Showing posts with label Corners Of Sanctuary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Corners Of Sanctuary. Show all posts

3/19/2024

Single Preview: Corners of Sanctuary - Hunter Prey (Trad Metal, 2024)

Philadelphia's Traditional hometown Heavy Metal artillery, Corners of Sanctuary (COS), have released a short preview video for their upcoming new single, “Hunter Prey,” in conjunction with a pre-ordering promotion for a limited number of autographed "Metal Up" CDs, “Metal Up,” 

The story behind the single hasn't been revealed yet.

Heavy Metal Underdogs was lucky enough to have a pre-listen to the first full single "Hunter Prey" through a digital advance tape. I would say that the band metalized up the COS sound. 

It's coming together quicker, harder and heavier to the point and it's filled up with more intensive atmosphere than ever before. It's already the hard hitting drum roll at the very beginning that starts the party more kicking than in every release before. 

The pressure remains in the following minutes, something the vocals benefit of a lot. The vocals have more room than before to breathe out and add life to the sound. The guitars change all the while with different tonality but stand compact with drums and bass guitars.

I'm looking forward to the time the full EP will come out. In the meantime make sure to place your pre-order through a Paypal order or pre-save the single release on the service of your choice.

COS’ latest extended EP, officially releases on March 29th via SODEH Records.

The band's Facebook page also holds the latest info on the band activities or go to the shows to enjoy the music and buy some merch directly of them.

Show Schedule (USA):

March 21st 
Century Bar
w/ Kazha 
Phila, PA

March 23rd 
Sherman Showcase 
Stroudsburg, PA

April 13th 
Tourist Inn
York, PA
w/ Ronny Munroe 

May 18th 
Gin Mill
w/ Denim and Leather
Northampton, PA

Finally listen to a snippet of "Hunter Prey".


12/10/2021

Corners Of Sanctuary offer rough & dirty new material on Gatefold LP

The new material the Philadelphia based traditional metallers have put out this year feels like being more on point. The sounds are heavier, hard-hitting and they feel like a layer of darkness has been added to the overall sound structures.

The year-long release reign finishes with a chance for a vinyl album.

Anyway the songs didn't flew in as one release but have been distributed as two EPs called Blood and Steel Volume One and Two. Now the time has come to finish the move with a decent album "Blood and Steel: Fight Till the End".

This installment combines Volumes One and Two plus additional tracks completing the year long journey. The fine thing is that besides the digital release and a CD this particular one has the chance to come as a vinyl LP into your hands.

Currently 100 units are on offer as a 150g Black gatefold vinyl through a pre-order page of RFL Records.

This format feels different and I think its suits very well to the sound Corners Of Sanctuary are working on so it would add a rougher and more dirty tone to your listening enjoyment.

The newest video “Into the Night (I Still Remember)” reflects to what I've written above. Besides the sound it's also the video that kicks me so heavy into their music.

Finally you can also see them live in 2022 if that's the best experience for you.

January 29th 2022
Room Two Twenty One
An old fashion freeze
Dixon City, PA

March 6th 2022
Reverb
w / Doyle
Reading, PA

Check the band's Facebook - maybe you can purchase tickets directly from them.

12/10/2020

Livestream Calendar 2020/2021

Since the pandemic is still having us all in heavy grip the only way to have some live music experience is coming through the internet. My last post about this is already a bit older so I decided to open up a new one.  
 
Please consider giving a little donation or buy some band merch if you like what you see or hear. Broadcasting livestreams sadly ain't a free thing. Bands need to have some equipment for it that they usually don't have so they need to buy or lend it at least mostly in exchange for some cash.  

Upcoming shows

John Diva & The Rockets Of Love
Online Release-Show for the new album "American Amadeus"
Friday 15th 2021, starts at 20h CET
 
Leprous
perform "The Congregation" album in it's entirely
Saturday 16th 2021, 20h

OPUS' BLIZZARD B-DAY BASH 2021

Saturday 23th January 2021
Starts at 7PM. Sharp!
Featuring...
DEAD BY WEDNESDAY
EARTH (BLACK SABBATH Tribute USA - Special Unplugged Acoustic Set)
KINGS & LIARS
MARC RIZZO (Guitarist of SOULFLY - Solo Shred)
*Plus more surprises!!!

*Includes premier of DBW's new song "Mars in Exile" & more TBA!!!

Streaming Live on:
YOUTUBE, FACEBOOK, & TWITCH here:

YT: https://www.youtube.com/combatrecords

FB: https://www.facebook.com/toadsplaceofficial

Twitch: @BrainwaveHQ

Metal Storm: The Deep Freeze Fest 
Saturday, January 23rd 2021 starting at 8pm ET 
hosted by RAR personality, DJ REM.
 
