Metel Revisited - Sanctuary

January 21, 2011 was an amazing day for metal in the Pacific Northwest. Sanctuary, the renowned power/speed metal band from Seattle, reunited for one show only for those people that had been around since the band’s inception back in 1985. The band that went on to become one of the most of the irreplaceable bands ever came back to El Corazon to lay waste to a packed crowd that had been dying to see these legends back where they belong. Being all of 25 years old myself, I was not around to witness their beginning, in fact, they were formed the same year I was born! Starting as a power metal band in Seattle, WA, Sanctuary put out a demo in 1986 with only two songs on it then followed that up one year later with the seminal record Refuge Denied. Containing classics such as “Sanctuary” and “Die For My Sins,” Refuge Denied was the album that put these guys on the map. In 1990 Sanctuary released Into The Mirror Black, and absolute killer of an album that had tracks such as “Future Tense” and “Taste Revenge” which showcased the band’s ability to truly shred. One of the characteristics that makes this band so distinctive is the vocals, Warrel Dane’s ability to hit the highest of notes really separates this band from others. Dane is able to seamlessly croon and shriek all while keeping in tune with each individual track. The original guitarist for the band was Sean Blosl but he eventually gave way to the live guitarist Jeff Loomis, an absolute prodigy at guitar. Along with bassist Jim Sheppard, those three went on to form prog/thrash band Nevermore, one of the best bands in extreme music around today.
While only around for a short period of time and releasing only 2 proper albums, Sanctuary definitely made their mark in the world of heavy metal music. This could be seen at the concert where the crowd’s average age appeared to be around 35 – 40 years old. However, it was not simply those who were around when the band originally were as there were many younger people at the show, even those in their teens were there to witness this spectacle. If by some chance these guys decide to do a full tour or even a couple more shows around the country, make sure you go out and pay your respects. This band is simply not one you want to miss!