Joey Radziwill's Contribution to Sacred REICH's 'Into The Abyss'

Arizona thrash veterans SACRED REICH are gearing up for the release of 'Into The Abyss', their follow-up to 2019's 'Awakening'. The band has confirmed that guitarist Joey Radziwill, who joined the ranks in 2019, has been the primary architect of the new material, penning 10 out of the 11 tracks.

Bassist and vocalist Phil Rind told Metal & Rock Zone that Radziwill managed to capture the raw energy of the band's early years while pushing them forward. "You can't go back to how it was... You're not that person anymore," Rind noted, praising Radziwill's ability to deliver "fast, heavy" material. The album was recorded at The Focusrite Room in Mesa, Arizona, with producer Bill Metoyer at the helm.

Joey fucking captured it and crushed it. And I think fans of SACRED REICH are gonna be, like, 'What?'

While a specific release date has not been set for the Metal Blade Records debut, Rind confirms it is slated for next year. The album marks the first studio effort featuring Brazilian drummer Eduardo Baldo, who joined the fold following the departure of long-time drummer Dave McClain. Baldo, who recently performed with Red Devil Vortex, is described by the band as a "beast" behind the kit.

Lyrically, 'Into The Abyss' moves into darker territory, reflecting personal challenges faced by the members since 2019. Rind explains that the title symbolises "going into the unknown," though the record will still feature moments of optimism to balance the darker musical atmosphere.