SACROSANCT, the German-Dutch progressive thrash metal outfit founded by former PESTILENCE guitarist Randy Meinhard, has signed a multi-album deal with ROAR! Rock Of Angels Records. SACROSANCT returns reformed to the scene after a 25-year hiatus. Kees Harrison (formerly of Dutch prog-metal act SPHERE OF SOULS) recently joined SACROSANCT on bass: "Having been a fan of SACROSANCT for many years, I'm both honored and excited to be working with Randy on the band's new album," he says. SACROSANCT is: Richard F. Hesselink - vocals Randy Meinhard (ex-PESTILENCE) - guitars Christian Göwert - guitars Kees Harrison (ex-SPHERE OF SOULS) - bass Jonas Schütz - drums SACROSANCT was formed in 1988 by guitarist Randy Meinhard and drummer Marco Foddis, who had learned to know each either while joining PESTILENCE. In 1990, SACROSANCT released its debut album, "Truth Is - What Is". The album is characterized by technically sophisticated thrash metal. The dual guitars create a straight as well as spherical and melodious tapestry of sound, interrupted by the tight drumming and the moaning, but angry and rude voice. Creative band head Randy Meinhard considered guitar duos of bands like QUEENSRŸCHE, EXODUS and IRON MAIDEN as a main influence, and Ace Frehley of KISS as initial spark. SACROSANCT released its second album, "Recesses For The Depraved", in 1991. With a more edgy sound it was little melodious and spheric than the debut. For the album cover, SACROSANCT even managed to secure the rights for H.R. Giger's picture "Das Spiegelbild". When Giger died, 23 years later, Rolling Stone magazine stated "the disturbing Giger cover art accurately conveyed the savage nature of the music." The third album, "Tragic Intense", was even more melodious and spherical than the debut. On the other hand, staccato parts are rarely on it. In an interview for the music mag Iron Pages, Randy Meinhard stated in 1993 that the dark basic mood is what we intended to do. It just should sound sinister. In that issue Markus Wosgien (Nuclear Blast) described the album as a mixture of thrash, doom and power metal, and classified it as a milestone in this genre.
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