SACRED REICH

Follow the American Way

If we'll live to see the day when something like Thrash Metal Hall of Fame is created, without any doubts it'll be necessary to invite SACRED REICH to be a part of this enterprise. Those Arizona headbangers simply deserve it. It's enough to mention the legendary „American Way” album to shut the mouths of all those whowould try to oppose it. Now the new generations of metal maniacs have a chance to bow their heads before the majesty of immortal anthems like „Who's To Blame” or „Love/Hate”. The re-issue of that classis was a great opportunity to ask Mr. Phil Rind about band's past, present and future.

-Almost 20 years after it's original release your most succesful album "The American Way" is once again available in stores. How would you describe the feelings that accompany you when you think about that classic effort. Is there anything that in your opinion could have been done better - both musically and in promotional department - or in a different way?
I think that we are fortunate to be able to re-issue the record. The fact that anyone even cares about our music twenty years later is a great accomplishment. It’s nice to be able to share the music with those who are familiar with our band and also to have the chance to expose younger people to it for the first time. As far as doing things better you can always go back and find things that maybe you would change but the record is a snapshot of where we were at a particular moment in time.

-Do you see this album from today's perspective as a kind of curse and blessing at the same time. You've reached a great respect among metal maniacs around the world, but on the other hand all the albums that follow were almost always compared to what you did on "TAW"?
I have never really thought about it in that way. I understand what you are saying because I feel that way about “Reign In Blood” or “Master of Puppets”. But from our perspective once you make a record and tour to support it, you move on to the next thing. If you stand there looking back everything passes you by. I will say that I think it is a very good representation of what we sound like.

-In the unforgettable song "31 Flavors" you've mentioned your musical heroes and artist who influenced you at that time. Did it change during the last years. I mean do you follow carefully the modern rock and metal scene? Are there any new artists that you'd like to put on that list if you'd have a chance to record "31 Flavors v. 2.0" or maybe the list will stay almost the same after almost 20 years?
Well I don’t think we will be redoing “31 Flavors” any time soon, but once again that was a snapshot of what I was listening to. I still listen to a lot of the same older bands that I grew up with, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Black Sabbath, old Metallica and Slayer. I pay attention to music as it has always been a big part of my life. My kids are getting older and listening to current metal bands so I hear Opeth, Gojira and Children of Bodom. It’s amazing where some bands have taken the music. There is always something new and exciting just around the corner, so you just have to pay attention.

-I am one of the lucky guys who have the original European ROADRACER release. There is your picture in the booklet wearing a fake penis. However your lyrics were rather serious, seems that you also wanted to have a lot of fun from what you do in the band and you didn't treat yourself too seriously. Am I right?
We tried not to take everything too seriously and sometimes we accomplished that. We were pretty serious about what we were doing. We worked hard and felt the obligation to the people spending their money coming to see us play or buying a record. We also were kids in our twenties traveling around the world playing music so there was definitely some fun to be had.

- The reissue contains some demo tracks. Can you tell a few words about them? Do they differ a lot from the versions that we already know?
They were just faster and more raw sounding. We just got in a room and banged them out. The only difference was after recording the demo for “State of Emergency” I completely re-wrote the music. The lyrics remained the same.

-Would you agree that the message of the title track "The American Way" still is very up-to-date. Do you think that new US administration has a chance to break the vicious circle of blind politics? Aren't you afraid that the economic downturn and difficult decisions that have to be taken may soon change hope into disappointment?
Sadly “The American Way” will probably still be the way things are in another twenty years. I think it is just the nature of politics. I am hopeful that things can take a positive turn. We will just have to wait and see.

-When talkin' 'bout this song you’ve said that you should ask Wiley to post a video lesson of how to play 'The American Way' riff because no one ever gets it right. Sound funny 'cause it seems to be pretty simple...
It is a very subtle thing that people get wrong. Sometimes it is a simple timing thing and the other part is that it is not power chords but you bar the E and A string. It is a small but important detail.

- Don't you think that today the title of your classic song "Surf Nicaragua" could be easily changed into "Surf Iraq" or "Surf Afghanistan". What do you think about the war on terror which was declared by former US president?
When we began playing again it struck me how the situations are very similar, although there is nothing covert about our operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The unfortunate thing about the wars that the Bush administration had started is they were ill conceived, neither have achieved any success, there is no exit strategy, and in the case of Iraq it was sold to the American people with a series of lies. History has shown us that a war in Afghanistan is a no win proposition. We have to find another way to achieve any sort of success in that part of the world.

-Btw "Surf Nicaragua" will be featured on "The Crobar Vol. One" compilation. Do you have any connections with that famous London's headbangers' pub?
No. We will have to stop by there when we are in London this summer.

-You've came back in 2007. Soon after that in one of the interviews you've said that we shouldn't rather expect a new album. Did something change during last months. Aren't you tempted by a perspective of creative work and writing new songs? Still no plans for a new album? Or EP at least, pleassssseeee… ;)
Still no plans for any new recordings. It used to be that I had to write those songs. They were in me waiting to come out. It is not the case anymore.

-What did you do during those seven years hiatus in SR career? Wiley had THE HUMAN CONDITION which recently ended their activity. Was your guitar completely left in the closet for long, long months?
Yes my guitar was abandoned. I worked and supported my family. I felt that my time in a band was over and it was time to move on. I don’t even know if I’m really a musician or just the guy who played in Sacred Reich. A real musician would feel the need to play his instrument. I did not have that feeling. I guess I made the right choice.

- This year once again you'll play some summer festivals in Europe. Are you preparing any special surprises - for example I'd love to hear "The American Way" played in it's wholeness. What can we expect?
A focus on the records we did with Greg. Maybe a new cover song. I don’t think we are going to go all “Operation Mindcrime” and do the whole record. I like the idea though.


- Surely you'll meet a lot your friends during that shows 'cause a lot of old thrash metal giants released great albums in last years for example EXODUS and TESTAMENT - to name just a few. What do you think about current condition of Bay Area heroes? Btw I'm really interested in your opinion on "Death Magnetic". Masterpiece or cliche?
I think it’s great that those bands are releasing new material. I like “Death Magnetic” a lot. I think it sounds like Metallica should sound. It has some great moments on it.