Album Review: Sanctuary - 'The Year The Sun Died'

Sanctuary released their last album in 1990 and disbanded only two years later. It has been almost 25 years since we have heard anything new but 2014 marks the year that they make their comeback, ready to revive their classic sound and give it a modern twist with new album ‘The Year The Sun Died.’

‘Arise and Purify’ starts off the album on a high note, the production of has made the band's old school sounds even sharper and better than ever and added a doom-y atmosphere. We are greeted with big riffs, deep vocals and thunderous drumming that set the tone for the rest of the record.

A wave of powerful bass and emotional vocals hit the listener with ‘Exitium (Anthem of the Living)’ as the full-length further tightens its grip on you. The track feels packed full of honest emotion and is one that should please Edgar Allen Poe.

‘I Am Low’ demonstrates some downtrodden influences and puts up some equally great melodies. It even feels like it has a hint Alice Cooper hidden in there while ‘Frozen’ brings out some of Sanctuary’s more thrash influences and puts up a chorus that is simply catchy.

'The Year The Sun Died' ends on its title track, which gives the album the send off it deserves. All these tracks manage to incorporate different elements of metal from power to doom to thrash. Each song sounds powerful and modern. Overall, Sanctuary have made a pretty decent comeback.

Despite not recording together for 25 years, Sanctuary have managed to produce a solid comeback with 'The Year The Sun Died.' Dynamic drums, engaging bass lines, enormous riffs and a powerful, bellowing voice make this album gripping until the end.

1. Arise And Purify
2. Let The Serpent Follow Me
3. Exitium (Anthem Of The Living)
4. Question Existence Fading
5. I Am Low
6. Frozen
7. One Final Day (Sworn To Believe)
8. The World Is Wired 
9. The Dying Age
10. Ad Vitam Aeternam
11. The Year The Sun Died