Sacred Reich
Sacred Reich | |
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Origin | Phoenix, Arizona, United States |
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Sacred Reich is an American thrash metal band from Phoenix, Arizona, 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.
History
[edit]1985–1989: Early years, Ignorance, and Surf Nicaragua
[edit]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][4] Originally, vocalist Dan Kelly was intended to be the band's vocalist, but Rind became the vocalist after Kelly became ill.[3] Later that year, they debuted with a demo tape, titled Draining You of Life.[3] Martinek left the band shortly after, and in 1986 was replaced by Wiley Arnett.[2][4] 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.[4] With Arnett, they re-recorded the tracks "Sacred Reich" and "Ignorance";[3] and in 1987, with support from then-Flotsam and Jetsam bassist Jason Newsted,[3] the song "Ignorance" appeared on the Metal Blade Records compilation Metal Massacre VIII,[5] which brought them significant attention.[4][6] Metal Blade released the band's debut studio album, Ignorance, in October of that year,[3][4] and they began touring soon after.[3][4]
In 1988, Sacred Reich released the EP Surf Nicaragua to significant positive reception,[3][4] and they began a world tour afterward; they toured alongside bands such as Atrophy and Forbidden in the United States, before touring alongside Motörhead in Europe.[3] The band also appeared at Dynamo Open Air in 1989, where their performance was recorded and later released that year as their first live album, Alive at the Dynamo.[2][3][4]
1990–2000: The American Way, Independent, Heal, and break-up
[edit]In 1990, Sacred Reich released their sophomore album, The American Way, which signaled a maturation in the band's sound since their first album, Ignorance.[4][7] 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.[8] Sacred Reich toured for nearly two years in support of The American Way, headlining major tours with Atrophy, Obituary, and Forced Entry. They also supported Venom in Europe and for Sepultura on their Arise tour in both Europe and North America.[3][9] In 1991, the band released an EP, titled A Question.[3] Drummer Greg Hall, who found their extensive touring to be difficult, was replaced by Dave McClain, formerly of S.A. Slayer,[3] later that year.[4]
After several albums on Metal Blade Records, Sacred Reich signed to the major record label Hollywood Records and released their third album, Independent, in 1993.[3][4] Upon release, the album received little recognition, in part because of the drop in popularity of thrash metal[10] and the gap between album releases.[3][10] 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 in Australia for the first time while supporting Sepultura on their Chaos A.D. tour.[3][9][11] In 1995, they contributed the Black Sabbath cover "Sweet Leaf" to the Hempilation: Freedom Is NORML compilation album to benefit NORML.[3] In December of that year, Dave McClain left Sacred Reich to join Machine Head.[2][12]
It just felt like things were winding down. You know, we had done Heal and it just felt like the interest was waning quite a bit. Dave left and joined Machine Head and we had this guy Chuck [Fitzgerald] playing drums. I was having some personal issues in my life with my family and stuff, and if you had your finger to the wind, it just felt like, "We had a good run, 10 years, made some cool records and that was it." It wasn't anything really more than that.
On their fourth album, Heal (1996), Sacred Reich returned to Metal Blade Records to produce the album. Upon release, the album received little to no recognition, for similar reasons to their previous album, Independent.[13] Later that year, Greg Hall rejoined the band; however, drummer Chuck Fitzgerald took over drumming duties for the world tour.[3][5] The band released a live album, Still Ignorant, in 1997,[2] but they remained relatively inactive (outside of touring) until they officially disbanded in 2000.[14][15] Wiley Arnett went on to form The Human Condition with St. Madness vocalist Prophet in July 2000; however, the project was put on hold when Arnett was injured in a car accident. Arnett and Hall appeared as guest musicians on Soulfly's cover of the song "One Nation" in 2001.[16]
2006–2017: Reunion
[edit]In November 2006, Sacred Reich 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.[15][17] 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 of that year by Metal Blade Records.[18] They performed at Wacken Open Air again in 2009, which was recorded and later released as a live album, Live at Wacken, in 2012.[17][19] In the spring of 2017, they announced their first North American tour in 21 years, titled "30 Years of Ignorance" after the 30th anniversary of their debut album, Ignorance;[1][20] they toured alongside Byzantine for the duration of the tour, which ended on October 7 that year.[20]
2018–present: Awakening and upcoming sixth studio album
[edit]In January 2018, Sacred Reich signed to Metal Blade Records and began working on their fifth studio album, Awakening.[21] The album was produced by Arthur Rizk, who previously worked with Power Trip and Cavalera Conspiracy.[22] However, during the album's production, the band experienced major lineup changes. Later in January, Greg Hall was removed from the band[23] and was replaced by drummer Tim Radziwill as a touring musician in August.[24] In September, Machine Head announced that Dave McClain was leaving their band,[25] officially rejoining Sacred Reich in December.[5][26] In April 2019, Sacred Reich released the split single "Don't Do it Donnie", alongside Iron Reagan,[5][27] later co-headlining a monthlong tour with them in May.[28] In April, founding guitarist Jason Rainey was 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.[5][21][30] Awakening was met with positive reception, with Metacritic, which assigns a weighted average rating, giving the album a 76 out of 100 rating based on 4 reviews;[31] The album was also featured at 9 on Decibel's 40 Best Metal Albums of 2019.[32] In support of the album, Sacred Reich toured in Europe, alongside Night Demon,[33] and supported Gwar on their Use Your Collusion tour that year.[34]
Founding member and former guitarist Jason Rainey died on March 16, 2020, at the age of 53 from an apparent heart attack.[35]
In 2021, Sacred Reich was scheduled to support Sepultura on their Quadra tour in both North America and Europe, however, it was canceled due to the COVID-19 situation; the tour was postponed to the Fall of 2022 and was completed later that year.[36] Sacred Reich also appeared at the Rock Hard Festival in August of that year.[37] In 2023, the band co-headlined a tour alongside Carcass and Municipal Waste.[38]
At the beginning of 2024, Sacred Reich began recording their upcoming sixth studio album.[39]
Members
[edit]
Current members
Touring musicians
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Former members
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Timeline
[edit]Discography
[edit]Studio albums
- Ignorance (1987)
- The American Way (1990)
- Independent (1993)
- Heal (1996)
- Awakening (2019)
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)
Compilations
- Ignorance/Surf Nicaragua (2007)
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Sacred Reich announces "30 Years of Ignorance" USA tour with Byzantine as support". Metal Blade Records. May 1, 2017. Archived from the original on 12 August 2024. Retrieved November 19, 2017.
