Reactivated U.K. thrashers ACID REIGN will release their first full-length album in 29 years, “The Age Of Entitlement”, on September 27 via Dissonance Productions. The cover artwork for the disc was created by renowned artist Mark Wilkinson, who has previously worked with IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST and MARILLION.
Commented vocalist Howard “H” Smith: “I was introduced to Mark by Al Barnes (ex-VENOM) last year in Bloodstock VIP and jokingly said if he ever fancied doing our cover art, I’d let him. Fast forward months later and amazingly he agreed to do it! We are thrilled to have such legendary figure involved with our album. For me, as a huge old-school MARILLION fan, it’s the icing on the cake.”
As for the album, Smith had this to say: “We started recording on August 1st last year with Jayce Lewis and he has been amazing. He was badgering me to do this for months. We had two other bigger names telling us they would love to do it, but Jayce showed us when recording ‘The Man Who Became Himself’ that he would go above and beyond to get the best out of what was a very difficult session. So just think what we could achieve when we are in a much better place. The results are stunning. You have an old-school thrash album with a contemporary twist and a production that honours that.
He continued: “I’ve had the title for a long time. Straight off the bat, it had an album-title ring to it and speaks to a world view that the entire band shares, which is important. Then Mark came up with the artwork, which he really knocked out of the park. We are all itching to get this out and now you know when you’ll be able to get hold of it. Not long now. Single coming soon.”
The album features ten tracks and will be available on streaming services, as a digital download, CD, LP and limited-edition cyan-colored vinyl.
In 1991, ACID REIGN left an ailing U.K. thrash scene with a final show at the London Marquee. They toured with the likes of NUCLEAR ASSAULT, DARK ANGEL, EXODUS, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, DEATH ANGEL and CANDLEMASS. During this time, they put out two full-length albums, namely “The Fear” and “Obnoxious”, following on from their mini album debut in 1988, “Moshkinstein”. A final compilation, “The Worst Of Acid Reign”, was released and their brief but highly productive career came to an end.
Since returning from a 24-year absence, the band — featuring original vocalist Howard “H” Smith, Pete Dee (bass), Paul Chanter (guitar), Marc Jackson (drums) and Cooky (guitar) — has been busy. On the back of two new songs, “Plan Of The Damned” (2015) and “The Man Who Became Himself” (2017), they hit the road both at home and throughout Europe for numerous tours and festival appearances, including the now-legendary record-breaking headline slot of the Sophie Stage at Bloodstock 2016. During this time, they have earned themselves a fearsome live reputation famous for its high energy, mass stage diving and violent pits. Reeling off old school classics from their back catalogue, they have become a must-see act that has seen the band sign with K2 live agency.
Fonte: Blabbermouth.net