Featured bands include:
Viral Strain (UK)
Brotality (US)
Matalobos (Mexico)
Blood of Angels (US)
Corners of Sanctuary (US)
Pressure (Sweden)
Illusions of Grandeur (US)
 

Past Shows  

Little Caesar 
streaming their entire debut album
Saturday, December 26th at 3 PM, Eastern
  

 
Maahes
The Egyptophile black metallers are streaming their complete "Live at Woid Weyd Metal" show on Facebook.

 


 
Wrecking Ball Metal Fest 
Saturday,December 12th 2020
the first band performing at 1pmET.  
Bands schedule to perform include:
Syteria (UK)
Strike Master (Mexico)
Corners of Sanctuary (US)
Agressor (Costa Rica)
Threatpoint (US)
The Recasts (US)
Seventh Chaos (US)
Powerless Rise (US)
 
 

Online charity Mezivrchy Festival
December 19th 2020, at 2 PM UTC+01 – DEC 20 AT 12 AM UTC+01. 
Bands schedule to perform include: 
Purnama [death/black metal]
Welicoruss [symphonic black metal]
INNERSPHERE [thrash/melodic-death metal]
Pačess [metal]
V.A.R [thrash metal]
We Are Dust You Turn Into [death metal]
F.A. King [rock]
In addition, you will see a fire show by Alterna!

4/21/2020

EP Review: Corners Of Sanctuary - For COS and Country (Traditional American Metal, 2020)

The newest output introduces a new vocalist. Did that change the band's well known sound formula?

War is a topic that is covered through many songs of Corners Of Sanctuary.
Well, it all start's suprisingly with a fast paced track. "Victoria" holds a strong riff from start to finish with a short but in-the-ear biting refrain. The new frontman introduces a traditional organ with classic metal characteristics. It's a short track but gives a good kickstart to get into the mood.

Track 2 "The Raid (For God and Country)" reduces the speed to midtempo. This piece of music shows more diversity added in terms of riff variation, drum pattern as well as vocal presentation. It's warmly welcomed by the reviewer. There's so much saturation of the sound that stems from the vocalist that it may feel overwhelming on the start. Sure a track worth many rounds of listening - so many details to discover in here.

The "Desert Angel" is a even more complex thing. Once more the tempo is set slow and the intensity of the vocal work goes a heavier route. It partly makes use of more modern vocal touches - the longer hold of higher parts for instance. The many guitar splitters and effects worked in here make it a special one. It all made me push the repeat button - I needed to find out how all of this comes together.

The next one comes around faster. "Sandstorm Salvation" is a more straight forward number with powerful shout out refrain. It's all built to let some energy fly around - short in duration and guitars and drums all set a more easier way. Warmly welcomed after a potion of complexity.

A instrumental closes the EP. It's a short collage of guitar sounds. It would be great to know how this is can be played on the guitar properly.

Finally to answer the question from the start I'd dare to say the band has put more eye to detal on "For COS and Country". Most of the package needs a closer listen and the vocals contribute a even deeper part as ever before.

For all of you guys out there with a faible of traditional material that like to re-listen with a close ear a strong recommendation.

Here's the opener of the EP "Victoria".

Purchase the music as Compact Disc through the band's own webpage with a paypal payment.

12/27/2019

Corners Of Sanctuary close the year with free new EP

We're close to go into a new year and decade. What do we leave behind on this way? That was one of my thoughts when I heard that traditional metallers Cornerns Of Sanctuary are about to put out their newest EP entitled "What we leave behind" between the years.

The newest output comes around as a free download. The Metalheads Forever Magazine is offering the files for a limited time only.All tracks were mastered by icon Bill Metoyer who add's his special extra to the music.

The coverartwork somehow fits to my thoughts of 2019 and the stars in the sky carrying hope for 2020.

If you'd like to support the band you can purchase a copy of the mini album on a physical CD. It's available at shows of the band at the merch table. The silver round holds three extra live tracks not available with the download version. Metal Machine, On The Hunt and Wrecking Ball are the live songs that have been recorded on the recent West Coast Tour of the band.

For all the latest show dates make sure to see Corners Of Sanctuary's Facebook page.

4/21/2019

100 remastered vinyl copies of Corners Of Sanctuary's Galloping Hordes available

Some opportunity's only come once your way in life... This experience from real life may also count for the vinyl album offer of Old School metal revivalists Corners Of Sanctuary.

