<\/p>\n
Legendary American heavy metal band SANCTUARY<\/b> has signed with BLKIIBLK<\/b>, the heavy metal imprint of Frontiers Label Group<\/b>.<\/p>\n
To celebrate, SANCTUARY<\/b> returns with a powerful new chapter in its storied career: the brand-new single “Not Of The Living”<\/b>. A new lyric video comes along with the track and is available to view below.<\/p>\n
On the signing to BLKIIBLK<\/b>, SANCTUARY<\/b> founder\/guitarist Lenny Rutledge<\/b> comments: “SANCTUARY<\/b> is really excited to sign with BLKIIBLK<\/b>. We are looking forward to working with our new team to bring future SANCTUARY<\/b> music to metal fans all over the world!”<\/p>\n
“Not Of The Living”<\/b> marks SANCTUARY<\/b>‘s first new material since the passing of original vocalist Warrel Dane<\/b> and stands as a bold statement of rebirth as the band celebrate 40 years of uncompromising heavy metal.<\/p>\n
Mike Gitter<\/b>, global head of A&R for Frontiers Label Group<\/b> and BLKIIBLK<\/b> label head, comments: “We’re excited to be working with SANCTUARY<\/b>. Already a legendary band, in 2026, they’re building upon that legend and taking it one step further. When [European head of A&R] Aldo Lonobile<\/b> and I heard the songs, they had begun recording for their first full-length since their last full-length ‘The Year The Sun Died’<\/b> [2014], it was clear, SANCTUARY<\/b> were back making some of the most vital music of their career. Vocalist Joseph Michael<\/b> (WITHERFALL<\/b>) has stepped in for the late Warrell Dane<\/b> (NEVERMORE<\/b>) and carried the ball magnificently. Lenny Rutledge<\/b> (SANCTUARY<\/b> founding guitarist) is not only taking SANCTUARY<\/b>‘s legacy forward, but it already feels like he’s intent on exceeding it.”<\/p>\n
Produced and mixed by acclaimed producer Chris “Zeuss” Harris<\/b> (QUEENSR\u0178CHE<\/b>, METAL CHURCH<\/b>, ROB ZOMBIE<\/b>),“Not Of The Living”<\/b> captures SANCTUARY<\/b>‘s classic blend of dramatic songwriting, soaring melodies, and crushing riffs while delivering a modern sonic impact. The track also features a blistering guest guitar solo by Jake Dreyer<\/b> (WITHERFALL<\/b>, DEMONS & WIZARDS<\/b>, ICED EARTH<\/b>).<\/p>\n
Joseph Michael<\/b>, vocalist for SANCTUARY<\/b>, shares: “The band and I are very happy to announce our partnership with heavy metal’s preeminent record label BLKIIBLK<\/b>! We hope you enjoy this new chapter in the history of SANCTUARY<\/b>. We look forward to bringing you new music while also honoring the past.”<\/p>\n
SANCTUARY<\/b> drummer Dave Budbill<\/b> exclaims: “Very stoked to be signing with such a kick-ass metal label. SANCTUARY<\/b> is back!”<\/p>\n
Now, with more new music on the horizon, SANCTUARY<\/b> is preparing to embark on a wide-ranging 40th-anniversary world tour, celebrating four decades of metal history. For the tour, SANCTUARY<\/b> has recruited guitarist Will Wallner<\/b> (NEON DRAGON<\/b>, ex-WHITE WIZZARD<\/b>) on second lead guitar. The tour will span North America, South America and Europe, featuring special sets highlighting the band’s classic albums “Refuge Denied”<\/b> and “Into The Mirror Black”<\/b>, alongside fan favorites and new material, including “Not Of The Living”<\/b>.<\/p>\n
Festival appearances confirmed for the tour include some of the most respected gatherings in the global metal community, including Keep It True<\/b>, Hyperspace Metal Fest<\/b> and Hell’s Heroes<\/b>.<\/p>\n
SANCTUARY<\/b> upcoming shows:<\/p>\n
April 18 – Vancouver, Canada @ The Rickshaw\/Hyperspace Metal Festival
April 22 – Athens, GR @ Piraeus Club Academy
April 24 – Geiselwind, DE @ Tauberfrankenhalle\/Keep It True
April 25 – Drachten, NL @ Iduna
April 26 – Hamburg, DE @ Logo
April 28 – London, UK @ The Underworld
April 29 – Kortrijk, BE @ Dvg Club
May 01 – Zoetermeer, NLS @ Boerderij
May 02 – Andernach Rheinland-Pfalz, DE @ Juz Live Club\/Andernach Metal Days
August 16 – Washington, USA @ Substation\/Soldiers Of Steel
August 22 – Mexico City @ [to be announced]
August 23 – Mexico City @ [to be announced]
August 25 – Lima, Peru @ [to be announced]
August 27 – Chile @ Concepcion
August 28 – Santiago, Chile
August 29 – Buenos Aires, Argentina
August 30 – S\u00e3o Paulo, Brazil
September 18 – Wisconsin, USA @ Crucible-Blades Of Steel<\/p>\n
On December 13, 2017, Dane<\/b> passed away while recording his posthumously released studio album “Shadow Work”<\/b>. At that time, SANCTUARY<\/b> had already confirmed and announced a U.S. tour supporting ICED EARTH<\/b> in February and March 2018 and, while shocked by Dane’s passing, decided to turn it into a tribute to his legacy, with Michael<\/b> (also of WITHERFALL<\/b>) at the mic.<\/p>\n
Performing tracks from 1988’s “Refuge Denied”<\/b>, 1990’s “Into The Mirror Black”<\/b> and 2014’s “The Year The Sun Died”<\/b>, Michael<\/b> delivered a stunning performance and received very positive feedback from the fans attending the shows. Remaining founding members Lenny Rutledge<\/b> (guitar) and Dave Budbill<\/b> (drums) ultimately made the decision to continue with SANCTUARY<\/b> and Michael<\/b> not only as a live act, but also compose and record a new album.<\/p>\n
Photo credit: Dirk Behlau<\/b><\/p>\n