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Sanctorum - Ashes Of Redemption
After the overall potential shown on their self financed ‘The Heavens Shall Burn’ album. Sanctorum (originally known as ‘Devolution’) return to bring us another slab of metal that more than holds its own against the elite metalcore bands at present.
This four piece wrecking crew hailing from Colchester (UK) have really hit top form on ‘Ashes of Redemption’. Whilst it’s not ground breaking or cutting edge it is easily on par with anything put out by the likes of ‘Darkest Hour’ and ‘Himsa’ which just shows you the quality on show.
On first listen ‘Ashes of Redemption’ is simply thunderous; with its relentless bulldozer like structures every track simply shakes the foundations and re-arranges your surroundings.
Album opener ‘Carved in Stone’ simply spoils you, Enormous riffs, chaingun like footwork and throat shredding vocals.
‘Sorrow of Man’ displays the overall excellent musicianship of ‘Sanctorum’ especially the solo work of Ash Lewis.
With the likes of ‘Against Us All’ Sanctorum adds more of a groove to proceedings, not dissimilar to early ‘Snub’, whilst the epic title track houses an absolute enormous chorus that wouldn’t seem out of place on any ‘Arch Enemy’ Album.
You have to wait until ‘The Reckoning’ for any relief from the all out metal onslaught, with this subtle instrumental interlude it comes perfectly placed and completely lures you into a false sense of security.
Sanctorum really turn up the heat on the following tracks ‘Call To Arms’ and ‘Fallen’.
But ‘Ashes of Redemption’s greatest moment is by far the monstrous beatdown found in album closer ‘Take It All’. ‘Dimebag’ (R.I.P) himself would be proud of this killer slab of riffage.
Another highlight is the excellent percussion work of ‘Matt Alston’. His choice of beat compliments everything throughout ‘Ashes of Redemption’ and simply delights the ear.
So after multiple listens I can confidently recommend Sanctorum’s latest release to any fan of heavy music. The production from Dave Chang is sublime as always and he’s really captured Sanctorum’s enormous wall of sound. The artwork presentation is superb just like the music that accompanies it. If you’re after some of the best metal at pesent, look no further than ‘Ashes of Redemption’.
Pros:-
Matt Alston’s percussion compliments superbly throughout .
The outstanding beatdown on ‘Take It All'.
The excellent guitar work by ash lewis on the track ‘sorrow of man’.
Cons:-
The backup vocal chants throughout ‘ashes of redemption’ can seam quite weak compared to the excellent vocal performance by 'Aaron Sly'.
Brutal Elite Rating 7/10
