Introduction
Mike Howe (born August 21, 1965) is an American heavy metal singer from Taylor, Michigan who currently performs with Metal Church.
Career
Howe began his career as the singer for a Detroit band called Hellion (later renamed Snair after moving to Los Angeles) before joining the band Heretic, who were formed in 1986. Heretic released its sole full-length album, Breaking Point in 1988 before Howe departed to join Metal Church and Heretic disbanded.
From 1988 until 1995 Howe sang in Metal Church, replacing David Wayne. After Howe joined Metal Church the riffing became heavier and the subject matter deeper. The band's lyrics tackled political and social issues of the day with the releases of Blessing in Disguise and The Human Factor. Howe recorded three albums with Metal Church before the group split up in 1995.
Although he has rarely recorded or performed outside of Heretic and Metal Church, Howe provided guest vocals on Hall Aflame's 1991 album Guaranteed Forever and Megora's 1997 EP Illusions.
Metal Church founder Kurdt Vanderhoof reported in 1998 that Howe had retired and was living in Tennessee with his family.
On April 30, 2015, Metal Church announced that Mike Howe has rejoined the band.
Discography
With Heretic
- Breaking Point (1988, Metal Blade)
With Metal Church
- Blessing in Disguise (1989, Elektra Records)
- The Human Factor (1991, Epic Records)
- Hanging in the Balance (1993, Blackheart Records)
- XI (2016, Rat Pak Records)