American thrash metal veterans SACRED REICH have finished recording their highly anticipated new studio album — their first in 23 years — titled "Awakening". The LP is due this summer. A new song called "Don't Do It Donnie" will be released April 19 as part of a split seven-inch single with IRON REAGAN. Comments bassist/vocalist Phil Rind: "We are stoked to do a split with IRON REAGAN. "When we began as a band in 1986, we were influenced lyrically by punk bands and the Reagan era. This is a great way to get back to our roots. "The song is a heavy and cheeky middle finger to the politics of today. You'd think we'd have learned by now. There is a reason our first record is called 'Ignorance'." IRON REAGAN is participating with the exclusive song "They Scream". There will be 1,000 black copies avialable of the seven-inch and nothing else. "Awakening" was produced by Arthur Rizk, who has previously worked with CAVALERA CONSPIRACY, POWER TRIP and CODE ORANGE, among others. The album marks SACRED REICH's first release since the return of drummer Dave McClain. According to Rind, SACRED REICH "went for a very organic sound" on the effort. "Dave did not want to use any triggers or sound replacement," he said. "We spent a lot of time on the room mics to get a big natural drum sound. Modern recording technology is great for a lot of things but we don't want to rely on it." Rind went on to say that the "whole recording experience" for "Awakening" has been "incredible." He said: "The Platinum Underground is a fabulous studio. Great gear and vibe. Producer Arthur Rizk has brought new ideas to the songs and a positive energy. Engineer John Aquilino has amazing technical know-how and is the best dude. The songs sound great. The process has been so fun and positive. Everything has been smooth and easy. We can't wait for everyone to hear it." SACRED REICH guitarist and founding member Jason Rainey recently exited the band for "health reasons" and was replaced by Joey Radziwill. SACRED REICH has announced tour dates across Europe and the U.S. The "Awakening" European tour will cover all of Europe and begins in November. Additionally, SACRED REICH has announced a string of dates in North America alongside IRON REAGAN, LEEWAY and ENFORCED for May and European visits for festivals in July and August. 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. McClain left MACHINE HEAD in November after completing the band's "Freaks & Zeroes Tour".
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