The history of Reverend, Heretic and Metal Church are truly intertwined. In an odd twist of fate after the dissolution of Heretic, which saw singer Mike Howe leave to join Metal Church, the band evolved into Reverend, with ex-Metal Church vocalist David Wayne in command. Guitarists Stuart Fuji and Brian Korban along with bassist Dennis O’Hara were all in Heretic. Joining Reverend would be drummer Stuart Vogel. This line-up recorded their self titled debut EP on Caroline Records in 1989. Capitalizing on Wayne's history with Metal Church, the band then signed to Charisma. By the 1990 debut album, Vogel had made way for drummer Rick Basha.  The full-length debut was given the title "World Won’t Miss You". It was dedicated to the late Dave Pritchard of Armored Saint, and featured Rocky George of Suicidal Tendencies and Chris Goss of Masters Of Reality as guests. Late 1990, early 1991 saw some big changes in the line-up with Fuji, O’Hara and Basha all departing with Angelo Espino (Hirax, Once Dead) joining to play bass, and Jason Ian (brother of famous Anthrax axe-man, Scott) appearing on drums. The album "Play God" was released. The band had utilized a second guitarist in the studio by the name of Tommy "V" Verdonck. and also had Juan Garcia (Agent Steel, EvilDead) providing some backing vocals. Unfortunately, with the onset of grunge and alternative music, thrash metal started to loose momentum, and the band capped the first stage of their career with a six-song live EP, simply called "Live". 1992 saw the addition of Ernesto F. Martinez on guitar for the live recording. Reverend then entered a period of inactivity. Locating to Yakima, Washington from Los Angeles, in 1993, Wayne began re-forming the band, and in 1994 for a sixth-month period, the band played as the house band for Little Dutch Inn. Wayne had hooked up with several local musicians, notably, Jamie Northrup (drummer), Chuck Smith (bass) and Bill Rhynes (lead guitar). During this period the band would jam during the week to work out original Reverend material. Todd Stotz later joined as drummer. From Yakima, the band located to the Seattle area, performing on-and-off for the next several years. Wayne would then found a further act, simply named Wayne, and recorded an album called "Metal Church," complete with the characteristic guitar-cross icon, and the logo rendered in Metal Church's own familiar font. It left no doubt as to which audience the frontman was pitching. During 2000, Wayne and Warrior guitarist Joe Floyd would produce the Byfist "Adrenalin" EP. After several years of somewhat inactivity, and spurred perhaps by the global resurgence in heavy metal, Reverend re-emerged in 2001 with an independent 4-song EP called "A Gathering Of Demons". The line up now consisted of Wayne and newcomers guitarist Chris Nelson and bassist John Stahlman (both former members of Faustus) and drummer Todd Stotz (Librium, Gangland). Reverend, at this point was now hailing totally from the Seattle/Tacoma, Washington area. A connection was strengthened when Byfist guitarists Davey Lee and Notch Vara duly joined the band, supplanting guitarist Chris Nelson. Bassist John Stahlman's position would be taken by Pete Perez (Carrion, Spastik Ink, Riot). Subsequently, the four-string duties were taken over by ex-Heir Apparent, Heteradox  and Killer Strike bassist Jay Wegener, also from Seattle. As Reverend activity slowed during 2003, David Wayne put the band on hold as he joined Bastardsun in July. This British metal band was assembled by former Cradle Of Filth guitarist Stuart Anstis. Eventually communications broke down within Bastardsun, and Wayne returned to the United States. During the period 2004-2005, Reverend conjured with Byfist, and David Wayne's Metal Church began taking on added shape with David Wayne supplying the vocals, Davey Lee and Nacho Vara on guitars, Brendon Kyle on bass, and Jesse Vara on drums. Wayne commuted between Tacoma and San Antonio, as necessary, for live performances. Sadly, David was found dead, due to complications related to a car accident on May 19th, 2005. The other members of Reverend have chosen to continue the band, so without any forming mebers, the line-up for the band in 2007 is as follows: Michael Lance - Vocals (Ancient Cross), Davy Lee - Guitars (Byfist), Brendon Kyle - Bass, Jesse Vara - Drums (Byfist), Nacho Vara - Guitars (Byfist).

WORLD WON'T MISS YOU (1990) CHARISMA

This album was given to me as a gift, and I'm much obliged, because Reverend albums are hard to find. 'World Won't Miss You' was the bands first full-length album, and what a great speed/power metal disc it is! Reverend do sound much like a raw version of Metal Church. I love this kind of music, and can't get enough of it. If I have to complain about anything here, it will have to be the similarities of the songs. It's really hard to remember which track is which, after putting the disc to rest for a couple of months. But to solve the problem, spin the disc at least once every month! "Hand Of Doom" is a stellar Black Sabbath cover.

Killer tracks: Remission, Desperate, World Won't Miss You

PLAY GOD (1991) CHARISMA

Out goes a couple of members, and in comes 2 new ones. But the music remains the same. I think 'Play God' is a better album than their first one. But it's hard to pinpoint why. It's just my taste. The record seems more varied, and thoroughly made. I remember buying it at a sale, hoping I'd found a new Christian band. I wasn't even aware of David being the former singer of Metal Church (didn't take long to figure it out though!). The band isn't a preaching band, but I've come to learn that David is a Christian, and I think his lyrics reflect just that. Overall an excellent album! "Fortunate Son" is a Creedence Clearwater Revival cover!

Killer tracks: Heaven On Earth, Blessings, Play God

A GATHERING OF DEMONS (2001) NECK DAMAGE (EP)

Another gift from my good friend! I didn't even know that Reverend were reformed, until I held this EP in my hands. And what a reunion indeed! This band hasn't changed a bit (that's not quite true, as the only surviving member is David Wayne), and the music is still powerful and fast. They were supposed to record a new album, as well as tour with bands like Onward and Judas Priest, but sadly this did never happen. "Legion" is actually the same song as Metal Church's "Fake Healer", but with different lyrics. STAY METAL!

Another tragic death in the metal community when David Wayne passed away on May 10th, due to complications related to a car accident. See you in Heaven bro! R.I.P.

Related artists: 

Metal Church, Wayne, Heretic, Once Dead, Hirax, Leatherwolf, Ancient Cross