This is how the originally intended cover artwork looks like

Currently 100 copies are up for pre-order as a crowdfunding campaign the band set up on Qrates.com. If you decide to pick up a copy for 17.98 Dollar plus shipping and handling you'll be rewarded with remastered sound, optimised for vinyl by Bill Metoyer. A bonus track plus a alternative cover round out the package.

It is available until 30th June 2019. You can stream the whole record on the Qrates page if you're not sure about the album yet. Or stream the title track right here.

In other news the band is working on a new album plus further singles and will continue to play shows in the upcoming months. This band is for sure all about taking chances.

April 26 - Threatpoint Benefit - Wilkes-Barres, PA
April 29 - McStew’s - Levittown, PA
(supporting Blaze Bayley formerly of Iron Maiden)
May 4 - TBA
May 17-18 - Finger Lakes Metal Fest 2019 - Clyde, NY
June 6 – Cherry Street Station - Wallingford, CT
June 7 – Trish Stock – Oswego, NY
June 8 – 33 Golden Street – New London, CT
June 28 - TBA
June 29 - Basement Transmissions - Erie, PA
July 27 - Vinyl Closet Records Metal Fest - Norristown, PA
August 30 - Border Bar - Wilkes-barres, PA
September 11 - Skinny’s – North Hollywood, CA
September 12 - TBA
September 13 - Whiskey – West Hollywood, CA (supporting The Iron Maidens)
September 14 - Malone’s House of Metal – Santa Ana, CA

12/03/2018

CD Review: Corners Of Sanctuary - The Galloping Hordes (Traditional Metal, 2018)

How can a band being rooted in the traditional metal sounds move further? Corners Of Sanctuary have proven that this is possible with the newest output "The Galloping Hordes".
Corners of Sanctuary - The Galloping Hordes cover
 I remember being positively surprised when I first heard "The Metal Machine" album back in 2015. This band woke lots of great memories of how everything started with metal music for me. Corners Of Sanctuary always pushed on forwards in the meantime with further releases and extensive tours.

"The Galloping Hordes" album marks a turning point for me. The band sticks to it's roots but has heavily worked on their sound. It's now cleared up and pushes the listener heavier. The bass comes more to the front but only on a real stereo not on smartphone or laptop speakers. This surely is one of the effects working with a legend like Bill Metoyer for mixing the record.

The music on this disc remains quickly recognizable as typical COS music but in addition to that the US band worked closely on the details of the sound (e.g. more outworked refrains with multiple layers and backing vocals this time). The tunes are riff driven, they feature lots of fun like riding the rollercoaster riffs ("A soldiers last (a drunken battle hymm)"). The rhythm has become faster on some tunes like the title track, comes around dirty and direct and sometimes slightly slowed down. ("Cloak Of Fear").

Most tracks center around the vocals but "Vengeance Of The Warrior" sets a focus on the guitars. The only weaker number for me was "The Lies In Your Eyes" because that felt a bit "simple" compared to the other songs. The last track rounds out the package and feels like a encore bringing you home. 

If you like it old school but look forward instead of living in the past this album is for you-

Purchase-Link
Remember the smell of opening a sealed CD with a printed booklet inside? Do yourselves a favour and get the silver disc through the band's website.

German readers can also order through the Mediamarkt retail chain website and pick up the Compact Disc a few days later from their local store. Maybe they even have it in stock, use the media station in the CD section of your store to search quickly. 

For fans of the digital music: you can pick the mp3 files from Amazon, too.

Preview-Video
Have a taste with the video of the track "Hail, Hail". It was filmed while the traditional metallers toured Germany this summer.

7/09/2018

Corners Of Sanctuary push harder on "Finding Sanctuary"

What I like so much is to see bands evolving. It's always great to have a ear and eye at the start and to see what happens next. Corners Of Sanctuary have developed a lot throughout the time that lays beyond.

Having always been a solid metal band that kept it mostly mid-tempo the band has revamped it's sound with much more power (lot's of double bass drum attacks on this one) and extended work on the vocal side. Their newest track "Finding Sanctuary" taken of the best of compilation album of the same name displays that perfectly for me.

Would like to have and keep that song? Now problem, it's currently up for free download from the band's homepage.

The complete “Finding Sanctuary” album can also be downloaded for free when fans purchase a limited-edition “Kiss Your Ass Goodbye” tour shirt exclusively designed and distributed by LA’s rock fashion guru Metal Babe Mayhem. To receive a 15% discount, use promo code COSMBM15 at checkout by visiting the official Corners of Sanctuarty website by July 10th. 

Update 2018/07/13: The deadline has been extended 'til July 21st. This means the shirt is still available with the same discount code from the link above. Every order also comes with a free download of the "Finding Sanctuary" album.

