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

Everlit talk about their way in new lyric video

Everlit are a hardrock band from Philadelphia. They released the lryic video for their new single "A Phoenix Will Rise", off of their upcoming EP, due out on June 20th. The band will be playing their EP release show at Bull Shooters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the full band lineup for the show will be announced soon.

The video has a message so they band did choose the preview track for the EP with a certain intention. Ryan Panfil says about the video: "We're excited that A Phoenix Will Rise was the first song we got to share with everyone. It's a story about where we came from but it's also intended for our fans who have or need to overcome things in their own lives."

(c) by Everlit, used with kind permission

To me the video came with a surprise. I wasn't certain about what to expect but keeping in mind that lyric videos can be a strong presentation both in a optical but also a lyrical way this one hooked me up a lot. In fact I did let play the video on repeat once I got the full message of the track and discovered all the fine structures that have been put inside.

The track is very infectious and groovy. It's also a earcatcher since the refrain once it got you won't let you go. But what I love even more is the guitar in the second verse. It gives the track this special kick. Plus there are these changes and different aspects in the vocals that totally got me. Sometimes they are held clear, other sentences are spoken with a special tone and on certain parts you can hear screams that are well placed and fit very well to the lyrics. If you give the full video a run-through (please do so - it's not long. All in all nearly a three minute song.) you'll be rewarded with a message I think everybody should be aware of.

I'll keep a eye on the band that's for sure. If you also want to keep track of the band do so connecting with them through Facebook, Twitter or have a regular look on the band's website.