Legendary thrash metallers, Sacred Reich, have announced the release date for their new album, Awakening. The band's first new music in twenty three years will drop on August 23 via Metal Blade Records.

Pre-orders are available here, where the record can be purchased in the following formats:

- Digipak-CD
- Box set (digipak CD, flag, pins, sticker - limited to 3000 copies)
- 180g black vinyl (EU exclusive)
- Clear / red marbled vinyl (EU exclusive - limited to 700 copies)
- Beige / grey marbled vinyl (EU exclusive - limited to 500 copies)
- Clear red / brown marbled vinyl (EU exclusive - limited to 300 copies)
- Clear / black marbled vinyl (EU exclusive - limited to 200 copies)
- Clear / black circle with  white / red splatter vinyl (EU Webshop exclusive - limited to 100 copies)
- Back / white splatter vinyl (EU Ebay exclusive - limited to 100 copies)
- Clear / black splatter vinyl (US exclusive - limited to 500 copies)
- White / black haze vinyl (US exclusive - limited to 500 copies)

* exclusive bundles with shirts, plus digital options are also available.

The band have also released the title track, "Awakening", and the accompanying music video. The video was shot by acclaimed director Mark Pellington (U2, Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam, Public Enemy). Watch below.

Twenty-three years after dropping their last full-length, Sacred Reich are returning in force with the towering Awakening. The new album showcases everything a fan would expect and hope for from the Phoenix, Arizona crew, it is a timeless collection comprised of blistering thrash, crushing grooves, killer solos and socially conscious lyrics that demonstrate a true understanding of everything that matters most in the world today. The return of Dave McClain, who manned the drum throne from 1991 to 1997, and the addition of 22 year old Joey Radziwill playing guitar, alongside original members guitarist Wiley Arnett and vocalist/bassist Phil Rind are integral facets of the record.

Speaking on this current line-up of Sacred Reich, Phil Rind says: "Dave is such a killer drummer and person. He works every day to become a better drummer, and I mean every day. His work ethic is inspiring. As much as he has accomplished, he is still open to what comes. Joey brings a higher level of musicianship and tightness to our band, and he brings a freshness to us. He gives us an opportunity for us to see things from a different perspective, and all of us were blown away by what he can do with a guitar and how effortlessly he does it."

To track the album, the band headed into Platinum Underground in Mesa, AZ, and employed producer Arthur Rizk (Power Trip, Cavalera Conspiracy) and engineer John Aquilino. The album was mastered by Maor Appelbaum at Maor Appelbaum Mastering, CA.

Speaking on his band's long awaited new album, Rind adds: "Going into it, we had a loose idea as far as knowing that we wanted some fast, heavy songs to honor the old school fans that have supported us and gotten us to this point. We wanted everything to happen naturally. We didn't want to force anything and we are super stoked with every song. It is easily the best thing we have ever done. Regardless of what happens with the record, the experience of making it was enough to satisfy us. Obviously we hope people like it, but even if it tanked, it could not change the way we feel about it. We know what we did."

Awakening tracklisting:

"Awakening"
"Divide & Conquer"
"Salvation"
"Manifest Reality"
"Killing Machine"
"Death Valley"
"Revolution"
"Something To Believe"

"Awakening" video:

Sacred Reich will be touring Europe this summer and again in November with special guest Night Demon. Dates below. More news regarding US tour dates coming soon.

August
8 - Josefov, Czech Republic - Brutal Assault Festival
9 - Osnabruck, Germany - Bastard Club
10 - Leeuwarden, Netherlands - Into The Grave
11 - Kortrijk, Belgium - Alcatraz
12 - Saarbrucken, Germany - Garage (with Testament)
13 - Pratteln, Switzerland -Z7 (with Testament)
14 - Regensburg, Germany - Airport Obertraubling (with Testament)
15 - Augsburg, Germany - Spectrum
16 - Colmar, France - Ke Grillen
18 - Saint-Nolff, France - Motocultor

October
13-18 - Los Angeles, CA - MegaCruise

November (with Night Demon)
8 - Copenhagen, Denmark - Pumpehuset
10 - Berlin, Germany - SO36
12 - Warsaw, Poland - Proxima
13 - Krakow, Poland - Kwadrat
14 - Prague, Czech Republic - Futurum
15 - Budapest, Hungary - Durer Kert
16 - Ljubljana, Slovenia - Orto Bar
17 - Graz, Austria - Explosiv
20 - Lyon, France - Ninkasi Kao
21 - Barcelona, Spain - Sala Razzamatazz 2
22 - Madrid, Spain - Sala Mon Live
23 - Bilbao, Spain - Santana 27
24 - Limoges, France - CC John Lennon
26 - Savingy-le-Tempole, France - L'Empreinte
27 - London, UK - Underworld
29 - Newcastle, UK - University
30 - Glasgow, UK - Classic Grand

December (with Night Demon)
1 - Belfast, UK - Limelight 2
3 - Dublin, Ireland - Voodoo Lounge
4 - Wolverhampton, UK - SteelMill
6 - Leiden, Netherlands - Gebr, De Nobel
7 - Helmond, Netherlands - Cacaofabriek
8 - Essen, Germany - Turock
10 - Aschaffenburg, Germany - Solos-Saal
11 - Nurnberg, Germany - Hirsch
12 - Jena, Germany - F-Haus
13 - Karlsruhe, Germany - Substage
14 - Munchen, Germany - Backstage Halle