Band:	Sacred Reich
Album:	Ignorance
Style:	Thrash metal
Release date:	1987
Guest review by:	Opium

01. Death Squad
02. Victim Of Demise
03. Layed To Rest
04. Ignorance
05. No Believers
06. Violent Solutions
07. Rest In Peace
08. Sacred Reich
09. Administrative Decisions

Ignorance has remained to be one of those often unnoticed releases of the 80's, while remaining to also be a hidden treasure to those not strictly familiar with the house names of the Thrash scene.

The cover artwork is presented here is reminiscent of the much later (and sensationalised) disaster of 9/11. This is a surprise, although it's more than possible that there would be other references based on the inclusion of the plane and the explosion (the latter possibly relating to the violence and war lyrics). It does however provide a nice insight to what awaits the listener.

Vocalist Phil Rind delivers the lyrics with coarse and spiteful pronunciation/singing to accompany the furious, yet still accessible guitar work of Wiley Arnett. There's no doubt parallels can be drawn between Rind's and Slayer's Tom Araya, concerning their voices. To further prove this omnipresent similarity, Rind once confessed that Sacred Reich were inspired by Slayer, so no surprises here, besides the wallop of energy contained within Rind's voice throughout the duration of the album.

Pessimism bleeds from the lyrical content of Ignorance, through the use of political commentary, historical references and violent happenings; however, this does not detract from the overall experience. Instead, the use of such lyrics enhances the feel and direction of the album, encourage the listener to engage themselves in Rind's rants.

Arnett's playing style is definitely creative, with regards to the existent Thrash scene at the time, incorporating a somewhat surf rock approach at times, such as a intricate picking in "Violent Solutions", yet also following trends with more linear riffs, as expressed in tracks such as "Death Squad" or the self-titled "Sacred Reich".

Arnett's ability to convey different emotions and sounds is occasionally comparable to other Thrash bands of the time such as Testament and Slayer (Once again). Similarities to Testament exist in the haunting (and grammatically incorrect) instrumental "Layed to Rest", leading up to a climax of explosive aural pleasure, while the less complex moments (especially the majority of the riffs presented on this album) can be compared to that of Slayer (once again).

The drumming and bass lines are also not to be avoided, since they help the flow of the songs, peaking at moments where assault delivered by Rind and Arnett are temporarily reduced, allowing them to shine, expressing aggression and negativity. The latter section of "Victim of Demise" captures this perfectly, coercing the listener to engage by headbanging to the music even more.

The only negative is that the sound quality slightly below the bar, even compared to what would be high quality, crystal clear 80's sound. The production doesn't exactly tarnish the overall impression, at least it shouldn't for others. The only problem here is that it might be difficult to digest for those unfamiliar or intolerant of this aspect.

Conclusively, this album is a not far away from being a masterpiece of its time, a relic to be highly valued, praised and not overlooked by Thrash fans alike.