U.K. thrash veterans Acid Reign are set to return with a new record, Daze Of The Week, arriving May 15 through Back On Black. It marks their first full-length release since 2019’s The Age Of Entitlement and continues the band’s second chapter after their long hiatus.
The first taste of the album comes in the form of the single “Fantastic Passion”, which is now available to stream.
Frontman Howard “H” Smith, the only remaining original member, spoke openly about the process behind the new material: “In all my 41 years in this band — yes 41! — I have never been more excited by the prospect of anything than releasing ‘Daze Of The Week’ on the unsuspecting thrash metal public. It’s been two years in the making and at times I thought it might never even see the light of day. Every note of every performance in every song has been lovingly captured by our sixth member producer Jayce Lewis and we couldn’t be happier with the results.”
He continued: “This one is for every single thrasher around the world who thought that albums like this couldn’t be made anymore. They can, we have, you’re welcome.”
Formed in 1985, Acid Reign built their name as part of the U.K. thrash scene’s so-called “Big Four,” alongside Onslaught, Sabbat, and Xentrix. Their early run included releases like The Fear, Obnoxious, and the debut mini-album Moshkinstein, before closing that era with The Worst Of Acid Reign.
Back in the late ’80s and early ’90s, the band shared stages with acts such as Nuclear Assault, Dark Angel, Exodus, Flotsam And Jetsam, Death Angel, and Candlemass. Their initial run came to an end in 1991 after a final show at the London Marquee, as the U.K. thrash scene slowed down.
After re-emerging from a 24-year break, Acid Reign wasted no time getting active again. Tracks like “Plan Of The Damned” and “The Man Who Became Himself” helped reintroduce them, while constant touring across the U.K. and Europe rebuilt their reputation. Their performance at Bloodstock 2016, headlining the Sophie Stage, became a standout moment, reinforcing their status as a high-energy live act known for chaotic pits and constant stage diving.
Lineup changes have reshaped the band since The Age Of Entitlement. Guitarists Paul Chanter and Cooky, along with drummer Marc Jackson, have all exited. The current version of the band features lead guitarist Matt Smith, drummer Johnny Grimley (formerly of Shrapnel), and rhythm guitarist Darren Mcgillivray, a longtime fan who previously supported the band with Wrath Of Man. Alongside H and bassist Pete Dee, this lineup forms what the band refers to as Acid Reign 3.0.
Producer Jayce Lewis returned once again, traveling from New York to work on the album. He described the sessions as “a chance to work with a band that sounded reborn.”
That sense of renewal wasn’t guaranteed. H addressed the uncertainty surrounding the lineup shakeups: “There were times, specifically when Marc and Cooky left at the same time, I really did wonder if it was time to call it quits. That was quickly followed by, ‘No way. No way am I letting circumstance dictate when this band’s career ends. We will decide.'”
With Daze Of The Week, Acid Reign push forward with a refreshed lineup and a clear intent: deliver thrash that feels current without losing its roots.
