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Sacred Reich
Sacred Reich at Wacken Open Air 2012
Sacred Reich at Wacken Open Air 2012
Background information
OriginPhoenix, Arizona, United States
Genres
Years active
  • 1985–2000
  • 2006–present
Labels
Members
Past members
  • Greg Hall
  • Dan Kelly
  • Jeff Martinek
  • Jason Rainey

Sacred Reich is an American thrash metal band based in Phoenix, Arizona, that was formed in 1985. The band has been credited (along with Testament, Destruction, Death Angel and Dark Angel) for leading the second wave of thrash metal in the late 1980s.[1][2]

Throughout its 39-year career, Sacred Reich has released 5 albums, 2 live albums, a box set, and 3 extended plays. With the exception of their hiatus from 2000 to 2006, Sacred Reich has performed live globally, including playing at clubs, theaters, arenas and festivals. They have performed alongside numerous acts such as Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Megadeth, Slayer, Motörhead, Sepultura, Pantera, Exodus, Testament, Anthrax, Flotsam and Jetsam, Dark Angel, Accept, Napalm Death, Obituary, and Suicidal Tendencies.[3][4]

History

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1985–1989: Early years, Ignorance, and Surf Nicaragua

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Sacred Reich were formed at Coronado High School in Scottsdale, Arizona in 1985, with their original lineup consisting of guitarists Jason Rainey and Jeff Martinek, drummer Greg Hall, and vocalist–bassist Phil Rind.[2][3][5] Later that year, they debuted with a demo tape, titled Draining You of Life. Martinek left the band shortly after, and in 1986 was replaced by Wiley Arnett.[2][3][5] The band's then lineup remained stable, despite offers from Flotsam and Jetsam sent to Arnett and Rind, a vocalist position slot from Dark Angel offered to Rind, and acclaimed band Slayer offering Hall their then-empty drummer position.[5] With Arnett, they would re-record the tracks "Sacred Reich" and "Ignorance";[3] and in 1987, with strong support from then-Flotsam and Jetsam bassist Jason Newsted,[3] the song "Ignorance" appeared on the Metal Blade Records compilation Metal Massacre VIII, which brought them significant attention.[5][6][7] Metal Blade released the band's debut album Ignorance in October of that year,[2][3][5][8] and they would begin touring soon after.[3][5]

In 1988, Sacred Reich released the EP Surf Nicaragua, to significant positive reception,[3][5] and the band began a world tour afterward; they would tour alongside bands such as Atrophy and Forbidden in the United States, before touring alongside Motörhead in Europe.[3] The band would also appear at Dynamo Open Air, which was recorded and later released as their first live album, Alive at the Dynamo, in 1989.[2][3][5]

1990–2000: The American Way, Independent, Heal, and break-up

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In 1990, Sacred Reich would release their sophomore album The American Way, which signaled a maturation in the band's sound since their first album, Ignorance.[5][8][9] The album received significant positive recognition,[citation needed] debuting at No. 153 on September 1, 1990, on the Billboard 200 charts, lasting for nine weeks.[10][11] Sacred Reich toured for nearly two years in support of The American Way, headlining major tours with Atrophy, Obituary and Forced Entry, as well as opening for Venom in Europe and supporting Sepultura on their Arise tour in both Europe and North America.[3][12] In 1991, the band would release the EP A Question. Drummer Greg Hall, who found their extensive touring to be difficult, would be replaced by Dave McClain,[5] formerly of S.A. Slayer, later that year.[3][13]

After several albums on Metal Blade Records, Sacred Reich signed to major record label Hollywood Records and released their third album Independent in 1993.[3][5] Upon release, the album received little recognition; in part because of the drop in popularity of thrash metal,[14] as well as the gap between album releases.[3][14] However, the band toured for almost two years in support of Independent, which included opening for Pantera and Danzig on their respective tours for Vulgar Display of Power and Thrall-Demonsweatlive, and performing Australia for the first time as a support for Sepultura on their Chaos A.D. tour.[3][4][12] The band also contributed the Black Sabbath cover "Sweet Leaf" to the Hempilation: Freedom Is NORML compilation album to benefit NORML.[3] In December 1995, Dave McClain left Sacred Reich to join the band Machine Head.[2][15]

On their fourth album, Heal (1996), Sacred Reich returned to Metal Blade Records to produce the album. When released, the album received little to no recognition, for similar reasons to their previous album Independent.[16] Later that year, Greg Hall would rejoin the band; however, drummer Chuck Fitzgerald would take over drumming duties for the world tour.[3] The band would release a live album, Still Ignorant, in 1997,[2] but the band would remain relatively inactive (outside of touring) until they would officially break up in 2000.[17][18] Wiley Arnett would go on to form The Human Condition with St. Madness vocalist Prophet in July 2000, however the project was put on hold when Arnett entered a car accident. Greg Hall would join the band Soulfly in 2001.[3]

2006–2017: Reunion

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In November 2006, the band announced that they would play several shows in the summer of 2007 in Europe, including Wacken Open Air, however they made no promises to re-enter the studio.[18][19][20] They would later perform at Wacken Open Air again in 2009, which would be recorded and later released as a live album, Live at Wacken, in 2012.[20][21]

