Sanctuary – Refuge Denied/Into The Mirror Black

site | label | buy

Much sought after, and long out of print in all formats, the only two classic albums by Sanctuary, the band directly responsible for the creation of Nevermore, are being re-released as a two-disc set. The most worthy re-releases are of albums no longer available in their previous format, and although fans who already own the albums will be disappointed that the live tracks released on a rare promotional EP called Into The Mirror Live are not included, many metal fans will just be pleased these albums will finally be available again. No new remastering has been done to either disc, so fans lucky enough to have these albums need not look for this one; there’s nothing here for you. Everyone else, this is the chance to get them both, and if history has shown anything with regards to these albums, how long that opportunity exists for is unknown, and not likely to be for long. Nevermore fans should be especially interested as these two discs show without doubt exactly where Nevermore’s sound came from, featuring both singer Warrel Dane and bassist Jim Shepherd, and in particular how Dane’s vocals evolved from out-and-out power metal wailing on Refuge Denied, to his more familiar sinister style on Into The Mirror Black. And besides that, both are great metal records. Recommended if you don’t have them.

Written by Andy Lye
More: 2010, Albums, Quick.Play Reviews, Re-release, Thrash Metal, Sanctuary