Arizona thrash metal veterans Sacred Reich have announced a major lineup change and the title of their new album. The band has officially parted ways with longtime drummer Dave McClain and will release a new record, Into The Abyss, in the spring of 2026. For their upcoming European tour with Hatebreed, Brazilian drummer Eduardo Baldo will fill in.
The band announced the news on Monday, October 20, in a statement posted to their social media.
The band wrote:
“Dave McClain is no longer a member of Sacred Reich. We wish him the best. Our friend Eduardo Baldo will be playing the Hatebreed shows with us in November in Europe. We thank him for jumping in on such short notice.”
“We are excited for this new chapter in Sacred Reich history.”
“We are finishing up our new record Into The Abyss that will be released in the Spring of 2026 on Metal Blade Records.”
“Great things are coming. We can’t wait to share it with you.”
“With love and gratitude, Wiley, Joey and Phil.”
The departure marks the end of McClain‘s second tenure with the band. He originally joined in 1991, playing on the albums Independent (1993) and Heal (1996) before leaving to join Machine Head in 1995. He triumphantly returned to the Sacred Reich fold in 2018, recording the band’s acclaimed comeback album, 2019’s Awakening, their first new material in 23 years.
While the band did not give a reason for the split, their statement makes it clear they are focused on the future. The new album, Into The Abyss, will be their first with a new drummer since 2019 and will be released via Metal Blade Records.
The announcement marks a significant new chapter for the veteran thrash band, who are simultaneously looking ahead to a new creative era while preparing to hit the road in Europe.
