Reformed Seattle cult progressive metallers SANCTUARY will enter Jack Endino’s Soundhouse Studios in Seattle on Superbowl Sunday (February 2) with producer Chris “Zeuss” Harris (SOULFLY, SHADOWS FALL, HATEBREED, MUNICIPAL WASTE) to begin recording its long-awaited band’s “comeback” album, The Year The Sun Died due later in the year via Century Media Records.
In 2010, four of the founding SANCTUARY members — Warrel Dane, Jim Sheppard, Lenny Rutledge and Dave Budbill — came together for a few select reunion performances. At first, it was just going to be a handful of shows, but the response and chemistry on stage was so overwhelming that the guys changed their minds. Now, some 20 years after they left off, SANCTUARY will continue with their unique mix of U.S. power metal, hard rock and progressive elements and begin work on a new LP.
To complete the lineup, Brad Hull (FORCED ENTRY) will be filling in for former guitar player Sean Blosi.
Commented Dane: “Having been with Century Media since 1995 with NEVERMORE, it was a very comfortable decision for SANCTUARY to sign with them. Century Media has a great team that always delivers for all of their bands. I’ve known most of them on a first name basis for many years and I look forward to this new chapter in history.”
Added Rutledge: “I can speak for every member of SANCTUARY when I say we are all excited to join the Century Media family. We now have the opportunity to work with the best metal record label on the planet. We are looking forward to creating great music with an awesome team behind us.”
SANCTUARY released the classic albums Refuge Denied and Into The Mirror Black during its short existence between 1985 and 1992. Following the band’s split, Dane and Sheppard formed NEVERMORE.