Artist: Sanctuary
Label: Epic
Release Date: 1987
Rating: 5 Skulls
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Title: Refuge Denied Artist: Sanctuary Label: Epic Release Date: 1987
Rating: 5 Skulls |
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Reviewed by Solomon:
Bands like Hammerfall and Iced Earth have earned credit lately for upholding what many have called "true" metal. Personally, I find the term kind of dumb, as no one would ever admit to playing "false" metal, but if "true" metal has an earlier incarnation, Refuge Denied is probably a good example. Refuge is unmistakably METAL in its design. The marriage of Warrel Dane's angel-of-death vocals, mythological/apocalyptic lyrics, and technical, formal sounding guitar riffs make no mistake as to what genre this record belongs to. There are obvious comparisons to Queensryche and Iron Maiden, but Sanctuary is much more of a power metal band, taking certain neo-classical tendencies and giving them a much more violent, "onwards to Valhalla" feel. The guitar riffs are intense and driving, and remind me of the Gothenburg-style death that was to come, particularly in "Die For My Sins." The musicians here are obviously very talented, but they avoid any typical "progressive" trappings and focus on solid songwriting rather than impressing you with overly long instrumental breaks or solos. The cover of "White Rabbit" is an unusual selection, but this powerful rendition makes you forget about Jefferson Airplane altogether. Dane's high-pitched banshee wailing can be tedious at times, but Refuge is a classic just for the vocal performance. The intro to "Veil" is one of metal's shining moments, and is a testament to Dane's place among the metal gods as a wielder of both power and grace. Although I believe Nevermore is a superior act to Sanctuary, this record stands as a progressive/power metal gem.
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