Sacred Reich frontman issues European tour recap
Bassist/vocalist Phil Rind of reactivated Arizona thrashers Sacred Reich has issued the following update:"We're back now from our trip to Europe. The shows were great! Thanks to everyone who came out, hung out, had a chat, got an autograph, a pick, bought a shirt or otherwise made it a fun time. Thanks to the two Polish guys who hitchiked 1000 km to Munich!
"Highlights from Hellfest: Seeing Gojira, Soulfly and Machine Head. Jamming again with Dave McClain. Meeting John Joseph from the Cro-Mags and listening to him tell funny stories at dinner.
"Highlights from Bang Your Head!!! fest: Journey! Holy crap, they crushed everyone. Their sound was perfect. Their new singer was incredible. They cranked out hit after hit.
"I got to hang out and have a chat with Neil Schon [Journey guitarist] for about twenty minutes. That was cool as shit. He was telling me stories about touring with Santana when he was 15! Nice guy and amazing guitar player!
"Got to see Voivod. They were great. Got to meet Lita Ford who is married to our old friend Jim Gillette.
"Highlights from Graspop: Meeting Joe Satriani, Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony. Hanging out with the Trivium guys and Goody. Seeing Raymond again. Seeing some of the bands we've toured with - Candlemass and Sick Of It All. My kids seeing Children Of Bodom.
"Thanks to everyone who made it possible! Thomas, Katryn, Skid, Michael, Gump and Stephan."
Machine Head drummer Dave McClain rejoined his former Sacred Reich bandmates on stage at the Hellfest in Clisson, France on June 22 to perform the classic Sr song "Independent".
Fan-filmed video footage of the performance can be viewed below (clip uploaded by Dave Ingham a.k.a. YouTube user "triptykon").
McClain was a member of Sacred Reich from 1991 to 1995. He played on the "A Question" EP (1991) and the "Independent" (1993) and "Heal" (1996) albums before leaving to join Machine Head.
Displeased Records's reissue of Sacred Reich's classic album "The American Way" came out in February. With upgraded layout, to-the-point remastering plus unreleased pre-production demo bonus tracks and a video clip, this new and improved CD reissue is an essential addition to every thrash metal collection!
"The American Way" was made available in a limited digipak version and standard jewel case version. The first 2,500 copies come with a free logo patch.
Metal Blade Records released a three-disc deluxe reissue of Sacred Reich's "Ignorance" and "Surf Nicaragua" in June 2007. Two CDs are included in the package (both remastered!) as well as a bonus DVD. The package, which was made available in Europe only, includes liner notes by Rind and Malcolm Dome (Classic Rock, Metal Hammer, Total Rock Radio) and an extensive booklet with loads of previously unpublished photos.
For more information on the reissues, click here.