The band also contributed the MDC cover "The Big Picture" which appeared as the B-side of the "Open Book" promotional single.[22][23][better source needed] A three disc box set with remastered versions of Ignorance and Surf Nicaragua with additional bonus material, including the "Draining You of Life" demo tape and a live DVD, was released in June 2007 by Metal Blade Records.[24] In the spring of 2017, the band announced their first North American tour in 21 years, titled "30 Years of Ignorance" after the 30th anniversary of their first album, Ignorance;[1][25] the band would tour alongside Byzantine for the duration of the tour, which ended on October 7 that year.[25]

2018–present: Awakening and upcoming sixth studio album

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In January 2018, Sacred Reich signed to Metal Blade Records and began working on their fifth studio album, Awakening.[26] In September, Machine Head announced that Dave McClain would be leaving their band,[27] and officially rejoined Sacred Reich in December.[28] In April 2019, founding guitarist Jason Rainey would be replaced by Joey Radziwill.[29] Awakening was released on August 23, 2019.[30] It is the band's first full-length studio album since 1996's Heal, and their first studio album since their reunion in 2006.[26] [30] Awakening would be met with positive reception, with Metacritic giving the album a 76 out of 100 rating.[31] In support of the album, Sacred Reich continued touring in Europe, alongside Night Demon.[30]

Founding member and former guitarist Jason Rainey died on March 16, 2020, at the age of 53 from an apparent heart attack.[32]

At the beginning of 2024, Sacred Reich would begin recording their upcoming sixth studio album.[33][34]

Musical style and lyrics

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AllMusic described Sacred Reich's musical style as "[having a] penchant for pairing political lyrics, personal politics, and a satiric sense of humor with an uncompromising sonic attack."[2] Sacred Reich has been titled the "thinking man's thrash metal" by various publications.[13][35]

Members

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Timeline

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Discography

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Studio albums
EPs
  • Draining You of Life (demo) (1986)
  • Surf Nicaragua (1988)
  • A Question (1991)
Live albums
  • Alive at the Dynamo (1989)
  • Still Ignorant (1997)
  • Live at Wacken (2012)

