Gig Review: Sacred Reich
Venue: The Underworld
|
Date: Aug 8, 2023
|
Location: London, UK
|
Venue: The Underworld | Date: Aug 8, 2023 | Location: London, UK |
In the heart of London, beneath the city's wet and grimy pulsating streets, where rats nibble on the mohawk clippings of Camdenites, the Underworld was alive with the unmistakable roar of politically charged metal. Sacred Reich, the thrash legends, graced the iconic venue, and like two slugs, Chort & Chern ventured out from the safety of their citadel into the real world. As the intro track said - the boys are back in town!
From the very first rumbling, sacred chord, it was clear that this wasn't just another ol' gig. The atmosphere was charged, an electric energy that coursed through every metalhead present, from Egyptian mascara-sporting karate-kicking madmen to Brexit geezers, binding them in a shared communion of raw, unfiltered passion. With their seasoned prowess, Sacred Reich demonstrated why they remain a force to be reckoned with in the metal realm. Their set was a masterclass in thrash, seamlessly weaving aggression with melody and intensity with emotion... all wrapped in a delicious “FUCK THE ESTABLISHMENT” narrative.
Wiley Arnett - Sacred Reich
Opening with 'The American Way', the band set a blistering pace knowing that this type of tune would fall favourably with the British punters. The anthemic nature of the track had the crowd in raptures, heads banging and fists pumping in unison. As the night unfolded, the band delved into both their hits and deeper cuts, a nod to their expansive legacy and the die-hard fans that have followed them through the years. They hit classics like 'Ignorance' and 'Love..Hate' while mixing it up with more recent cuts. The band seemed to have renewed energy, with a mostly classic lineup featuring jolly vocalist/bass slapper Phil Rind, drummer Dave McClain, and Wiley Arnett on the geetar. New guitarist Joey Radziwill added some fresh blood to the proceedings.
Yet, amidst the noggin crushing musical wrath, there were moments of genuine kindness and connection (this was the Summer of Love tour, after all). Phil, with a smile that could light up the darkest mosh pit and warm the frostiest of Chort's moods, frequently bantered with the crowd before songs like 'Awakening'. His playful jibes, refusals to hand out picks too early, and even his strong opinions, which sometimes clashed with the crowd, got resolved with a strong yet noncommittal handshake. It wasn't just about the music; it was about the bond between the band and their fans, a relationship forged in the fires of metal and solidified over decades. And yes, politics! Chort was a huge fan as he is well-known in the Citadel as a strong activist attending all the rallies he can, and keeps dragging me along.
Another standout moment was their rendition of Black Sabbath's 'War Pigs'. Covering such an iconic track is always a gamble, but Sacred Reich not only did it justice but made it their own. The venue erupted, fans of all ages singing along, a testament to the timeless appeal of the metal giants that came before them. At this point, your petulant hosts were being encouraged by sweaty Australians to throw their horns high in the sky before engaging in a game of knifey-spooney (which we have played before).
Sacred Reich - Awaken
Sacred Reich - Awaken
The Underworld, with its rich history and intimate ambience, was the ideal setting for this monumental event, finishing on the classic beloved tones of 'Surf Nicaragua'. Every note played seemed to resonate with the echoes of metal legends past. And on this night, Sacred Reich added their chapter to its storied legacy. For those lucky enough to witness it, and sober enough to remember it, they will surely pass these tales on to their offspring. And for Sacred Reich, it was a testament to their enduring legacy and relevance, even today.
Support Sacred Reich and NOT the industrial-military complex (they can eat the Citadel’s entire ass raw) by going to their Bandcamp here.
We leave this message to Sacred Reich (I know you’re reading!) from some new English/Irish Citadelians we drunkenly met that night:
"Well, you chaps have got a couple of 50+ year old geriatric types to come out on a Tuesday night to see ya!! First saw you...maybe 1992-ish...Marquee...happy days.....we’re geriatrics that experienced Slayer/Metallica/Prong/Suicidal.......you chaps rocked as good as the 'rest'!!! .......cheers chaps ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
George & Jason E......luv & hugs from NW London 😎😎👍🏻"
Written by: Chernoglav The Hero With The Silver Moustache
Sporting more than just a moustache under his hood, Chernoglav loves underground Metal, but also listens to a dynamic range of other sub-genres like Power. He’s also never had a moustache.
