Infidel Reich burst on the scene in 2016 and a year later they unleashed their scorching self-titled ep and now they are back with their debut album Reichenstein which came out at the tail end of 2019 and is just a monstrous and full throttle pedal to the old school metal albums.

The supergroup of sorts consists of out the band is McNasty on bass, Vincent Crowley of Acheron/Incantation fame, Tony Brookhuis on guitars and Bob Bagchus on drums. Everything Bob touches is golden, in my book. From his legendary work in Asphyx and Soulburn to other newer albums with Grand Supreme Blood Court and Minotaur Head, Bob has been part of my favorite albums in all of death metal and now chalk up one more brutal victory with his band of marauders with Infidel Reich.

 

This 11 song 41 minute album combines influences of Motörhead, Celtic Frost, Carnivore and this is just fantastic. The killer title track comes blazing forth after the brief intro and if you’re not swooning with that opening guitar biff, Lemmy influenced bass guitar and classic death/thrash/punkish 80’s early 90’s beat then you must be destroyed.

Super catchy vocals which are barked at you in such a berating way I had to take 10 showers after listening to this. Infidel Reich are basically here to say F you. We will not be part of your politically correct ways, your material world view on life or your disrespect to all things metal.

“Gunzilla’s Stand” is brilliant. The Motörhead fast thrash punk beat is infectious and catchy. Heavy, fast and again more catchy vocal patterns and punishing drums. I swear I closed my eyes and I swore Lemmy was plucking along those bass lines. Some outstanding rhythms throughout this song and then at 2.17, the ‘Holy Shit Celtic Frost’ part comes in which sounds like Tom Warrior may have written in circa 1985 and then some very cool guitar melodies to show Infidel Reich are unafraid to incorporate some melody into their bashing metal madness. Simply put one of the best songs of 2019 and a favorite of mine.

“Standby for Revolution” has a very Carnivore feel to it-think Retaliation stylized thrash with a bit of a Ny hardcore beatdown. Punishing and I mean punishing riffs. Heavy as balls and just a monster of a song. “Reich Fuckin Roll” has Motörhead plastered all over this one and has some killer double bass and the fast thrash beat and lyrical homage to Lemmy is brilliant and respectful and I love the guitar riffs and bass lines on this track, especially those strumming bass lines. Towards the end of the song the guitar soling reminds me of Iron Maiden over the fast part and since Maiden are my favorite band this is a really awesome moment the band unleashes.

“Nuclear Showdown”, if ever played in NYC, live, would cause an eruption. I could picture the punks, skins and metalheads just beating the shit outta each other similar when I saw Mr. Pete Steele play “Jesus Hitler “& “Race War” live in NYC many years ago-still to this day the most violent and murderous pit I have ever been in and seen. I am lucky to still be alive from that, especially since a bunch of people had placed razor blades through their leather jackets as they slammed. Once I saw that I got the fuck outta the pit. Regardless this song Infidel Reich pulls off has that Carnivore punishing hateful and murderous beat.

Reichenstein is a godly album. Heavy, fast, thrashy, deathly and punish. Most of all Pure Metal through and through. The song writing is great, the production is heavy and naturally organic and you could not have asked for any better release from these gents. Infidel Reich understands how to write meaningful and memorable music and I cannot hail this album enough. The cd packaging is most excellent with lyrics, pics and this is an easy buy or die!!

[Visit the band's website]

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