Elektra Years 1984-1989 (Gate)

Three CD collection. Releasing their self-titled debut in 1984 on the independent Ground Zero Records, their first record shifted in excess of 70,000 copies, a sufficient number of units for them to be snapped up by Elektra Records who reissued the album in 1985. Including 'Gods Of Wrath' and 'Battalions' from their "Four Hymns" demo, plus a high-speed take of Deep Purple's classic 'Highway Star', the Metal Church album is also notable for it's production by Terry Date, who would go on to work with Soundgarden, Slipknot, Pantera and Dream Theater, among many others. Follow up The Dark in 1986 featured the same line-up as their debut, but was co-produced with Mark Dodson, known for his work with Ozzy Osbourne, Judas Priest and Ugly Kid Joe. The album made a significant dent on the Billboard Top 100 charts, aided by the video for 'Watch The Children Pray' plus the single 'Start The Fire'. This release features the single edit of 'Watch The Children Pray' as a bonus track. This album is respectfully dedicated to Cliff Burton, the Metallica bassist who had tragically died earlier that year. Third release Blessing In Disguise saw the return of Terry Date as producer, as well as a shake-up in the band's ranks, as Vanderhoof stepped down from touring to focus on songwriting, with John Marshall taking his place on guitar, and Mike Howe taking over on vocals. Bonus tracks for the 1989 album are the single edits of 'Badlands' and 'Fake Healer'.