- ^ a b c d e f Monger, James Christopher. "Sacred Reich Biography". AllMusic. Archived from the original on 7 May 2021. Retrieved 15 November 2024.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ a b c d e f Pessaro, Fred (2019-06-18). "Sacred Reich: Thrash Icons on Trump, Buddhism, First Album in 20 Years 'Awakening'". Revolver. Archived from the original on 17 June 2024. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
- ^
- Book, John. "Metal Massacre, Vol. 8 - Various Artists". AllMusic. Archived from the original on 22 May 2023. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
- 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ a b Phillips, William; Cogan, Brian (20 March 2009). Encyclopedia of Heavy Metal Music. Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 204. ISBN 9780313348013. OL 37091855M.
(a) ...before calling it quits in 1999." (b) "The band reunited for several shows in 2007, but it is unclear if the tour will continue or will lead to any new music.
- ^ "III - Soulfly". AllMusic. Archived from the original on 30 November 2024. Retrieved 1 December 2024.
feat: Wiley Arnett / Greg Hall
- ^ 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 ...
- ^ "Ignorance/Surf Nicaragua - Sacred Reich | Album | AllMusic". AllMusic. Archived from the original on 7 May 2021. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
- ^ Rivadavia, Eduardo. "Live at Wacken - Sacred Reich". AllMusic. Archived from the original on 8 December 2021. Retrieved 18 November 2024.
- ^ a b
- Pryor, Terrance. "Sacred Reich celebrate 30 years of 'Ignorance' with Byzantine this fall". Axs.com. Archived from the original on 9 September 2017. Retrieved May 3, 2017.
- "SACRED REICH To Embark On 30 Years Of Ignorance Tour In 2017". Metal Forces. 2 May 2017. Archived from the original on 24 November 2024. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ a b
- "SACRED REICH Signs With METAL BLADE; First Album in More Than Two Decades Due Next Year". Blabbermouth.net. January 24, 2018. Archived from the original on 15 April 2023. Retrieved January 24, 2018.
- "SACRED REICH To Release 'Awakening' Album In The Summer". Blabbermouth.net. February 11, 2019. Archived from the original on 16 April 2023. Retrieved February 11, 2019.
- "Sacred Reich To Release New Album "Awakening" In August, Debut Video For Title Track". Theprp.com. June 18, 2019. Archived from the original on 9 July 2023. Retrieved October 24, 2019.
- Keenan, Hesher (2022-12-01). "Sacred Reich to Record a New Album Next Year". MetalSucks. Archived from the original on 4 December 2023. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
- ^ Pessaro, Fred. "Meet Arthur Rizk: Secret-Weapon Producer Behind Power Trip, Code Orange, Cavalera Conspiracy". Revolver. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
- ^ "SACRED REICH Parts Ways With Drummer GREG HALL". Blabbermouth.net. 2018-01-16. Archived from the original on 6 June 2023. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
He [Greg Hall] wrote: "So... I want you all to hear this directly from me. I am no longer the drummer for SACRED REICH. I was (rather abruptly and by phone, I might add) fired.
- ^ "SACRED REICH Recruits Drummer TIM RADZIWILL As Temporary Replacement For GREG HALL". Blabbermouth.net. 2018-08-31. Archived from the original on 22 October 2023. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
- ^
- "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.
- "Longtime Members Phil Demmel & Dave McClain Are Leaving Machine Head After One Final Tour". Ultimate-Guitar.com. September 29, 2018. Archived from the original on September 29, 2018. Retrieved September 29, 2018.
- ^
- "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.
