𝗦𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗶𝗰𝗵, the thrash metal titans from Phoenix, have a deep and special bond with Eindhoven. Over the past four decades they’ve played there countless times, most notably as the (almost) resident band at the legendary festival Dynamo Open Air. We welcome Phil and the boys back at Helldorado with open arms!

Formed in 1985, this sympathetic American four-piece debuted a year later with their Draining You Of Life demo, which immediately made clear what Sacred Reich stood for: melodic yet furious speed and thrash metal, combined with socially critical lyrics about the U.S. government (dirty political games in Nicaragua, corruption, imperialist foreign policy and bureaucracy); deadly violence by authorities; senseless wars and environmental destruction by ruthless multinationals.

From 1987 to 1996, under the inspired leadership of vocalist/bassist Phil Rind, the band released Ignorance (1987), The American Way (1990), Independent (1993), and Heal (1996)—each one a classic, packed with metal anthems like Death Squad, Ignorance, Violent Solutions, The American Way, Crimes Against Humanity, Independent. And then of course, there’s also that iconic EP: Surf Nicaragua... Surf, surf, surf!