Sanctuary – The Grove, Anaheim, CA – 11/14
By John Knowles
Sanctuary's new album, The Year The Sun Died, is the long-awaited follow-up to the band's second and last studio album, Into the Mirror Black, released on Epic Records in 1989. Even after 25 years, the band has managed to regain their old spark, and shine anew even amongst today’s modern and most-extreme metal acts. The new record finds Warrel Dane's sky-high vocals combined with guitarist Lenny Rutledge's impressive riffs still intact. In support of the new release the band embarked on a brief North American tour run, and on one of the last nights of the tour at the Grove in Anaheim, CA, the band brought it with no mercy. Despite the minuscule crowd, I’d say 150 by a generous estimate, the band performed with a passion and intensity unscathed. Sanctuary appeared satisfied to simply be on stage, performing their music.
So, what is there to do on a Wednesday night in Anaheim, California Warrel asked? Seeing the legendary Sanctuary is not a bad way to go. From the moment the band hit the stage to perform “Arise and Purify” following “Ad Vitam Aeternam” as entrance music, you could tell there would be a very casual vibe for the evening. The band members really seemed to be enjoying themselves, and kept the light-hearted nature of this affair going with on stage horseplay, and an ongoing comedic and dark witted banter from Warrel Dane. Warrel immersed himself into the audience with lots of interaction, and a jaw-dropping performance. For a band that has only played together a handful of times following a 25-year hiatus, the performance was spectacular in its flawless execution from each member. The band was incredibly tight, and each player shined thanks to a perfect mix.
I have to say that my biggest question going into this show was in regards to how Warrel would sound on the old material. “Seasons of Destruction” was a solid taste of what the man can still do, but “Battle Angels” was where the real magic happened. Folks, Warrel has still got it! He nailed the highs and screams of one of their classic cuts, and proved himself to be a true professional. It’s evident mostly from the background vocals on the new record that the man could potentially still sound like his younger self, but this tour has certainly hushed any naysayers.
All 3 records were well supported as the band went on to perform “White Rabbit,” “Future Tense,” “Question Existence Fading,” and “Soldiers of Steel.” “Exitium” was called out as a song for all the ladies, but it was the true highlight for me. Warrel had already proven he could perform the classic material, but it was nice to hear a more subdued performance where his impressive lower range could also be showcased. The band performed their single and video release, “Frozen” before closing out the night with the namesake, “Sanctuary.” A solid 90 minutes of great metal was unleashed, and left the crowd hungry for more.
Despite the small crowds, the band was in great spirits and looked to be having a lot of fun all night. I’m still scratching my head trying to figure out who thought it was a good idea to book The Grove on a Wednesday night. The Chain Reaction down the street would have far better suited such a small crowd, and honestly the intimate setting would have done the performance better justice. Still, the metal community has Sanctuary back, and though we may all still lament the passing of Nevermore, a true talent has returned in its place and they do not appear to be going anywhere. Be sure to check out Sanctuary the next time they visit your town. This is an experience you do not want to miss.
Setlist:
Intro: Ad Vitam Aeternam
1. Arise and Purify
2. Let the Serpent Follow Me
3. Seasons of Destruction
4. Die for My Sins
5. Battle Angels
6. White Rabbit (Jefferson Airplane cover)
7. The Mirror Black
8. Future Tense
9. Exitium (Anthem of the Living)
10. Question Existence Fading
11. Soldiers of Steel
12. Taste Revenge
13. Frozen
14. Sanctuary
BUY The Year The Sun Died
BUY The Year The Sun Died On Vinyl!
Official Sanctuary Site
Metal Exiles’ The Year The Sun Died Album Review.
By John Knowles
Sanctuary's new album, The Year The Sun Died, is the long-awaited follow-up to the band's second and last studio album, Into the Mirror Black, released on Epic Records in 1989. Even after 25 years, the band has managed to regain their old spark, and shine anew even amongst today’s modern and most-extreme metal acts. The new record finds Warrel Dane's sky-high vocals combined with guitarist Lenny Rutledge's impressive riffs still intact. In support of the new release the band embarked on a brief North American tour run, and on one of the last nights of the tour at the Grove in Anaheim, CA, the band brought it with no mercy. Despite the minuscule crowd, I’d say 150 by a generous estimate, the band performed with a passion and intensity unscathed. Sanctuary appeared satisfied to simply be on stage, performing their music.
So, what is there to do on a Wednesday night in Anaheim, California Warrel asked? Seeing the legendary Sanctuary is not a bad way to go. From the moment the band hit the stage to perform “Arise and Purify” following “Ad Vitam Aeternam” as entrance music, you could tell there would be a very casual vibe for the evening. The band members really seemed to be enjoying themselves, and kept the light-hearted nature of this affair going with on stage horseplay, and an ongoing comedic and dark witted banter from Warrel Dane. Warrel immersed himself into the audience with lots of interaction, and a jaw-dropping performance. For a band that has only played together a handful of times following a 25-year hiatus, the performance was spectacular in its flawless execution from each member. The band was incredibly tight, and each player shined thanks to a perfect mix.
I have to say that my biggest question going into this show was in regards to how Warrel would sound on the old material. “Seasons of Destruction” was a solid taste of what the man can still do, but “Battle Angels” was where the real magic happened. Folks, Warrel has still got it! He nailed the highs and screams of one of their classic cuts, and proved himself to be a true professional. It’s evident mostly from the background vocals on the new record that the man could potentially still sound like his younger self, but this tour has certainly hushed any naysayers.
All 3 records were well supported as the band went on to perform “White Rabbit,” “Future Tense,” “Question Existence Fading,” and “Soldiers of Steel.” “Exitium” was called out as a song for all the ladies, but it was the true highlight for me. Warrel had already proven he could perform the classic material, but it was nice to hear a more subdued performance where his impressive lower range could also be showcased. The band performed their single and video release, “Frozen” before closing out the night with the namesake, “Sanctuary.” A solid 90 minutes of great metal was unleashed, and left the crowd hungry for more.
Despite the small crowds, the band was in great spirits and looked to be having a lot of fun all night. I’m still scratching my head trying to figure out who thought it was a good idea to book The Grove on a Wednesday night. The Chain Reaction down the street would have far better suited such a small crowd, and honestly the intimate setting would have done the performance better justice. Still, the metal community has Sanctuary back, and though we may all still lament the passing of Nevermore, a true talent has returned in its place and they do not appear to be going anywhere. Be sure to check out Sanctuary the next time they visit your town. This is an experience you do not want to miss.
Setlist:
Intro: Ad Vitam Aeternam
1. Arise and Purify
2. Let the Serpent Follow Me
3. Seasons of Destruction
4. Die for My Sins
5. Battle Angels
6. White Rabbit (Jefferson Airplane cover)
7. The Mirror Black
8. Future Tense
9. Exitium (Anthem of the Living)
10. Question Existence Fading
11. Soldiers of Steel
12. Taste Revenge
13. Frozen
14. Sanctuary
BUY The Year The Sun Died
BUY The Year The Sun Died On Vinyl!
Official Sanctuary Site
Metal Exiles’ The Year The Sun Died Album Review.
