Legendary thrash metallers from Phoenix, Arizona Sacred Reich was formed in 1985. The band is part of the second wave of thrash, along with Testament, Death Angel, and the like. In 1987 they put out their debut LP Ignorance. They followed it with The American Way (1990), Independent (1993) and Heal (1996). The band split in 2000, but reunited in 2006 for touring and no new album has been released. Well, until now! Sacred Reich currently features original members guitarist Wiley Arnett and vocalist/bassist Phil Rind. But also see the return of Dave McClain (ex-Machine Head), who manned the drum throne from 1991 to 1997, and the addition of 22 year old Joey Radziwill playing guitar (fun fact that Phil pointed out in a concert I was this summer: Joey wasn't born when their previous album was released). Meaning, the new album Awakening is their first new music in twenty three years.
Awakening features 8 blistering thrash anthems in just over 30 minutes. It opens with the title track and first single. It was a good choice because the song does give us a flavor for the whole album: speedy thrash, groovy drumming and killer solos. The chorus is memorable and the melodic higher pitch bridge before the solo is a highlight. And so is the cool instrumental section to close the track. "Divide & Conquer" was another song that we could already hear live this summer. It's a monstrous thrash hand banger with a very simple chorus, but catchy as hell. But my favorite track is another single "Manifest Reality" with such a cool intro inspired by Slayer's "Hell Awaits", energetic verse and big catchy chorus. There are no bad songs here, but I do feel the album is slightly front loaded. "Death Valley", the longest track, is groovier and while I appreciate the different feel it has, it doesn't hold my attention like the other songs. "Something to Believe" is a bit corny but it's a fun track to close the album. And by the way features the coolest solo in the album and engaging bass lines.
Awakening is a thrash metal bonanza that feels to be straight out of the late 80's. I like the production values and specially what Dave McClain delivers on the drums (that "Salvation" drum intro followed by the guitar riff is Sacred Reich's Painkiller). Mr. Rind voice apparently hasn't aged as he sings as well as back in the day. The album is straightforward and after just a couple of spins, I was singing along and fist pumping in the air. What else could I ask from a thrash record? An album that was highly anticipated is now highly recommended.
SCORE: 83/100
DR: 8
Genre: Thrash Metal
Released by Metal Blade Records on August 23rd, 2019
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