Seattle heavy metal institution SANCTUARY is back — and they've made it count. On April 10, the band unveiled "Not Of The Living," their first new song in 12 years, alongside the announcement of a new record deal with BLKIIBLK, the metal-focused imprint of the Frontiers Label Group.
The track marks SANCTUARY's first original material since the 2017 death of founding vocalist Warrel Dane, whose powerful baritone defined the band's classic records. Filling that role is Joseph Michael, best known as the frontman of Los Angeles prog-metal outfit WITHERFALL. Michael brings operatic intensity and technical precision to the new material, honoring the band's legacy while charting fresh territory.
"Not Of The Living" was produced and mixed by Chris "Zeuss" Harris, a veteran of sessions with QUEENSRŸCHE, METAL CHURCH, and ROB ZOMBIE. The song also features a guest lead guitar solo from Jake Dreyer — another WITHERFALL member who also plays in ICED EARTH — adding an extra layer of shred credibility to the reunion.
Founding members Lenny Rutledge (guitar) and Dave Budbill (drums) remain the backbone of the band. Will Wallner, formerly of WHITE WIZZARD, joins as second lead guitarist for the upcoming touring cycle.
Rutledge spoke enthusiastically about the new chapter: "SANCTUARY is really excited to sign with BLKIIBLK. We are looking forward to working with our new team to bring future SANCTUARY music to metal fans all over the world!" Budbill added simply: "Very stoked to be signing with such a kick-ass metal label. SANCTUARY is back!"
A full-length studio album — the band's first since 2014's "The Year The Sun Died" — is currently in development. SANCTUARY has also announced an extensive 40th-anniversary world tour spanning North America, South America, and Europe, with confirmed appearances at Keep It True, Hyperspace Metal Fest, and Hell's Heroes festival.
Formed in Seattle in 1985, SANCTUARY released two landmark albums for Epic Records — "Refuge Denied" (1988) and "Into The Mirror Black" (1990) — before disbanding in 1992. The reunion in 2010 ultimately yielded "The Year The Sun Died" (2014) before Dane's passing halted progress once again. With "Not Of The Living," the band signals that the story is far from over.