Arizona thrash veterans Sacred Reich have wrapped recording on their new album, Into The Abyss, and are now in the mixing phase with legendary producer Bill Metoyer. The album — their first since 2019’s Awakening — carries 11 tracks, was recorded at The Focusrite Room in Mesa, Ariz., and is tentatively slated for late 2026 via Metal Blade Records. Production was handled by engineer John Aquilino and the band themselves.
The band shared the news on social media this week with characteristic flair: “Recording studio or bridge of the Starship Enterprise? We recorded at The Focusrite Room in Mesa, Arizona, on a one-of-a-kind Focusrite desk. It sounds incredible. The new album ‘Into The Abyss’ will feature 11 tracks. It was engineered by John Aquilino and produced by John and Sacred Reich. We are mixing now with Bill Metoyer. Can’t wait for you all to hear the record.”
Into The Abyss marks Sacred Reich‘s recording debut with new drummer Eduardo Baldo, a Brazilian musician who most recently played with Los Angeles-based Red Devil Vortex. Baldo joined after longtime sticksman Dave McClain departed the band last October — the second time McClain has left the fold, having originally been a member from 1991 to 1995 (recording Independent and Heal before joining Machine Head) and rejoining in late 2018 for Awakening. The band welcomed Baldo officially last December after he proved himself on their European dates with Hatebreed in November: “He’s a great dude and fits right in with us. We are excited to move forward with Baldo behind the kit, bringing his own style, enthusiasm, and power.”
Awakening, produced by Arthur Rizk and engineered by Aquilino, was Sacred Reich‘s first studio album in 23 years when it came out in 2019. Seven years on, Into The Abyss promises to pick up where it left off — just with a new drummer and a studio that apparently looks like it belongs on a starship.
