Alongside fellow Metal Church alumnus, guitarist Craig Wells, "The Rev." David Wayne, original singer for the Seattle based ?80s thrashers has mysteriously, and somewhat rebelliously, released the debut by his surnamed outfit, with an EP from the resurrected, post-MC Reverend already available and a full-length on the way! What all this means about Wayne's future in Metal Church, already a bone of contention?ed press-fed feud with co-founder Kurdt Vanderhoof, remains to be seen. But the nine original tracks (plus a rather pointless cover of 'Mississippi Queen', which closes the disc) are infinitely more enjoyable than the lukewarm Masterpeace reunion. Forever cursed in attempting to match the band's stellar debut, Wayne and Metal Church have lived in the shadow of said platter for more than 15 years, together and separately churning out pale comparisons to one of the ?80s? great works. On this latest outing, Wayne keeps things simple and captures the crunching, vintage guitar sound, particularly on the first part of the disc. The energetic opener, 'The Choice', pop culture-inspired, mid-paced 'Hannibal' and 'Vlad' probably won't be in the car stereo a year from now, but then I can't remember the last time The Dark was aired in my house either (although the debut STILL periodically resurfaces). About half way through the album, Wayne shifts gears, abandoning the successful Metal Church formula, in favour of a more diversified metal noise. 'Burning At The Stake' departs from the requisite sound, opting for a more Accept/UDO feel. 'DSD', which stands for Die Satan Die, hints at Black Sabbath, while 'Nightmare Part II' is reminiscent of the blue collar Euro metal of drummer BJ Zampa's former employer, Thunderhead, mixed with Judas Priest guitars. Had the band retained the initial vibe, this could have been a classic. As it is, it will be seen as another opportunity for Wayne, the man and the band, to tour Europe, playing some of the classics, which is what people really want to hear anyway.