The new collection, which was mastered by legendary LA producer Bill Metoyer (Slayer, W.A.S.P., Armored Saint), contains 11 tracks, including four completely re-envisioned songs: “Unsung Hero,” “Ready for Battle,” “Eighty-sixed,” and the titled track “Finding Sanctuary”. The physical version of the album is only available at the band’s live shows in either CD or cassette format.

The cover for Corners Of Sanctuary's release "Finding Sanctuary", (c) by Corners Of Sanctuary, used with kind permission
Speaking of live shows: the band will tour Germany in a few weeks plus do more gigs in the US in 2018. Here are the full dates:

July 13th - Hanover, PA
July 20th - Ardmore, PA
August 10th - Frankfurt, Germany
August 11th - Uelsen, Germany
August 13th - Genk, Belgium
August 15th - Hanover, Germany
August 17th - Oldenburg, Germany
August 18th - Lingen, Germany
September 2nd - Long Branch. NJ
October 14th - Baltimore, MD
November 4th Santa Ana, CA.
November 7th - North Hollywood, CA
November 9th - West Hollywood, CA
November 10th - San Diego, CA


A brand new studio album has also been put out in the meantime. Corners of Sanctuary’s fifth album, “The Galloping Hordes,” released on Killer Metal Records, is now available digitally and will be released on CD in the beginning of August.

8/18/2017

Corners Of Sanctuary show how Dreams sound like

Take chances when they come across in your life. At least as long as they include something good for you. That's what I would recommend to people out there thinking about this topic.

Corners Of Sanctuary recently had the chance to break out of the band's sound formula. This may sound strange for a band rooted in the traditional Metal sector but I like to see band's leaving their boundaries behind and daring to go new ways. It's impressive to hear a spectrum of feelings in it. The drums stand out a bit. It's not often that I've heard double bass drums on a slower track but here it works to my surprise. Read on and find out how that new song "Dreams" came to life and listen while reading. It's a longer read but well worth it.

"We wanted to try something different," said Mick Michaels, the band's founder and guitarist. "I had the opportunity to work with Kayla last year while producing Powerless Rise's first album. I knew she would make a great fit for the direction this song was meant to go in," he continued.

Breaking out of the routine
The song is a strong departure from the band's usual delivery of the modern classic heavy metal sound. "I think we managed to maintain our signature traditional style. It's definitely COS. We just tweaked the formula a bit to create another layer of the band's personality. You can't be afraid to take chances," Michaels added. “This is a sweet track! It actually strikes a nice balance between catchy hooks and the usual Heavy Metal sound. I think people will love it,” said Jason McGathey, President of Exquisite Noise Records regarding the new single.


The artwork of the new Corners Of Sanctuary single "Dreams", (c) by Corners Of Sanctuary, used with kind permission

Lyrics co-written with Drummer Mad T
Inspired by a friend as a challenge to do something different, Michaels wrote the music but co-penned the song's lyrics with drummer Mad T. "After the music was demoed, I asked T what he thought and if he had any ideas for the arrangement. He said he really liked it and handed me some lyrics he had already written. They fit. We did some rewrites and adjusted the arrangement... T wrote the bulk of the lyrics, I just COSified them," Michaels explained. “The lyrics were actually written a few years back,” states COS drummer Mad T. “When I heard the song, I knew immediately they would work. I’m absolutely blown away with how this song turned out. The combination of Kayla and the music. The song literally feels like a dream!” he added with a smile.

Status of upcoming album
"Dreams" comes on the heels of the band's recent completion of their "yet-to-be-released" fifth studio album, "The Galloping Hordes". The album, which began recording in late 2016, was being worked on in between the band’s hefty live date schedule and is slated to release this Fall.

"We are hoping to get the album out later this year. But there's no rush," said bassist James Pera. "We have a lot of stuff going on at the moment and when the time is right, it will be released," he added.

A promo shot of Corners Of Sanctuary done on a cold winter day, (c) by Corners of Sanctuary, used with kind permission

Song originally planned as Duet
When asked how he felt about having another singer take the lead for this single, current front man Frankie Cross quickly responded, "This band has done so much for me both personally and professionally. I am beyond grateful. For this song, we talked about doing a duet. I know that's what Mick originally had in mind for the song. But after hearing Kayla's recorded tracks, we knew immediately that having her voice as the lead was the right way to go. As a band we couldn't be happier with the way the song turned out."

In a recent interview on The Keep it Metal Show, the band talked about their consideration for releasing a video for the song in the coming months. “Some initial concept pieces have already been put together for a possible video. More so to give the song an even deeper complexity. But we will see. Like James said, we have a lot of stuff going on at the moment," commented Michaels.

