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Sacred Reich

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Sacred Reich
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1985 in Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Headquarters
Phoenix
,
United States
Key people
Phil Rind (vocals, bass), Wiley Arnett (lead guitar), Joey Radziwill (rhythm guitar), Dave McClain (drums)
ProductsMusic albums, EPs, live albums
OwnerMetal Blade Records (label)
Websitewww.metalblade.com/sacredreich/

Sacred Reich is a thrash metal group originating from Phoenix, Arizona, established in 1985. Since 2019, the ensemble has featured vocalist and bassist Phil Rind, lead guitarist Wiley Arnett, rhythm guitarist Joey Radziwill, and drummer Dave McClain. Previous members include rhythm guitarist Jason Rainey and drummer Greg Hall. Their sound is characterized by mid-paced rhythms influenced by punk rock and hardcore punk, often addressing political and societal issues. Alongside contemporaries such as Testament and Death Angel, Sacred Reich played a pivotal role in the resurgence of thrash metal during the late 1980s.

The band initially gained traction with their first full-length release, Ignorance (1987), maintaining an underground status. Their debut EP, Surf Nicaragua (1988), followed by their sophomore album, The American Way (1990), earned them considerable recognition; the latter album peaked at No. 153 on the Billboard 200 chart. Subsequent works, including Independent (1993) and Heal (1996), received diminished attention, culminating in their breakup in 2000. The band reunited for live performances in 2006, eventually resuming recording activities in 2018. Their return was marked by the release of Awakening in August 2019.

1985–1989: Origins, early development, Ignorance, and Surf Nicaragua

Sacred Reich was formed in 1985 at Coronado High School located in Scottsdale, Arizona. The founding members were rhythm guitarist Jason Rainey, lead guitarist Jeff Martinek, bassist Mike Andre, vocalist Dan Kelly, and drummer Ray Nay. Shortly thereafter, Phil Rind replaced Andre on bass and assumed vocal duties when Kelly became ill; Greg Hall succeeded Nay on drums. Following the release of Draining You of Life around late 1985 or early 1986, Martinek departed to join the military and was replaced by guitarist Wiley Arnett. With Arnett’s addition, the band re-recorded the track "Sacred Reich" and composed "Ignorance."

Supported by Jason Newsted of Flotsam and Jetsam on bass, "Ignorance" was included on the Metal Blade Records compilation Metal Massacre VIII, which helped broaden their exposure. Metal Blade subsequently signed Sacred Reich and launched their debut album, Ignorance, in October 1987. Drawing heavily from punk rock and hardcore punk influences, the album featured politically charged lyrics tackling themes such as war, racism, and oppression. It garnered favorable critiques for its thoughtful message and musical execution; for instance, Hit Parader commended its combination of intellect and metal intensity, while Kerrang! hailed it as the finest thrash debut of that year. This success attracted interest from prominent bands including Flotsam and Jetsam, Dark Angel, and Slayer.

In 1988, Sacred Reich released the EP Surf Nicaragua, which demonstrated a shift toward a more crossover-oriented sound with enhanced production quality and slower tempos. This release signaled artistic progression and helped expand their international reach. To promote the EP, the band embarked on a global tour that featured an appearance at Dynamo Open Air in 1989; this concert was recorded for their inaugural live album, Alive at the Dynamo.

1990–2000: The American Way, Independent, Heal, and hiatus

Sacred Reich unveiled their sophomore album, The American Way, in 1990. This release demonstrated a shift from the aggressive speed of their debut Ignorance, incorporating slower rhythms, varied pacing, and a more nuanced tonal approach while minimizing the use of double bass pedals and rapid shredding techniques. The album reached number 153 on the Billboard 200 chart on September 1, 1990, maintaining its position for nine consecutive weeks. Over the following two years, the band embarked on an extensive touring schedule, notably co-headlining the 1991 New Titans on the Bloc tour alongside Sepultura and Napalm Death. That same year, they issued the EP A Question. Drummer Greg Hall exited the group later in 1991 and was succeeded by Dave McClain, previously with S.A. Slayer.

In 1993, Sacred Reich signed with major label Hollywood Records and released their third studio effort, Independent. This album further explored groove metal elements but received limited acclaim due to thrash metal’s waning mainstream appeal and an extended interval between releases. Subsequently, Dave McClain left to join Machine Head. Their fourth album, Heal (1996), also struggled to gain traction amid evolving metal trends favoring bands like Korn and Deftones. Greg Hall returned to the lineup that year; however, Chuck Fitzgerald took over drumming duties for the international tour. In 1997, they put out the live record Still Ignorant. Aside from touring activities, the band remained largely inactive before disbanding around 1999–2000.

