Sacred Reich part ways with drummer Dave McClain

Sacred Reich just wrapped up their tour with Dark Angel, Vio-Lence, and Hirax on Thursday (16th). Metal Insider was there for that awesome show, and somehow, it ended up being drummer Dave McClain’s last performance with the band. On Monday (20th), the Arizona thrash metal veterans announced the lineup change that they’ve parted ways with McClain, stating:

“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.”

By Tuesday (21st), McClain issued his own statement elaborating on why he decided to call it quits, expressing:

“Since rejoining in 2018 we made great music and had fun times together. I’ve decided to move on and I wish them all the best in the future! If you’ve been at a Sacred Reich show over the last 6 years, it was my pleasure to perform for you and to meet a lot of you. Still 100% doing my thing, whether it’s touring, recording, teaching or just playing in my home studio. Hope to see you all out there in the world again. Now back to my drum room! Thanks, Dave.”

The split overall appears amicable, with both parties looking forward to the future. Sacred Reach will recruit Brazilian drummer Eduardo Baldo, known for his work with LA-based act Red Devil Vortex, for their upcoming European tour with Hatebreed, set for November. The band also promised new music is on the way, with a new album expected to arrive in the spring of 2026 via Metal Blade Records. McClain originally played with Sacred Reich from 1991-1995, contributing to A Question EP (1991) and the albums Independent (1993) and Heal (1996) before joining Machine Head. He rejoined Sacred Reich in 2018 and performed on their 2019 comeback album, Awakening, released via Metal Blade Records.