UMUR "Ignorance" is the debut full-length studio album by US, Phoenix, Arizona based thrash metal act Sacred Reich. The album was released through Metal Blade Records in October 1987 and is a self-produced affair.

The music on "Ignorance" is pretty standard thrash metal influenced somewhat by an act like Slayer. It´s not like Sacred Reich sound like Slayer, but there are quite a few similarities between them that make the reference valid. The fast-paced riffing, the aggressive staccato vocal style and the angry lyrics. Sacred Reich had a political twist to their lyrics though, which is also obvious when looking at the cover artwork. Compared to later material by the band, "Ignorance" is darker and more serious, but also a bit one-dimensional. It´s not an album where I remember each track after it´s finished. The instrumental "Layed to Rest" stands out but the rest of the tracks on the album are pretty standard fare thrash metal. Lead vocalist Phil Rind has quite a distinct sounding voice though and that saves the album from complete obscurity. I always picture that this is how Jeff Bridges would sound like if he was the lead singer in a thrash metal band instead of being an actor.

The sound production is dark and a bit murky, but it´s also powerful and suits the music well.

"Ignorance" is widely considered a "classic" thrash metal album from the eighties, and while I fully awknowledge that, it´s never been an album I´ve personally been able to appreciate much. To my ears "The American Way (1990)" is a far superior album (and the album I would direct people to if they show interest in the band) but I guess that´s an aquired taste. A 3 - 3.5 star (65%) rating is warranted.