- "Former Machine Head Drummer Dave McClain Rejoins Sacred Reich". Kerrang!. 2018-12-18. Archived from the original on 22 March 2023. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
- Winkie, Luke (18 December 2018). "Former Machine Head Drummer Dave McClain Rejoins Sacred Reich". Revolver. Archived from the original on 9 June 2023. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
- ^ "SACRED REICH Extends 'Cheeky Middle Finger' To Today's Politics In New Song 'Don't Do It Donnie'". Blabbermouth.net. 27 March 2019. Archived from the original on 6 June 2023. Retrieved 27 November 2024.
- ^ "IRON REAGAN And SACRED REICH Announce North American Tour Dates With LEEWAY, ENFORCED". Blabbermouth.net. 2019-02-05. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
- ^ "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.
- ^ a b
- "Awakening - Sacred Reich | Album". AllMusic. Archived from the original on 12 May 2021. Retrieved 23 November 2024.
- Munro, Scott (June 19, 2019). "Sacred Reich Detail New Album Awakening". Metal Hammer. Archived from the original on 21 April 2024. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ "Awakening by Sacred Reich". Metacritic. Archived from the original on 24 November 2024. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ Reeder (2019-11-16). "These Are The Best 40 Metal Albums Of 2019, According To Decibel". Metal Addicts. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
- ^ "Sacred Reich announces highly anticipated new album, 'Awakening' | Metal Blade Records". Metal Blade Records. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
- ^
- Pasbani, Robert (25 June 2019). "GWAR Announce "Use Your Collusion" Tour with SACRED REICH, TOXIC HOLOCAUST". Metal Injection. Archived from the original on 7 November 2020. Retrieved 26 November 2024.
- "GWAR Announces 'Use Your Collusion' Summer/Fall 2019 Tour With SACRED REICH, TOXIC HOLOCAUST". Blabbermouth.net. 2019-06-25. Archived from the original on 8 March 2024. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
- "GWAR Announce Massive North American Tour". Kerrang!. 2019-06-25. Archived from the original on 15 June 2024. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
- ^
- "Former SACRED REICH Guitarist JASON RAINEY Dies Of Apparent Heart Attack". Blabbermouth.net. March 17, 2020. Archived from the original on 13 June 2024. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
- "Sacred Reich Guitarist Jason Rainey Has Passed Away". Kerrang!. 17 March 2020. Archived from the original on 13 April 2024. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- Slingerland, Calum (16 March 2020). "Ex-Sacred Reich Guitarist Jason Rainey Dies of Heart Attack". Exclaim!. Archived from the original on 19 October 2021. Retrieved 19 November 2024.
- Kennelty, Greg (17 March 2020). "Founding SACRED REICH Guitarist Jason Rainey Dead At 53". Metal Injection. Archived from the original on 26 January 2023. Retrieved 25 November 2024.
- "Founding Sacred Reich Guitarist Jason Rainey Dead at Age 53". MetalSucks. 2020-03-17. Archived from the original on 2024-11-27. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
- "SACRED REICH Founding Member JASON RAINEY Dies Of Apparent Heart Attack". Metal Addicts. 2020-03-17. Archived from the original on 2 October 2022. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
- "Ex-Gitarrist Jason Rainey verstorben - RockHard". RockHard (in German). Archived from the original on 3 December 2024. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
- ^
- "SEPULTURA Announces 'North American Quadra' 2022 Tour With SACRED REICH And CROWBAR". Blabbermouth.net. July 29, 2021. Archived from the original on 6 October 2022. Retrieved November 24, 2024.
- Kennelty, Greg (30 July 2021). "SEPULTURA Announces 2022 North American Tour With SACRED REICH, CROWBAR & ART OF SHOCK". Metal Injection. Archived from the original on 20 June 2024. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- "Europatour mit Sacred Reich und Crowbar verschoben - RockHard". RockHard (in German). Retrieved 2024-12-03.
- ^ "Kompletter Auftritt auf dem Rock Hard Festival ist online - RockHard". www.rockhard.de (in German). Retrieved 2024-12-03.
SACRED REICH standen am 3. Juni bei der diesjährigen Ausgabe unseres ROCK HARD FESTIVALS auf der Bühne.
[SACRED REICH were on stage at this year's edition of our ROCK HARD FESTIVAL on June 3rd.] - ^ Kennelty, Greg (31 January 2024). "CARCASS, MUNICIPAL WASTE, SACRED REICH & CREEPING DEATH Announce North American Tour". Metal Injection. Archived from the original on 25 May 2024. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^
- 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.] - "SACRED REICH Has Written Six Or Seven Songs For Next Studio Album; Late 2024 Release Expected". Blabbermouth.net. 19 June 2023. Archived from the original on 20 September 2024. Retrieved 2024-11-24.
- 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.
- 1985 establishments in Arizona
- American musical quartets
- American thrash metal musical groups
- Heavy metal musical groups from Arizona
- Musical groups from Phoenix, Arizona
- Musical groups established in 1986
- Musical groups disestablished in 2000
- Musical groups reestablished in 2006
- Political music groups
- Metal Blade Records artists