Album Review: Sacred Reich – Awakening

Alongside Testament, Death Angel and Forbidden, Sacred Reich were at the forefront of the second wave of thrash. With socially conscious lyrics, heavy riffs and frontman Phil Rind’s resonating bellow, they were heroes of the Hi-Tec high-top crowd, before eventually splitting in 2000. In the meantime, the singer has been practicing Tibetan Buddhism, and his spiritual worldview has given us Awakening, the band’s first studio album in 23 years, a renewed sense of vigour and a positive outlook.

From the opening title-track, it sounds like they’ve truly never been away. Former Machine Head drummer Dave McClain – back in the band after almost a quarter of a century – plays like he has something to prove, while 22-year-old guitarist Joey Radziwill blends seamlessly with original member Wiley Arnett. And as for Phil’s bellow? Sounds as powerful as ever. A welcome return from a much-missed thrash battalion.

Verdict: KKKK