Description
Sacred Reich – Awakening – Clear With Black Splatter Vinyl Record
Limited to 500 Copies
Awakening is the fifth studio album by Sacred Reich, released in 2019. It marked the band’s first studio album in nearly twenty-three years, following Heal, and proved that the Arizona veterans could return with music that was every bit as powerful, thoughtful, and relevant as their classic work. Rather than relying on nostalgia, Awakening delivers a modern thrash metal album rooted in the band’s traditional strengths: crushing riffs, memorable songwriting, social awareness, and exceptional musicianship.
Formed in Phoenix in the mid-1980s, Sacred Reich emerged alongside the second wave of American thrash metal. While sharing the speed and aggression of contemporaries such as Testament, Exodus, and Overkill, the band distinguished itself through politically conscious lyrics and a willingness to address social and environmental issues without sacrificing musical intensity.
Awakening demonstrates how gracefully the band has matured. Rather than attempting to recreate the youthful fury of albums like Ignorance, the songs combine classic thrash energy with greater melodic depth, dynamic variation, and compositional confidence. The result is an album that feels contemporary while remaining unmistakably Sacred Reich.
Musically, the record blends thrash metal, traditional heavy metal, groove metal, and hard rock. Razor-sharp riffs, driving rhythms, melodic guitar harmonies, and powerful choruses dominate the album. The songs are concise and focused, avoiding unnecessary complexity while maintaining enough variety to keep the listening experience engaging.
Frontman and bassist Phil Rind delivers one of the strongest performances of his career. His vocals combine authority with sincerity, perfectly matching the album’s themes of personal responsibility, resilience, and hope. Unlike many thrash vocalists who rely solely on aggression, Rind’s delivery emphasizes clarity and conviction, making the lyrical messages especially effective.
The guitar work, provided by Wiley Arnett and newcomer Joey Radziwill, balances crushing rhythm playing with melodic, expressive lead work. Their riffs possess the muscular precision expected of classic thrash, while the solos favor memorable phrasing and musicality over technical excess.
The rhythm section is equally impressive. Phil Rind’s bass remains prominent in the mix, adding weight and groove, while drummer Dave McClain—returning after many years with Machine Head—brings tremendous energy and precision. His drumming seamlessly combines thrash speed with dynamic control, giving the album both power and flexibility.
Lyrically, Awakening addresses themes that have long defined Sacred Reich’s identity: social responsibility, environmental stewardship, unity, self-reflection, and the importance of questioning complacency. While many thrash bands focus primarily on fantasy or violence, Sacred Reich continues to distinguish itself through thoughtful, humanistic perspectives. The album’s title reflects the idea of becoming more aware—both personally and collectively—of the challenges facing society.
The production is modern without sacrificing warmth or aggression. Every instrument is clearly defined, allowing the intricate guitar interplay and rhythm section to shine while preserving the raw energy essential to thrash metal. The sound is powerful but never sterile, striking an ideal balance between clarity and impact.
Upon its release, Awakening received widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike. Many praised the band for avoiding the common pitfalls of reunion albums, noting that the songwriting felt inspired rather than nostalgic. Reviewers frequently cited the album as one of the strongest thrash releases of 2019 and evidence that Sacred Reich had lost none of its creative vitality.
Perhaps the album’s greatest achievement is its optimism. While acknowledging serious social and environmental concerns, the songs ultimately encourage personal growth, compassion, and positive action rather than cynicism. That hopeful outlook has always distinguished Sacred Reich within the thrash metal scene and gives Awakening an emotional resonance beyond its musical power.
With its razor-sharp riffs, intelligent lyrics, and inspired performances, Awakening stands as one of the finest comeback albums in modern heavy metal. It captures Sacred Reich honoring their legacy while continuing to evolve as musicians and songwriters. Powerful, thoughtful, and relentlessly engaging, Awakening proves that thrash metal can remain both musically exciting and socially meaningful well into the twenty-first century.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Awakening
Divide And Conquer
Salvation
Manifest Reality
Killing Machine
Death Valley
Revolution
Something To Believe
