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Spring Lodge, Witham - DJ Revolution
Now imagine the scene: a hot Summer night, a group of people cooped in a typical sweaty venue clammering for air and a band having just witnessed a support act pull off what can only be described as a phenomenal set (that band being a certain ‘From Almost The End’). Most bands would whimper and "run to the hills". Not Sanctorum, not by a long shot.
I must confess to being a huge fan of any dedicated live band and having seen the Sanctorum boys before (and remembering they can barely legally buy their first Guinness) I already know what a show they put on. I last saw them in November 2005 and they have certainly gained a lot since then.
Firstly the image: they look like a "proper" metal band from my era (late 80's) in that they have long hair, wear black and use BIG Marshall and Boogie everything. They proceed to windmill said hair and thrash their heads throughout the whole set with youthful fury.
Secondly the sound: they are heavier than Stonehenge on a "fat" day and bang out furious riffs akin to Testament, early Metallica and Death with a technical prowess far beyond their years. Tight is not the word for what is essentially a group of mates who are yet to be offered a "real" contract....tight as… is the description I would use.
Thirdly I like to be entertained: and they entertain me. They can rage as they play and don't just stand there shoe gazing as can be said of some technical bands. Ash & Aaron fly around like madmen and obviously love having wireless guitars as at one point Aaron invades the audience to perform a shredding solo.
It is still the crunching Ancient Words that grabs me and many of the other audience members but after their album release I am sure more songs will get the same crowd reaction of hearty cheers. On record they are cruising for success, live they are positively hurtling towards it, bringing back the old school with a style and panache not seen for a number of years. Welcome to the new new wave of British heavy metal because if Mendeed are at the crest then these guys are certainly not far behind.
