Jason Rainey, Former Guitarist of Sacred Reich, Dead at Age 53


Sad news to pass on as Thrash Metal legend Jason Rainey, a founding member of Sacred Reich has died. Jason was just 53. He died of a heart attack on the night of March 16th and was reported to the world in a Facebook post by his wife and later his former band. As the co-founder and rhythm guitarist of Sacred Reich, the classic second wave of thrash metal band is essential to the genre. Rainy co-wrote several songs on their early essential releases Igonarance, The American Way, Surf Nicaragua EP, Independent, Heal, and the live album Still Ignorant. Rainey was dismissed from the band in 2019 due to health issues and he was apparently embittered about the split. Rainey had also been a tour manager and guitar tech in his career. We send our condolences out Jason’s, family, friends, and fans at this time.