This past weekend Canadian thrash metal legends SACRIFICE played their first ever shows in Japan, headlining both nights of the True Thrash Fest in Osaka. Now safely back at home after entertaining packed crowds both evenings, the band issues the following statements about their Japanese experience.

"We are back in Canada after two great shows in Osaka, our first ones ever in Japan," says singer/guitarist Rob Urbinati. "What a great time right from when we landed, and the True Thrash Fest 2012 was perfect, great bands both nights. Thanks to everyone who attended for making our time there unforgettable. We need to especially thank Miki from Rock Stakk Records for bringing us over and taking care of us, and also our transplanted Canadian friends Brian and Alvin. Japan is awesome, great people, food, and we hope to return... Arigato from Sacrifice."
"For our first time playing/being in Japan it was everything we could have wanted from any shows," adds bassist Scott Watts. "The venue was very cool, the Japanese fans are AMAZING!! And Miki the promoter (Rockk Stack Records) made sure our exeprience in Japan was a memorable one, and that it was. We were also thankful to meet all from Spiritual Beast Records, they are great people ! Hope to play there again!!! \ m /"

Above is a photo of the band at Osaka Castle.

Fan-filmed footage can be seen below:

Sacrifice recently released a vinyl-only demo anthology, titled 198666, through Canadian label War On Music Records. The limited double vinyl release includes the legendary Exorcism demo tape (featuring tracks which would later be included on Torment In Fire), the 1986 Forward To Termination demo sessions including a rare cover of DISCHARGE's 'The Possibility Of Life’s Destruction', and the full 1989 Soldiers Of Misfortune demo sessions. This is some of the best early recordings of any classic thrash act - the tapes sum up the raw power that was early Sacrifice, and showcase the bands evolution from album to album through the 80s.

The double LP release is strictly limited to 666 hand numbered copies on blood-red vinyl in a gatefold jacket featuring the stunning artwork of Hans Memling. The 198666 2LP hit November 25th 2011; it is currently here (scroll down).

Tracklisting:

The Exorcism - Torment In Fire Demos 1985

'The Shining'

'Sacrifice'

'Turn In Your Grave'

'Burned At The Stake'

'The Exorcism'

'Decapitation'

'Warrior Of Death'

'Beyond Death'

Forward To Termination Demos 1986

'Forward To Termination'

'Pyrokinesis'

'Cyanide'

'Forever Enslaved'

'Afterlife'

'Possession'

'The Possibility Of Life's Destruction' (Discharge)

'Re-Animation' (1992 Outtake)

Soldiers Of Misfortune Demos 1989

'As The World Burns'

'Existence Within Eternity'

'Pawn Of Prophercy'

'Lost Through Time'

'Storm In The Silence'