Masterpeace is the sixth studio album by American heavy metal band Metal Church released on July 22, 1999 via Nuclear Blast. It features the return of vocalist David Wayne, absent since The Dark (1986), being the band's final studio album to feature him before his death in May 2005. All original members recorded on Masterpeace except guitarist Craig Wells and drummer Kirk Arrington. Jeff Wade (the "friendly ghost") filled in for Arrington on the album and on tour. This was the second Metal Church album to feature the cruciform Gibson Explorer on a cover, the first being the band's 1984 debut.
Album information Retrospectively, Vanderhoof criticized the failed reunion for the album, calling it "Disasterpeace." He cited issues with management, as well as with Wayne and Arrington: "The whole thing was a great idea, but when we tried to put together, it just didn't work."
Reception Steve Huey of Allmusic compared Masterpeace favorably with its predecessor, calling the album "more focused." On the contrary, Sean Palmerson of Exclaim! said that the band sounded "lost in the fog" on the album.
Track listing All tracks written by Kurdt Vanderhoof and David Wayne, except where noted
Credits Production and performance credits are adapted from the album liner notes.
Metal Church David Wayne – vocals John Marshall – lead guitar Kurdt Vanderhoof – rhythm guitar, mellotron Duke Erickson – bass Kirk Arrington – drums
Additional musicians Jeff Wade – drums
Production Produced, recorded and mixed by Kurdt Vanderhoof and Mark Greer Engineered by Mark Greer and Karl Welty
References