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by Sebastian Kluth

Back with a bang - A review of Sacred Reich's Awakening

Sacred Reich - Awakening (2019)

First things first: It's a shame that it took legendary thrash metal band Sacred Reich twenty-three and a half years to release a new studio album even though the band was only very briefly split up for six years. After such a long time, it's also a shame that the new record only includes eight songs with a meager running time of thirty-one minutes. The band could have at least included the brilliant punk rock tune "Dont Do It, Donnie" from the split with Iron Reagan released earlier this year. Let's hope Sacred Reich's next album won't take another two and a half decades.

With those negative comments out of the way, let's focus on Awakening. The record sounds so youthful, passionate, inspired, fluid, entertaining, energetic, diversified and authentic as if the band had never been away at all. "Divide and Conquer" for instance has such a liberating punk rock vibe that it recalls Anthrax's greatest carefree moments in the mid-eighties. "Death Valley" shows that the band is still open for new influences as this is a vibrant hard rock tune with plenty of cowbell sounds. Thrash metal purists are also served with songs like the vibrant opening title track "Awakening" with its dry riffs, precise drum play and overall cool and gloomy vibe.

Every single song on this album has something unique to offer as Awakening fluidly meanders from hard rock over punk rock to thrash metal and heavy metal and back again. The varied guitar play is inspired. The pumping bass guitar is vibrant. The drum play is precise and energetic. The vocals sound surprisingly youthful and find the right balance between melodic hooks and raw undertones. The lyrics are equally appealing and vary from important political messages to more personal topics. The dry yet vibrant production blends in perfectly and gives the record a contemporary hard rock touch without sounding too modern.

Sacred Reich's Awakening is a convincing comeback and serious candidate for thrash metal record of the year. This short but sweet comeback includes only killers and no fillers. Grab this record, catch the band on tour and cross your fingers that these guys are finally back for good.

Final rating: 90%

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