“Dreams” is available on multiple online platforms such as iTunes, Amazon, and Spotify among others as well as on the COS website www.cornersofsanctuary.com/musiccatalog.html.

The song is also currently in full rotation on Digital Revolution Radio: www.digitalrevolutionradio.com.

Upcoming Tourdates
Look for Corners of Sanctuary this November as they make their way to California for The American Metal Mayhem Tour, November 3rd – 12th, sponsored by Metal Babe Mayhem.

September 22 - Coal Mine Taproom– St. Clair, PA.
(with Threatpoint)

September 23 - The New Penny – Scranton, PA
(with Threatpoint)

November 6 – The Rainbow Bar & Grill – West Hollywood, CA
(with Kantation & Taipan)

November 11 - The House of Metal at Malones – Santa Ana, CA
(with Resistance)

November 12 – C4CORadio.net – Santa Ana, CA
(In studio performance & interview)

More Dates TBA, check the band's website or Facebook page for updates.

12/29/2016

Interview with Corners Of Sanctuary (2016)

We started the year 2016 with a article about a video of the New Wave of Traditional American Heavy Metal band Corners Of Sanctuary. By that time they released a face expressive video for the track "Left Scarred" of the album "Metal Machine". In the last 12 months the band released more videos as well as a best of record and toured extensively. We shared many of that stuff here on the blog but who's standing behind the band anyway? What's their motivation to push on with so enormous power? Read about it in our little interview with guitarist Mick Michaels.

How did the band come together?
Mick Michaels: Corners of Sanctuary formed in 2011 after a brief reunion project with the 80’s band Seeker that took place in 2010. Several of us were involved in that project.  During that time we talked about working on material that reflected more of our music roots. Out of that Corners of Sanctuary was born.

A shot of the band Corners Of Sanctuary taken in fall 2016, (c) by Corners Of Sanctuary

Which sources do you use as inspiration for writing new songs?
MM: Everything seems to be an inspiration: family, friends, music, nature, history… It really is an infinite source of material to draw from. We just need to be open and aware that it exists. When we draw and write from experiences and the like, we find that the music has more of an honest quality to it – meaning we’re not trying to be or do something we are not. Songs always seem to flow better that way and I feel it is evident to the listener.

Do you feel that writing and performing music helps you to push on further with your own personal lives?
MM: Absolutely.  For me, music is an extension of myself. It is an opportunity for me to explore thoughts and ideas, so be creative, as well as a way for me to explore my own existence. I find great peace in writing.  I often learn something new about myself or am reminded of something I forgot.

Social media surely plays a big role in the communication between a band and their fans. Do you feel that fans contact with you more or less personally at gigs these days?
MM: There is no denying that social media has opened many doors to the band/fan relationship. If embraced properly and respectfully it can have great benefits. So it is not at all uncommon for us to meet fans at shows whose initial contact or introduction to us was through a social media channel. Communication today is worldwide and limitless – there is so much opportunity to meet new people.

Do you still prefer releasing music on traditional media like LPs, CDs and the like or do you feel the same satisfaction when putting out music digitally?
MM: We are definitely old school in that we enjoy releasing material that can be held and looked at by the listeners.  The album’s artwork and design along with all the liner notes, the music itself and its song order are all part of the total package.  Even the smell has an effect. There is something very special there.  However, we do understand the need and the demand to have material released digitally whether as an option to the album or as the only choice.  It is important that artists stay with the times and offer the fans diversity without losing integrity.

Have you ever experimented with other styles over the years and thought about changing?
MM: I think as a song writer, experimenting with other forms and genres of music is natural and very enlightening.  Trying different things gives us new perspectives… it can be very beneficial in the long run.  Over the years I have written a handful of rock, acoustic and country-esque songs as well as some instrumental and experimental type compositions that were used in some independent films a few years back. I also worked as a producer on a Rap EP back in 2008. But Metal has always been my primary focus.

The logo of the band Corners Of Sanctuary, (c) by Corners Of Sancturay, used with kind permission

Did you come along points where you thought about leaving it all behind? If you reached that point: how did you keep the motivation up to move on?
MM: Who hasn’t?   Being a musician is a non-stop roller coaster ride. Every day I ask myself “Are you sure you want to do this?”  And every day the answer is yes!  I guess when the day comes when yes is not the answer it will be time to do something different… maybe a circus clown!

What was the funniest story that came along your way when you performed live? Or did things happen that you would have never thought of to occur (not only at gigs but maybe anywhere else as well)?
MM: There are things happening all the time – big and small. Funny could be a relative term depending on the situation. Frankie has taken a few trips, slips and falls during some shows. But to tell you the truth we never really notice until after when he says something.  We are so used to him jumping around during the set, that even we think it is part of the show.