2006–present: Reunion, Awakening, and upcoming projects

In November 2006, Sacred Reich revealed plans for several European performances scheduled for summer 2007, including an appearance at Wacken Open Air, marking their return as a live ensemble. They performed again at Wacken in 2009; this show was recorded and later issued as the live album Live at Wacken in 2012. In spring 2017, they embarked on their first North American tour in over two decades called "30 Years of Ignorance," commemorating the anniversary of their debut release.

January 2018 saw Sacred Reich sign with Metal Blade Records and commence work on their fifth studio album, Awakening. During that month, Greg Hall was dismissed and temporarily replaced by Tim Radziwill for demo recordings and touring purposes. By December, former Machine Head drummer Dave McClain rejoined Sacred Reich. In February 2019, guitarist Jason Rainey departed due to health complications and was succeeded by Joey Radziwill. April brought the release of a split single titled "Don't Do it Donnie" with Iron Reagan, followed by a joint North American tour in May.

Released on August 23, 2019, Awakening marked Sacred Reich’s first full-length studio album since Heal in 1996 and ended a 23-year gap between studio albums. The record received favorable critiques, achieving a Metacritic score of 76 based on four reviews. To promote the album, Sacred Reich toured Europe alongside Night Demon and supported Gwar during their Use Your Collusion tour.

Tragically, Jason Rainey passed away from a heart attack on March 16, 2020, at age 53.

At the beginning of 2024, Sacred Reich announced they had entered the studio to record their sixth studio album slated for release by year-end. Phil Rind confirmed plans to start recording early in 2024 with an anticipated release date in late August 2025.

On October 20, 2025, Dave McClain parted ways with the band; Eduardo Baldo was named as his temporary live substitute. Their upcoming sixth studio album, Into the Abyss, is scheduled for release in spring 2026.

Musical style and lyrical themes

Sacred Reich is distinguished by its politically and socially charged lyrics, which tackle issues such as warfare, racial injustice, and environmental concerns. Their sound is predominantly thrash metal, characterized by mid-paced arrangements, with clear influences from punk rock, hardcore punk, and later groove metal elements. Their compositions are generally concise, featuring straightforward guitar riffs that highlight memorable choruses and potent lyrical messages.

Impact and legacy

According to Revolver, Sacred Reich stands as "one of the most influential thrash bands of the 1980s and 1990s," with their debut album Ignorance regarded as a pivotal thrash release featured in the publication’s 25 Essential Thrash Albums. Metal Hammer recognized them as "among the rare thrash bands of the 1980s with a social conscience." Alongside groups like Testament, Death Angel, Dark Angel, and Forbidden, they played a significant role in spearheading thrash metal's resurgence during the late 1980s. Sacred Reich is also acknowledged as a foundational influence on groove metal; their 1990 release The American Way is cited as one of the earliest groove metal albums, predating Pantera’s Cowboys from Hell and Sepultura’s Chaos A.D.

Members

Current lineup

  • Phil Rind – bass guitar and lead vocals (1985–2000, 2006–present)
  • Wiley Arnett – lead guitar (1986–2000, 2006–present)
  • Joey Radziwill – rhythm guitar (2019–present)

Touring drummers

  • Chuck Fitzgerald – drums (1996)
  • Tim Radziwill – drums (2018)
  • Eduardo Baldo – drums (2025–present)

Former members

  • Jason Rainey – rhythm guitar (1985–2000, 2006–2019; deceased 2020)
  • Greg Hall – drums (1985–1991, 1996–2000, 2006–2018)
  • Dan Kelly – vocals (1985–1986)
  • Jeff Martinek – lead guitar (1985–1986; deceased 2018)
  • Ray Nay – drums (1985)
  • Mike Andre – bass (1985)
  • Dave McClain – drums (1991–1996, 2018–2025)

Discography

Studio albums

EPs

  • Draining You of Life (1985) – demo recording
  • Surf Nicaragua (1988), Metal Blade
  • A Question (1991), Metal Blade

Live albums

  • Alive at the Dynamo (1989)
  • Still Ignorant (1997)
  • Live at Wacken (2012)

Compilation albums

  • Ignorance/Surf Nicaragua (2007)


External links

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