References

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  1. ^ a b "Sacred Reich announces "30 Years of Ignorance" USA tour with Byzantine as support". Metalblade.com. May 1, 2017. Archived from the original on 12 August 2024. Retrieved November 19, 2017.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Monger, James Christopher. "Sacred Reich Biography". AllMusic. Archived from the original on 7 May 2021. Retrieved 15 November 2024.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r Sharpe-Young, Garry (2007). Metal: The Definitive Guide : Heavy, NWOBH, Progressive, Thrash, Death, Black, Gothic, Doom, Nu. Jawbone Press. p. 138. ISBN 978-1-906002-01-5. OL 8776949M.
  4. ^ a b "Popular Uprisings" (PDF). Billboard. 27 March 1993. p. 21. Archived from the original on 18 November 2024. Retrieved 18 November 2024 – via WorldRadioHistory.com. Sacred Reich is opening for Pantera during a monthlong tour that started at the beginning of March.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Larkin, Colin (1 June 1995). The Guinness Who's Who of Heavy Metal (2nd ed.). Guinness Publishing. p. 307. ISBN 978-0851126562. OL 9506976M.
  6. ^ Book, John. "Metal Massacre, Vol. 8 - Various Artists". AllMusic. Archived from the original on 22 May 2023. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  7. ^ Slagel, Brian; Eglington, Mark (29 August 2017). For the Sake of Heaviness: The History of Metal Blade Records (1st ed.). BMG Books. ASIN B074T21943. ISBN 1947026003 – via Billboard. While I [Brian Slagel] was there, I became aware of another band from the Phoenix area, Sacred Reich, that we'd also sign to the Metal Blade roster.
  8. ^ a b Atkinson, Peter (12 August 1990). Record-Journal. Record-Journal. p. 34. Retrieved 15 November 2024. The American Way is an all-business affair that reflects the band's maturation since its frenzied, punk-fueled debut Ignorance was released in 1987, when most of the band members were fresh out of high school.
  9. ^ Henderson, Alex. "The American Way - Sacred Reich". AllMusic. Archived from the original on 22 July 2023. Retrieved 15 November 2024. As they evolved, Sacred Reich not only became one of the more accessible thrash metal units, but also one of the most lyrically compelling. ... The American Way makes us glad that lead singer/bassist Phil Rind had become fairly easy to understand.
  10. ^ "Top Pop Albums" (PDF). Billboard. Penske Media Corporation. 1 September 1990. p. 79. Archived from the original on 19 November 2024. Retrieved 19 November 2024 – via WorldRadioHistory.com.
  11. ^ "Sacred Reich The American Way Chart History". Billboard.
  12. ^ a b Pratt, Greg (25 January 2018). "That Tour Was Awesome: New Titans on the Bloc (1991)". Decibel Magazine. Archived from the original on 14 July 2024. Retrieved 23 November 2024.
  13. ^ a b Brown, Steve (14 October 1991). "Ocala Star-Banner". Ocala Star-Banner. p. 12. Retrieved 15 November 2024. (a) A Question is their first release since they departed with former drummer Greg Hall, who was replaced by David McClain after they switched labels form [sic] Enigma to Hollywood Records." (b) "Sacred Reich is possibly the thinking man's thrash band.
  14. ^ a b Rivadavia, Eduardo. "Independent - Sacred Reich". AllMusic. Archived from the original on 24 September 2019. Retrieved 15 November 2024. But almost three years would go by before anything was heard from them again, and by the time they finally returned with 1993's Independent, their momentum was lost and thrash metal in general was pretty much yesterday's news.
  15. ^ McIver, Joel (15 October 2012). Machine Head: Inside the Machine. Omnibus Press. ASIN B0D2TVGRKW. ISBN 9780857127983. Machine Head had their new drummer, although [Robb] Flynn... left it 10 days before he informed McClain he'd got the job.
  16. ^ Anderson, Jason. "Heal - Sacred Reich". AllMusic. Archived from the original on 7 April 2022. Retrieved 15 November 2024. By the time Phoenix thrash band Sacred Reich released Heal in 1996, the excitement that surrounded their particular brand of hard-edged metal had indeed dissipated, as bands like Korn and Deftones began moving mainstream metal in a new direction.
  17. ^ "Sacred Reich | Discogs". Discogs. Archived from the original on 22 August 2023. Retrieved 14 November 2024. (1) Sacred Reich is a Phoenix, Arizona based thrash metal band that formed in 1985." (2) "... but by 2000 the band had officially ceased operations.
  18. ^ a b Phillips, William; Cogan, Brian (20 March 2009). Encyclopedia of Heavy Metal Music. Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 204. ISBN 9780313348013. (1) ...before calling it quits in 1999." (2) "The band reunited for several shows in 2007, but it is unclear if the tour will continue or will lead to any new music.
  19. ^ "Sacred Reich Interview". lordsofmetal.nl. July–August 2007. Archived from the original on 9 October 2012. Retrieved December 11, 2008.
  20. ^ a b "Sacred Reich | Metal Blade Records". Metal Blade Records. Archived from the original on 9 November 2024. Retrieved 24 November 2024. They would go on to reform in 2006 but strictly as a live act, dropping the Live At Wacken DVD in 2012 ...
  21. ^ Rivadavia, Eduardo. "Live at Wacken - Sacred Reich". AllMusic. Archived from the original on 8 December 2021. Retrieved 18 November 2024.
  22. ^ "Sacred Reich – Open Book – CD (Single, Promo), 1993". Discogs. Archived from the original on 22 November 2024. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
  23. ^ "Sacred Reich – Ignorance & Surf Nicaragua EP – Box Set". Discogs. Archived from the original on 19 November 2024. Retrieved 19 November 2024.
  24. ^ "Ignorance/Surf Nicaragua - Sacred Reich | Album | AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
  25. ^ a b
  26. ^ a b
  27. ^
  28. ^ "SACRED REICH Rejoined By Ex-MACHINE HEAD Drummer DAVE MCCLAIN". Blabbermouth.net. December 18, 2018. Archived from the original on 12 April 2023. Retrieved February 11, 2019.
  29. ^ "SACRED REICH Parts Ways With Guitarist JASON RAINEY, Announces Replacement". Blabbermouth.net. February 25, 2019. Archived from the original on 19 April 2024. Retrieved February 25, 2019.
  30. ^ a b c
  31. ^ "Awakening by Sacred Reich". Metacritic. Archived from the original on 24 November 2024. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
  32. ^
  33. ^ Michels, Alexandra. "Sacred Reich: Neues Album für Ende 2024 geplant - RockHard". Rock Hard Magazine (in German). Archived from the original on 29 June 2023. Retrieved 24 November 2024. (a) Wie SACRED REICH-Gitarrist Wiley Arnett im Gespräch mit "The Meista - Brews & Tunes" verrät, wollen die Thrasher Ende 2024 ein neues Album auf den Markt bringen." (b) Unser Ziel ist es, hoffentlich Anfang 2024 ins Studio zu gehen, mit der Veröffentlichung gegen Ende des Jahres. [(a) As SACRED REICH guitarist Wiley Arnett reveals in an interview with "The Meista - Brews & Tunes", the thrashers want to release a new album at the end of 2024." (b) "Wiley comments: ... Our goal is to hopefully go into the studio in early 2024, with the release towards the end of the year.]
  34. ^ "SACRED REICH Has Written Six Or Seven Songs For Next Studio Album; Late 2024 Release Expected". Blabbermouth.net. 19 June 2023. Retrieved 2024-11-24.
  35. ^ "SACRED REICH - RockHard". Rock Hard Magazine (in German). Archived from the original on 24 November 2024. Retrieved 24 November 2024. [If you wanted to occupy the genre "Thinking Man ́s Thrash Metal" with only one band, SACRED REICH would be the right choice.]
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