Recently, though, while we were on tour in the Midwest, we were traveling from Ohio to Chicago going through Indianapolis.  We had all but sold out of T-shirts at the previous night’s show and we still had a handful of dates to go.  So, while driving, James and I were on the phone trying to find someone who would do a rush order of shirt within 24 hours.  We were trying our best to have it done locally to our next show to make it easier.  During this a state trooper pulls alongside us and begins to give us the once over.  Within seconds the lights go on and he is pulling us over.  At this point James is still on the phone and placing an order for T-shirts.  The officer comes up to the passenger side window, where James is sitting, James rolls down the window and says to the officer “Sorry officer I am trying to order some band T-shirts for the next show.”  The officer looks at him and then me and asks for my “driver’s license and registration,” which I provide.  James is still talking on the phone.  The officer asks me to “step out of the car.”  I step out onto a massively busy Indianapolis highway and walk behind the truck and trailer to meet the officer who proceeds to ask me if I am “armed or carrying any knives or weapons of any kind?”  I said “no.” He said “are you sure?” I said “yes.”  He asks to pat me down and I comply.  He then tells me to get into the patrol car at which point “Deliverance” starts playing in my head.  I ask if there is a problem and he say no and tells me to get into the vehicle. I get into the car to find a giant K9 Sheppard sitting in the back seat which is now sniffing me down and breathing heavily over my shoulder. At this point I figured I wouldn’t be making it to tonight’s gig. All the while the rest of the band is casually sitting in the truck and James still on the phone placing a T-shirt order.  After the in-vehicle interrogation the officer tells me there is not an issue but warned me about driving too close to other vehicles.  He then asked me “who’s the guy on the cell phone?” I went on to explain he was our bass player and business manager. It turned out he was not a fan of Heavy Metal, unfortunately. But I was sent on my merry way and the high point of the story is, the T-shirts were ordered and arrived the next morning at our hotel!

Not sure how funny that was – but I will say it was not at all funny while it was happening. 

Thanks for taking the time to talk with me and sharing with your readers a little bit about Corners of Sanctuary. COSnROLL! \m/\m/

Remember to download your free copy of the track "That feeling we know" until January 1st 2017 from the band's homepage and to tune in to the band's Facebook page to keep up to date about the recording process of the new album and upcoming tourdates.

11/29/2016

Corners of Sanctuary shares an all new, original and free Holiday single

So it's this time of the year again when the daylight fades away so soon that the days seem to be so short as never before. But it's also the period of the year when the light of candles shines brighter than ever.

Corners of Sanctuary keep up their fine tradition of handing a free gift out to metal fans worldwide in this special time. This year we are gifted with a all new, original Holiday single entitled “That Feeling We Know". The track is being made available as a FREE download exclusively on the band’s website.

Mick Michaels has checked in with the following comment about the single release:

“We love this time of year… and what better way to express that sentiment than through music,” said Mick Michaels, COS founder and guitarist.

Over the past several years, the band has released a number of Holiday tracks to celebrate the season.
“I don’t know if we will do it every year, but it felt like the thing to do this year. Besides, we always have a great time doing it… so that counts for something,” added Michaels.

Corners Of Sanctuary sends happy holiday season greeting your way, (c) by Corners Of Sanctuary, used with kind permission

Corners of Sanctuary finish up the year with their remaining shows (see schedule below) and will be returning to the studio to continue work on their new album, “The Galloping Hordes,” set to release sometime in 2017.

December 2nd The Empire Concert Club w/Axemaster - Akron, OH
December 3rd Bobby’s Place w/Storms Within - Erie, PA
December 9th Irish Wolf Pub w/Beyond Fallen - Scranton, PA

Official Website: www.cornersofsanctuary.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CornersofSanctuary
Support the band: www.cornersofsanctuary.com/coscrowdfunding.html

7/28/2016

Corners Of Sanctuary hand out their "Declaration Of Metal"

New Wave of Traditional American Heavy Metal band CORNERS OF SANCTUARY (COS) announces the release of "Declaration of Metal", a comprehensive, retrospective compilation of the band’s music, comprised of tracks from their past five albums: “Breakout”, “Harlequin”, “Axe to Grind”, “Metal Machine” and “Driven Snow”.
Additionally, cuts from their first EP, "Forgotten Hero", and a brand new song, “Hyde No More”, with new drummer Mad T and featuring Of Ancient Descent guitarist John Coonan (former Seeker, Corporate Mass), round out the compilation.

