Not that Metal Church needed to replace Ronny Munroe (vocals 2004–2009, 2012–2014- who voluntarily left the band), because he can be heard on four fine studio albums, but “XI” does mark the return of vocalist Mike Howe who did make his imprint on three records. With that, you know the deal…its hard to deny a voice who is on several regarded classics in a band’s back catalogue, like singles ‘Fake Healer’, ‘Badlands’, ‘Human Factor’, ‘Date With Poverty’. As the first track on “XI” implies, time to ‘Reset’ the Church’s creative altar and bring back a familiar pastor to the heavy metal masses with that unique voice. Joining longest standing member, guitarist and founder Kurdt Vanderhoof (who was not in the band, but credited on songs as writer for the three Howe albums from 1989-1993), is Rick Van Zandt on second guitar, bassist Steve Unger, and Jeff Plate on drums – both who have been in the band since “A Light in the Dark” in 2006. A solid album that comes recommended.

‘Killing Your Time’ maintains the punch of ‘Reset’ and Howe sounds as wicked as ever, clear, concise with edge and personality in his projection. Misleading acoustic guitar opens ‘No Tomorrow’ (reprises for the solo break) before Plate’s Civil War drums bring in the speed metal romp inside a slightly changing structure the Church have done in the past. A speed –traditional metal mashup. More cleaner guitar and drums begin ‘Signal Path’ before hitting a nice mid pace and more melodic chorus, one ready for rock radio. At seven minutes, ‘Sky Falls In’ continues more dynamics and melody for the slower pacing, but is a bit of a bore. ‘Needle & Suture’, and especially ‘Shadow’ as the guitars dropping out leaving bass and drums, and the haunting begun ‘Blow Your Mind’, gets things back on track and a nice trifecta paying homage to the debut and “The Dark”.

A solid comeback, good to hear Mike Howe again, he sounds great. But, for my personal taste, too many of the subtle begun songs. I want more killer riffs like ‘Ton of Bricks’, ‘Start The Fire’, ‘The Dark’…and “XI” opening two and closer ‘Suffer Fools’. Other than that, still enjoyable. O, and terrible cover artwork, again. Could have done better with that. What is it with half Metal Church’s album covers?