Review Summary: Corners of Sanctuary's “The Galloping Hordes” is a double penetrating sword; able to capture the attention of newer Metal fans while filling that gap often felt with us older generation Metalheads.
In recent years, nostalgia has been all the rage. What was old is new again. This is the way of the world and a testament to those who came before. People also seem to gravitate towards the familiar. There is a certain level of comfortable and a level of acceptance with that of a familiar nature. Music has always followed similar trends and in modern times it is an accepted norm. Sounds, styles and looks have been copied, recycled and resurfaced for years over. So it should come as no surprise that artists and bands of today are taking cues, consciously or subconsciously, and yes for some, even unconsciously, from the artists of yesteryear. However, the goal is not necessarily to always do it better but do it with a twist.
This is such the case with the Philadelphia Heavy Metal band Corners of Sanctuary and their latest CD release titled “The Galloping Hordes.” The group is listed as traditional Heavy Metal but more specifically, classifying themselves as the New Wave of Traditional American Heavy Metal; which, by their own definition, is a mixture of influences from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal and American Metal era from the late 70’s and early 80’s. Fans of Metal’s early years will definitely gravitate towards this... in the vein of Judas Priest, Dio era Sabbath, Accept and early Savatage. But make no assumptions, this is not some run of the mill, throwback, recycled, copycat sound. Their website heralds their music as “the classic sound of modern Heavy Metal,” seemingly bridging the gap between yesterday and today and without a doubt, I would agree. A missing link has been found. Though nostalgic for some, which might appear like the band’s initial appeal or only attribute, however, this would be further from the gospel truth and I would most certainly beg to differ, encouraging the listener to go deeper. This band is all original and very refreshing. Like with any good, solid band, the influences are apparent but not to the point where they become a cheap knock-off of the original. Homage is paid, but their distinct style and sound packs a punch that can shake up the current status quo in Metal.
The CD starts off with the title track “The Galloping Hordes”. We are led into the song by a stampede of hooves and tank tracks, setting the atmosphere of the charge that awaits the listener. Bombastic is a fitting description. Track 2, “Encage, Enslave or Die,” follows with a progressive groove that gallops the track listing on and clocks in as the CD’s second longest song. The first being track 4, “A Soldier’s Last,” another progressive groove, coming in at just over five and half minutes. Which, by this band’s normal writing standards, is considered a long song.
Though the CD should be heard from start to finish, there are several notable tracks that should not be overlooked; track 3 “If You Dare,” track 5 “Hail, Hail,” track 6 “The Bitter End,” and the power Metal anthem track 8 “Vengeance of the Warrior.” These particular songs definitely embody the core elements of this band’s musical character and charisma; providing reason enough to take a listen to their back catalog. It is old school sounding, hard and heavy, but it’s modern Metal at its finest and it’s bad ass.
The music from “The Galloping Hordes” is a double penetrating sword; able to capture the attention of newer Metal fans while filling that gap often felt with us older generation Metalheads; which for us provides an option. We have been given a choice. It has the guitars, it has the drums, it has the vocals. Simply put: don’t let this pass you by.
Some additional notes about the album: “The Galloping Hordes” was recorded in Philadelphia and has been released on the German label Killer Metal Records and is available on their website. The CD was mastered by producer Bill Metoyer. To add to the band’s precedence of being old school, Bill has worked with the likes of Flotsam and Jetsam, Fates Warning, Omen, Tyrant, W.A.S.P. and the mighty Slayer.