The "Declaration Of Metal" logo, (c) by Corners Of Sanctuary, used with kind permission

"Declaration of Metal" track listing:
1. Only One
2. Juggernaut
3. Bleed With Me
4. Now We Must Live
5. Hellequin
6. On the Hunt
7. A Fist Full of Vengeance
8. Victoria
9. Left Scarred
10. Wrecking Ball
11. Driven Snow
12. Hyde No More

Here are the details of this new release:

“Corners of Sanctuary continues to charge forward. Declaration of Metal is surely a declaration alright; a declaration to keep moving forward and I’m very excited to be a part it,” stated Mad T. who has taken over the drums after a recent departure with Sean Nelligan Mad T also appears on “Victoria” and “Only One”, a song which he co-wrote with COS guitarist Mick Michaels.

“Declaration of Metal” is being made available in two formats: digitally and as a limited print US only cd through March Baby Media. (just click on the link to go to the Corners Of Sanctuary site where you can buy the compilation in mp3 or wave format).

A special mp3 download, which includes two bonus tracks, is also being offered exclusively on Boston Rock Radio’s official website.

As part of the promotional campaign for the compilation's release, a music video for "Victoria" is also being launched. The video, filmed earlier this summer, was produced and directed by AMA Films in the band’s hometown of Philadelphia.


A follow-up video for “Hyde No More” is planned to release later this summer.
COS continues to power on through 2016 with the second leg of their tour appropriately coined The Declaration of Metal Tour in support of their compilation release. The band embarks on a short New England string of shows which includes supporting Marc Rizzo from Soulfy on July 28th and another performance in August at this summer’s Metal Eternal Fest Tour’s Delaware show.

Corners of Sanctuary will begin work on their next full-length album in August which the band plans to release sometime in 2017. COS is also looking to schedule some West Coast dates in the Fall as well as working on a Winter 2017 excursion to Europe.

A COS crowdfunding page has been created to support the band’s touring efforts and is now live at their official website.  Please consider giving some money to keep the band on the road. Fans’ financial support is being gifted with several Official COS Nation Merchandise Packages including autographed photos and CDs, concert shirts, patches and supporters having their names listed on the COS website.

Upcoming shows

July 28 - Firehouse 13 - Providence, RI (with Marc Rizzo of Soulfly)
July 29 - The Cove - Worcester, MA
July 30 - The Bar - New Bedford, MA
August 6 - Oddity Bar - Metal Eternal Fest Tour - Wilmington, DE
August 20 - The New Penny Lounge - Scranton, PA (with Beyond Fallen)
September 9 - Cherry Street Station - Wallingford, CT (with Shallow Ground)
October 14 - Wrecking Ball Fest 2016 - Philadelphia, PA

For the latest band news and show dates, visit their official website and Facebook page.

1/01/2016

COS releases face-expressive video for Left Scarred

Happy new year everyone! Heavy Metal Underdogs wishes all of you a happy and healthy 2016. Let's start into the new circle with a great video of Corners Of Santuary. I think you'll see why I picked their video for posting here on the site - like the idea and way it was outworked. 

How much expression can be transported through the human face and body? A lot if you ask me. The traditional Heavy Metal Band Corners of Sanctuary has released a video for the track "Left Scarred" which gives a excellent expression of the lyrics through vocalist Frankie Cross. The black-and-white styled video completly centers around his performance of the lyrics/vocals through his body and face and I think he has done a great job on that.


But how does it feel to stand in front of a camera during the video shot? I often asked that myselves and here's some insight given from the frontman of Corners of Sanctuary Frankie Cross: "When action is called you must immediately immerse yourself not only in the music and words but in the reality of the song core itself and stay in that mental combat zone until cut is called. “Left Scarred” is not only the title but a tapestry of horror and hope.”

Corners of Sanctuary takes to the road in 2016 in support of the Metal Machine album with the “Wrecking Ball Tour”. A new crowdfunding page has been created to assist in supporting the band’s efforts and is now live at their official website.

Fans’ financial support is being gifted with several Official COS Metal Machine Merchandise Packages which include autographed photos and CDs, concert shirts, patches and supporters having their names listed on the COS website.

(c) by Corners Of Sanctuary, used with kind permission


Upcoming 2016 Corners of Sanctuary shows:

Jan 2nd - The Met - Pawtucket, Rhode Island
Jan 16th - Music Rocks Autism Showcase - Live at the Nail - Ardmore, Pennsylvania
Jan 22nd - The Grog & Tankard – Stanford, Virginia
Jan 23rd - The Riff House - Chesapeake, Virginia
Jan 30th - Reverb - Reading, Pennsylvania
Mar 4th - The Maywood - Raleigh, North Carolina
Mar 5th - Memories - Waldorf, Maryland
May 13th-14th - NEPA Metal Meltdown Fest - Pittson, Pennsylvania

For the latest band news and show dates, visit their official website and Facebook page.

