SACRED REICH - Ignorance 12" Vinyl LP Album

- Blistering Thrash Metal Debut with Political Bite & Underground Intensity from Arizona’s Sacred Reich

Sacred Reich Ignorance 1987 album cover. A striking political artwork featuring a blindfolded face with a grim expression, set against an American flag backdrop. Below, a passenger airplane marked N70SOP is flying into dark storm clouds. The image is framed with barbed wire, and debris from an explosion is scattered across the scene. The album title 'Ignorance' appears in a graffiti-style font with red, blue, green, and yellow colors, while the band's name, 'Sacred Reich,' is displayed in a green gothic metal font at the top.

  "Ignorance," the inaugural studio album by American thrash metal stalwarts Sacred Reich, debuted on a 12" Vinyl LP in 1987. This seminal release solidified Sacred Reich's place in the thrash metal pantheon, showcasing their raw energy and social commentary. With tracks like "Death Squad" and "Ignorance," the album became a cornerstone of the genre, leaving an indelible mark on the metal landscape. The album cover has great artwork illustrations on the front, back cover and inner sleeve.

"Ignorance" Album Description:

In the world of thrash metal history, 1987 stands out as a pivotal year that saw the emergence of several iconic bands and groundbreaking albums. Among them, Sacred Reich's debut studio album, "Ignorance," marked a significant contribution to the genre. Released on a 12" Vinyl LP, the album not only showcased the band's musical prowess but also reflected the spirit and energy of the thrash metal scene in the late '80s.

Production Details:

"Ignorance" was a product of collaborative efforts, both in terms of musical composition and production. The album was produced by Bill Metoyer, a name synonymous with the thrash metal genre, known for his work with other prominent bands of the era. With Sacred Reich taking the helm as co-producers, the album bore the imprint of their vision and artistic direction.

Executive producer Brian Slagel, a key figure in the metal scene, played a pivotal role in bringing "Ignorance" to fruition. His involvement added an extra layer of expertise and guidance, contributing to the overall quality of the album.

Recording Studios:

The sonic landscape of "Ignorance" was crafted in reputable recording studios of the time. Stagg Street Studio and Preferred Sound Studio witnessed the raw intensity of Sacred Reich's performance as the band laid down the tracks that would comprise this thrash metal masterpiece.

The recording and mixing process took place at Track Record, a studio that had become synonymous with the creation of iconic metal albums. Under the skilled hands of sound engineer Bill Metoyer, assisted by Richard McIntosh, Scott Campbell, Ken Paulakovich, and Brian Carlstrom, "Ignorance" found its sonic identity. The collaboration between these professionals resulted in a production that captured the essence of thrash metal's aggressive yet intricate sound.

Artistic Elements:

Beyond its sonic qualities, "Ignorance" also stands out for its visual representation. The album's graphics were skillfully handled by Ralph Bland Graphic Design, while the artwork was brought to life by Paul Stottler. The visual elements complemented the music, creating a cohesive package that appealed to fans and contributed to the overall identity of the album.

The striking photo on the album cover, credited to Michael Richards, encapsulated the intensity and energy of Sacred Reich's performance, offering a visual preview of the auditory onslaught within.

Music Genre:

  Thrash Metal Music

Album Production: 

Produced by Bill Metoyer and Sacred Reich

Bill Metoyer is a legendary music producer and sound engineer known for shaping the sound of heavy metal. As Vice President and in-house engineer at Metal Blade Records in the 1980s, he worked with iconic bands like Slayer, Armored Saint, and Flotsam and Jetsam. His expertise in capturing metal’s raw intensity has left a lasting impact on the genre. Learn more on his biography page.

Executive producer: Brian Slagel

Brian Slagel is a pioneering figure in heavy metal, best known as the founder of Metal Blade Records in 1982. His label launched the careers of legendary bands like Metallica, Slayer, and Mercyful Fate, shaping the genre’s evolution. As a producer, he worked with Flotsam and Jetsam, Exciter, and Trouble, leaving a lasting impact. Learn more about Brian Slagel.

Recorded at: Stagg Street Studio, Preferred Sound Studio

Recorded and mixed at : Track Record

Sound Engineer: Bill Metoyer

    Assistent Sound Engineers:
  • Richard McIntosh
  • Scott Campbell
  • Ken Paulakovich
  • Brian Carlstrom

    Bryan Carlstrom (Brian Carlstrom) an versatile and experienced Producer and Sound Engineer in rock, hip-hop, punk, jazz, heavy metal, etc. This document covers the heavy metal bands and albums he has produced or engineered during the 1980s, which include bands like "Sacred Reich", Tyrant, Incubus, Pandemonium, etc.

    "Brian Carlstrom" and "Ken Paulakovich" having been working on the same albums on several occasions. These albums include: "Money Talks - Cryptic Slaughter", "A Distant Thunder - Helstar", "Serpent Temptation - Incubus", "The Kill, Pandemonium", "Ignorance - Sacred Reich", "Depths of Death - Sentinel", "Too Late to Pray - Tyrant". "Scott Campbell" worked also with them on "Money Talks - Cryptic Slaughter", and "Tyrant - Too late to Pray".

