Dark, but still embraces the new sound of the band without chasing the past.
Born out of the West Coast Metal scene in the ‘80s, Metal Church quickly became one of the standout talents of their genre. The band’s first release Metal Church postured the band as one of the pioneers of the thrash/metal scene, while their sophomore release The Dark was championed as one of the premier metal releases of the ‘80s.
Now with the current band’s line up, Kurdt Vanderhoof [guitar], Ronny Munroe [vocals], Jeff Plate [drums], Rick Van Zandt [guitar] and Steve Unger [bass], Generation Nothing combines the best elements of the band’s early roots with modern day lyrical content and a revived hunger that delivers an electric assault of anthemic & epic metal songs!
I had a chance to speak with founding member Kurdt Vanderhoof about their new release and trusting your instincts.
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Robert Cavuoto: Congrats on your 10th CD, Generation Nothing.
Kurdt Vanderhoof: Thank you. This record was made for the right reasons. Working together in that type of atmosphere always makes the music better.
Robert: How does this CD rate for you personally and which are your top three Metal Church CDs?
Kurdt Vanderhoof: I personally think Generation Nothing is one of my favorite records to date as well as Human Factor and of course the 1st album; Metal Church.
Robert: Tell be about the inspiration behind the title track, “Generation Nothing” and the meaning of it in the real world?
Kurdt Vanderhoof: It’s not about a particular age group, it’s about a mindset. The fact that so many people spend their lives not doing anything “real” makes it all virtual. Their friends, their relationships, even their activities, are virtual. There also is a running theme through the CD about the results of that behavior.
Robert: My two favorite songs were “Dead City” and “Scream.” Can you tell me about their origination?
Kurdt Vanderhoof: “Dead City” is about the condition of the town I grew up in. It’s very much a good representation of what it’s like in any small American town these days after Wal-Mart moves in and destroys the local business man.
“Scream” is your basic “I’ve Had Enough!” song.
Robert: Are you excited to be playing songs from the new CD live?
Kurdt Vanderhoof: I’m looking forward to playing many of these new songs live. It will be a breath of fresh air for us. The fact that a lot of fans seem to really enjoy the new record adds another level of excitement.
Robert: What has Metal Church always stood for?
Kurdt Vanderhoof: From an artistic standpoint, I always wanted it to stand for powerful and aggressive music yet, very musical. It has to have melody and hooks for me to be interested in any kind of music.
Robert: How did you see the metal scene change and grow since the ’80s?
Kurdt Vanderhoof: I think it has gotten away from the “musical” side of things and seems to be more about intensity and aggression. It’s cool to a point but I wish there was more “singers” in metal now.
Robert: You had some line-up changes, how did that affect the band?
Kurdt Vanderhoof: It always affects the band severely but at the same time it can also improve the band. Rick Van Zandt has brought a great new element to the band.
Robert: Are you satisfied with Metal Church’s place in metal history?
Kurdt Vanderhoof: Yes, and no. I’m very proud of what the band has accomplished but there is still much more I would like to do with it. And I hope we can avoid anymore line-up changes so some of those things may happen.
Robert: The band recently took a hiatus for two years, what was the reason for the break up and what prompted the reformation in 2012
Kurdt Vanderhoof: It just felt like it was time to get back to work. We didn’t split up because of anything internal. It was all business junk. That’s why doing it ourselves and Rat Pak Records has inspired us a lot.
Robert: When you look back on your career from the early days, what’s the most important thing you have learned?
Kurdt Vanderhoof: To trust your instincts. Never let anyone one tell you how to make your music.
Steve Olson (10 years ago)
Right On Kurdt!! Thanks for all the great music.