12/17/2015

The Birthday Party gift: "Metal of Oz" download music compilation

Yeah, today it's my birthday. Time goes fast. I'm a year older and maybe a bit wiser. ;-)

And how could we celebrate this better than with music? Here's the soundtrack to the party: a free download sampler featuring fourty tracks mostly held in the style of good old 80's metal.. I think this should keep us going for a good amount of time. :-)

Enjoy and have a good time and thanks for checking in and showing interest in the stuff I post here.

(c) by Online Metal Promo, used with kind permission

Online Metal Promo, Focus on Metal podcast (USA) and Maric Media (Australia) have partnered to offer "Metal of Oz", a free digital download music compilation featuring a mix of 40 past, current and unreleased original songs from established and up and coming bands from the United States, Canada and Australia.

Legendary Australia rock / metal industry publicist Chris Maric has checked in with the following statement:

"Australia’s impact on the global scene is at an all time high and in the last few years the quality of musicianship coming out of our country has been world class. The bands represented on this compilation cover so many of metals intricate genres that Im sure there is something there for everyone. Enjoy!!"

Bands featured on the compilation include:
1. Arcane Saints
2. Azrael’s Bane
3. Blackened Angel
4. Blasted to Static
5. Broken Teeth
6. Canedy
7. Corners of Sanctuary
8. Daemon Pyre
9. Diamond Lane
10. Envenomed
11. Eternal Voyager
12. Flames of Fury
13. Gods of Eden
14. Gundriver
15. Hasta La Muerte
16. Hazmat
17. Heaven The Axe
18. Jimmy Lardner Brown
19. Kara and the Dam Band
20. Killen
21. Killrazer
22. Lillye
23. Lord
24. Lords of the Trident
25. Love N War
26. Maxxxwell Carlisle
27. Melody Black
28. One Kingdom
29. Orpheus Omega
30. Our Last Enemy
31. Outlaws & Moonshine
32. Platinum Brunette
33. Rabid Assassin
34. Segression
35. Shallow Ground
36. Silent Knight
37. The Arbitrary Method
38. Vanlade
39. Whoretopsy
40. Witchcross

Download the free songs, compilation artwork and track listing at this location.

12/03/2015

Corners Of Sanctuary giving away free christmas album

It's christmas time again. While the days are getting shorter and the heaven darker with every day it starts to get more comfortable inside. I like to watch those strings of lights at houses and have one in my flat, too.

Many years ago there was a compilation called "Banging 'round the X-MAS tree". Does anybody of you guys out there remember this? It was a EP on vinyl that included four christmas tunes in metal versions performed by Axel Rudi Pell, Jörg Michael and even more musicians from underground acts such as Steeler, Lions Breed or Living Death. I liked that stuff, finally some metal tunes for the silent time of the year.

My copy of the Banging 'round the X-MAS tree vinyl EP
But what about these days? Corners Of Sanctuary, a traditional metal band from Philadelphia, PA has taken up this path and compiled a album full of Christmas music. Entitled "Driven Snow", A Merry Metal Xmas III" this 10 track Holiday album will be available as a free download during the entire month of December in mp3 or wave format! Besides christmas classics such as "Silent Night" or "Jingle Bells" it also includes four brand new tracks that were written from the band themselves.

Update 10.12.2015: If you'd like to give a little bit back to the band and / or would love to support them here's your chance: the band is currently running a little Crowdfunding campaign on their website.

Corners Of Sanctuary ask you for a little bit of support so they'll have the chance of making a Tour in 2016.  In return for your money you can receive a mention on the website, MP3 downloads, CDs, patches, T-shirts and autographed photos depending upon the level of support. The tour kicks off on January 2, 2016 in Providence, RI. Dates for Rhode Island, New York, Ohio, Virginia, California, Arizona, Canada and Europe are currently being worked on.


(c) by Corners of Sanctuary, used with kind permission
Corners of Sanctuary guitarist Mick Michaels has checked in with the following comment:

"We are excited to release our new Holiday bum "Driven Snow" for 2015. This album marks the fourth installment of this seasonal release. It is a great mixture of traditional favorites and modern arrangements capturing the metal style of COS. The album includes four all new, all original tracks. Driven Snow will definitely make your merry metal!"

Have a Merry Metal Xmas - COSnROLL!

For the latest band news and show dates, visit their official Facebook page