Metal Church & Armored Saint in Des Moines

Metal Church is an American heavy metal band formed by guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof in San Francisco in 1980 and later based in Aberdeen, Washington. They play traditional heavy metal marked by twin-guitar writing and the speed and attack of thrash. The band is known for the albums Metal Church, The Dark and Blessing in Disguise, and for songs including “Watch the Children Pray,” “Start the Fire” and “Badlands.” In 1986, Metal Church toured with Metallica while supporting The Dark, bringing the album to arena audiences across North America. After re-forming in the late 1990s, they resumed touring with returning vocalist David Wayne. Performances from a later tour with Mike Howe were released as Classic Live, and the band also appeared at Wacken Open Air.

Armored Saint are an American heavy metal band formed in Los Angeles in 1982. Led by vocalist John Bush, they are known for the albums March of the Saint, Delirious Nomad and Symbol of Salvation, as well as songs including “Can U Deliver” and “Reign of Fire.” In 1985, Armored Saint supported Metallica on dates of the Ride the Lightning tour. Two years later, a concert at the Agora Theatre in Cleveland was recorded for the live album Saints Will Conquer, preserving the band’s Raising Fear-era stage set. Wacken Open Air has hosted the band, and Armored Saint have also performed at Keep It True in Germany.