Graphics by: Ralph Bland Graphic Design

Artwork by: Paul Stottler

Photo by: Michael Richards

Record Label & Catalognr:

Metal Blade Records RR 9578
Packaging: This album includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by "Sacred Reich" and photos.
  

Media Format:

  12" Vinyl LP Record 170 grams vinyl

Year & Country:

  1987 Made in Holland
Band Members and Musicians on: Sacred Reich Ignorance
  • Phil Rind – Vocals, Bass
    Phil Rind (Vocals, Bass) is with the American band "Sacred Reich" since 1985 and has briefly sung with "Flotsam and Jetsam" in 1986.
  • Wiley Arnett – Guitars
  • Jason Rainey – Guitars
  • Greg Hall – Drums
Complete Track Listing of: Sacred Reich Ignorance
    Side One:
  1. Death Squad
  2. Victim of Demise
  3. Layed to Rest
  4. Ignorance
  5. No Believes
    Side Two:
  1. Violent Solutions
  2. Rest in Peace
  3. Sacred Reich
  4. Administrative Decisions

Sacred Reich Ignorance Album Photo Gallery

Album Front Cover Photo
Sacred Reich Ignorance 1987 album cover. A striking political artwork featuring a blindfolded face with a grim expression, set against an American flag backdrop. Below, a passenger airplane marked N70SOP is flying into dark storm clouds. The image is framed with barbed wire, and debris from an explosion is scattered across the scene. The album title 'Ignorance' appears in a graffiti-style font with red, blue, green, and yellow colors, while the band's name, 'Sacred Reich,' is displayed in a green gothic metal font at the top.

Front Cover of Sacred Reich's 1987 Album "Ignorance"

This is the original album cover of Sacred Reich's "Ignorance," released in 1987. The artwork, created by artist Paul Stottler, presents a politically charged and visually striking composition.

Centered in the image is a detailed black-and-white drawing of a blindfolded figure with a tense expression. The blindfold completely covers the person’s eyes, symbolizing ignorance or willful blindness. The face appears distressed, with clenched teeth and visible strain in the jaw.

The background consists of a stylized American flag with alternating red and white stripes. The upper left corner features the stars, but they are slightly distorted. The edges of the cover are wrapped in barbed wire, reinforcing themes of oppression or confinement.

Below the blindfolded figure, a large passenger airplane is depicted in mid-flight, marked with the identifier "N70SOP." The aircraft is flying into dark, billowing clouds that contain shards of debris, suggesting destruction or impending doom.

The album title, "Ignorance," is written in a graffiti-style font at the bottom of the cover in a mix of bold colors: red, blue, green, and yellow. The band's name, "Sacred Reich," appears at the top in a sharp, gothic metal font with jagged edges, standing out prominently against the flag's stripes.

Album Back Cover Photo
Sacred Reich Ignorance 1987 album back cover. A black-and-white dystopian illustration featuring a skeletal figure wearing a spiked leather jacket and sunglasses, standing in a war-torn wasteland with a handgun in one hand and a microphone in the other. The background depicts ruined buildings, mountains, and dark storm clouds. The album's tracklist is displayed in bold green text, split into Side 1 and Side 2. The Metal Blade Records logo and production credits are located at the bottom.

Back Cover of Sacred Reich's 1987 Album "Ignorance"

The back cover of "Ignorance" features a highly detailed black-and-white illustration by artist Paul Stottler, reinforcing the album's dark, post-apocalyptic themes.

The central figure is a skeletal character dressed in a spiked leather jacket, sunglasses, and a studded belt, exuding an intimidating presence. The character holds a microphone in one hand, symbolizing the voice of rebellion, while gripping a large handgun in the other, adding to the imagery of violence and resistance.

The backdrop consists of a devastated landscape with crumbling buildings, barren wastelands, and jagged mountains under ominous, swirling storm clouds. The scene conveys destruction and chaos, aligning with the album’s politically charged themes.

The tracklist is prominently displayed in bold green text, divided into two sections for Side 1 and Side 2, featuring songs like "Death Squad," "Ignorance," "Violent Solutions," and "Sacred Reich."

At the bottom, the production credits list Brian Slagel as the executive producer, with Bill Metoyer and the band co-producing. The Metal Blade Records logo and copyright information are also present.

First Photo of Custom Inner Sleeve
Sacred Reich Ignorance 1987 inner sleeve. A black background with white text featuring all song lyrics, including 'Sacred Reich,' 'Ignorance,' and 'Death Squad.' At the center is a detailed black-and-white illustration depicting war, destruction, and political imagery. The design complements the album's aggressive thrash metal themes and socially conscious lyrics.

First Custom Inner Sleeve of Sacred Reich's 1987 Album "Ignorance"

This custom inner sleeve from the first pressing of "Ignorance" features all the album's lyrics in white text against a black background, making it an essential collectible for fans.

