Acid Reign

Acid Reign are a UK thrash metal band, active from 1985 to 1991 and again from 2015. They are associated with crossover thrash, metal, technical thrash metal and thrash metal.

Formation and early line-up

The band forms in the United Kingdom with Mark Ramsey Wharton on drums and keyboards, Ian Gangwer on bass, Howard “H” Smith on vocals, and Gary “Gaz” Jennings on guitar. Jennings later becomes known for his work with Cathedral. Kevin Papworth joins as second guitarist in 1987.

Recordings and label releases

In 1987, Acid Reign releases the Moshkinstein demo. The recording leads to a deal with Under One Flag, the British thrash metal label connected to Music for Nations, which issues the Moshkinstein EP in 1988.

Jennings leaves after that release and is replaced by Adam Lehan, formerly of Lord Crucifier and later also linked with Cathedral. Around this period the band supports acts including Flotsam and Jetsam and Death Angel.

Albums and touring

Acid Reign releases its debut album, The Fear, in 1989. The band tours in support of the album, including dates with Nuclear Assault across Europe, alongside Dark Angel and Candlemass. By this time Ian “Mac” MacDonald replaces Gangwer on bass.

The second album, Obnoxious, arrives in 1990 and is followed by the band’s split in 1991 after parting ways with Music For Nations. Their final show takes place at the London Marquee Club.

Lyrical themes

The group’s lyrics cover censorship, anti-nuclear testing, science fiction themes and humour. Songs mentioned include “Creative Restraint”, “Joke Chain”, and the CD bonus track “This Is Serious”.

Reunion

Acid Reign reunites in 2015 with Howard “H” Smith as the only original member involved in the reunion. The reformed line-up releases the comeback single “Plan Of The Damned” and plays UK shows with Xentrix, as well as headlining the Sophie Lancaster stage at Bloodstock in 2016.

Members

Members associated with the band include Ian Gangwer, Garry Jennings, Howard “H” Smith, Mark Ramsey Wharton, Kevin Papworth, Adam Lehan, Iain MacDonald, Paul Chanter, Cookey, Pete Dee and Marc Jackson.