SANKTUARY — Something Fierce (review)

SANKTUARY — Something Fierce album cover Album · 2012 · Power Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
4/5 ·
Time Signature
Deadly prey...

Genre: trad metal / speed metal / thrash metal

Canadian metal outfit Sanktuary are labeled a power-thrash band, which is not an entirely unfitting classification, but, as their debut album "Something Fierce" reflects, there is more to their music than just power-thrash. In fact, they draw on a number of influences from various more traditional type of metal.

The main forte of the album is Sanktuary's use of simple, and catchy, guitar melodies accompanied by galloping guitars and a driving bass. If this sounds more like a description of traditional heavy metal than power metal or thrash metal, then it is because there are actually is a considerable influence from NWoBHM on the album - just check out tracks like 'Heat Lightning', 'Hail the Villain', and 'Midnite Mass'. Such elements appear side-by-side with fierce thrashers like 'Thrill of the Kill' which combines old school thrash riffage with speed metal tempos (and even contains some blastbeats to boot). More in the vein of early speed/power metal, 'Screeching for Vengeance' is a nice and simple and uptempo barrage of chucking guitars and rumbling double bass drums. There's a touch of early Artillery in the breakneck 'Fire in the Sky' which also contains references to Teutonic thrash and, drawing on NYC hardcore/crossover also features riot backing vocals. The listener is also treated to the mellos semi-acoustic instrumental 'Beyond the Wall'.

Drawing on elements from traditional metal and early thrash-, speed-, and power metal, Sanktuary's music is quite melodic and considerably easy to listen to and take in. There are plenty of all out rock 'n' metal guitar histrionic, and the mildly Geddy Lee-ish vocals actually fit nicely into the picture. The production is not polished at all, but has an organic feel to it, which I am sure many people will like.

Capturing the best of thrash as it was in its nascent era, Sanktuary's "Something Fierce" should appeal to fans of thrash, speed, and traditional metal alike.
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