The centerpiece of the sleeve is a highly detailed black-and-white illustration that mirrors the album's themes of war, destruction, and political commentary. The artwork includes chaotic scenes of human suffering, nuclear explosions, and dystopian imagery, reinforcing the album’s aggressive thrash metal aesthetic.

Song lyrics for tracks like "Sacred Reich," "Ignorance," "Death Squad," "Victim of Demise," and others are displayed in organized columns, allowing listeners to follow the band's politically charged and socially aware messages.

This inner sleeve design, combined with its bold graphics and lyrical content, captures the essence of Sacred Reich’s powerful debut album.

Additional Inner Sleeve Photos
Sacred Reich Ignorance 1987 inner sleeve back. A black-and-white band photo of Sacred Reich members posing in front of a large graffiti-style skull and crossbones. The right side contains album production credits, recording details, and special thanks. The bottom section lists the band lineup with their respective roles.

Second Custom Inner Sleeve of Sacred Reich's 1987 Album "Ignorance"

This inner sleeve from the original pressing of "Ignorance" features a striking black-and-white band photo alongside album production credits, recording information, and acknowledgments.

On the left side, a photograph captures Sacred Reich’s four members—Greg Hall, Phil Rind, Wiley Arnett, and Jason Rainey—posing against a wall adorned with graffiti-style artwork of a large skull and crossbones. The band members are dressed in classic thrash metal attire, including band t-shirts and jeans, reinforcing their raw underground aesthetic.

The right side of the sleeve provides a detailed list of album production credits, including Bill Metoyer and Brian Slagel as producers, as well as the recording locations: Stagg Street Studio, Preferred Sound, and Track Record.

Further down, the "Scum Crew" is acknowledged, listing the band's technical support team, including Jason Tech, Scott Porterfield, Scott Jerrell, and Terry McGill.

The bottom section contains the band's contact address in Scottsdale, Arizona, and a special thanks list that recognizes influential figures, friends, and supporters of the band during the recording process.

Close-up of the Record Label
Sacred Reich Ignorance 1987 vinyl record label, Side 1. The Metal Blade Records label features a black-and-white battle axe logo dripping with blood. The album title 'Ignorance' is printed in bold capital letters, followed by track listings including 'Death Squad,' 'Victim of Demise,' and 'Ignorance.' Production credits, copyright information, and the catalog number RR 9578 are also displayed.

Close-Up of Sacred Reich's 1987 "Ignorance" Vinyl Label - Side 1

This detailed close-up of the Metal Blade Records label for Side 1 of "Ignorance" showcases the distinct design and information unique to this pressing.

The label prominently features the Metal Blade Records logo, a stylized battle axe with a sharp blade dripping blood. Encircling the label's outer rim is a copyright disclaimer, warning against unauthorized reproduction, public performance, and broadcasting.

The album title, "Ignorance," is printed in bold, followed by the complete tracklist for Side 1, including:

  • Death Squad (4:21)
  • Victim of Demise (3:34)
  • Layed to Rest (2:18)
  • Ignorance (4:05)
  • No Believers (3:18)

Below the tracklist, the production credits list Bill Metoyer and Sacred Reich as producers. The label also specifies that all songs are published by Bloody Skull Music and administered by Bug Music.

The catalog number RR 9578 is printed on the right side, confirming this as the original 1987 pressing made in Holland.

Ignorance and The American Way: The Early Political and Social Commentary of Sacred Reich

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Thumbnail Of SACRED REICH - Alive At The Dynamo album front cover

RoadRacer RO 9431 1 , 1989 , Netherlands

Sacred Reich's "Alive At The Dynamo" LP, recorded at the 1989 Dynamo Open Air Festival, epitomizes thrash metal's vigor during the late '80s. This era marked the genre's global ascent, and the live performance showcases the band's prowess. The album's production mirrors late '80s recording technology, with LP format prevailing. The cover design aligns with European publications' trends, making it a time-capsule of thrash metal's zenith.

Alive At The Dynamo 12" Vinyl LP
Updated
SACRED REICH - Ignorance
Thumbnail Of SACRED REICH - Ignorance album front cover

Metal Blade Records RR 9578 / Roadrunner , 1987 , Netherlands

  "Ignorance" the inaugural studio album by American thrash metal stalwarts Sacred Reich, debuted on a 12" Vinyl LP in 1987. This seminal release solidified Sacred Reich's place in the thrash metal pantheon, showcasing their raw energy and social commentary. With tracks like "Death Squad" and "Ignorance," the album became a cornerstone of the genre, leaving an indelible mark on the metal landscape.

Ignorance 12" Vinyl LP
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Thumbnail Of SACRED REICH - Surf Nicaragua album front cover

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Sacred Reich's "Surf Nicaragua" EP, encapsulates the band's thrash metal brilliance. Released on 12" vinyl, the American outfit delivers a sonic onslaught. The title track pays homage to surf culture with a thrash twist, while additional songs amplify their aggressive style. A testament to Sacred Reich's impact, "Surf Nicaragua" remains a classic in the thrash metal genre.

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