THE MORE THINGS CHANGE...

After quitting Machine Head last year, Dave McClain tells us why he’s stoked to return to his old fam

What’s it like being back in the band after so long? Dave mcclain: “to be honest, it feels like home. Before i joined Sacred reich in 1991, i was a fan. when i heard the Surf Nicaragua Ep [released in 1988] i was blown away, and they became one of my favourite metal bands. twenty-four years of life went by and we all had very different journeys, so really we’re back together with a common goal to play music and be happy.” How does the experience of Sacred Reich differ from Machine Head? “to me, Sacred reich has always felt very organic and real. i mean, it’s four guys who are pretty low in the looks department, ha ha, with nothing but guitars, amps and drums. But we’re a great-sounding band and that’s the most important thing to us.”

The band didn’t record an album without you. Do you think you the missing piece? “i’m just happy that Phil decided to start writing music again. over the years i always asked him to do a new Sacred reich album, even when i knew it wouldn’t have included me. i’m such a fan that i just wanted new songs.

So much so, that i actually wrote a few songs and sent them to him in hopes that it might get him interested in writing again! when he told me was writing and sent me a song, i was so happy! i was blown away by it and i knew right then and there that i wanted to play drums on the album. i was in a dark place musically and hearing these new songs made my love for playing music come back!”

Is the hope now to stay in the band for good? “i would love nothing more than that! Being back with the guys is amazing and we know we have a big job ahead of us to get back on everyone’s radar, but it’s fun and we all respect one another, so it doesn’t feel at all like work.”