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PHIL RIND On Upcoming SACRED REICH Album ‘Into The Abyss’: ‘It Is Much Faster And Heavier’
SACRED REICH bassist/vocalist Phil Rind has discussed the Arizona thrash metal band's upcoming album, "Into The Abyss," describing it as significantly faster and heavier than 2019's "Awakening." The record, set for release via Metal Blade Records, will be the band's first LP featuring new drummer Eduardo Baldo, following the departure of longtime sticksman Dave McClain last autumn, though McClain had already recorded the drum tracks before exiting.
Rind revealed that guitarist Joey Radziwill wrote most of the album's material, prompting the band to abandon songs Rind himself had been working on in favour of Radziwill's darker, more intense direction. The album was recorded at The Focusrite Room in Mesa, Arizona, engineered by John Aquilino and mixed by Bill Metoyer, with lyrical themes reflecting personal struggles the band members faced since "Awakening." McClain, who originally played in SACRED REICH from 1991 to 1995 before joining Machine Head, rejoined in 2018 for "Awakening" but left again in October 2025; Brazilian drummer Baldo, previously of Red Devil Vortex, stepped in after impressing on European tour dates with Hatebreed.
In short
- SACRED REICH's new album "Into The Abyss" is faster and heavier, says Rind
- Guitarist Joey Radziwill wrote most of the new material
- New drummer Eduardo Baldo replaces Dave McClain, who recorded the album's drums
Explained simply
Sacred Reich are a thrash metal band from Arizona, a style of heavy metal known for fast, forceful guitar playing. The group is led by bassist and singer Phil Rind, alongside guitarist Joey Radziwill. Their previous album, Awakening, came out in 2019.
The band’s line-up has changed over the years. Drummer Dave McClain first played with Sacred Reich in the 1990s, later joined Machine Head, then returned for Awakening; Eduardo Baldo has since taken over as drummer. The new album was recorded in Mesa, Arizona, and is due out on Metal Blade Records.