SANCTUARY
Officially Sign to BLKIIBLK
Unleash New Track “Not Of The Living”
On Global 40th Anniversary Tour Now!
Today, legendary American heavy metal band SANCTUARY is proud to announce their
official signing to BLKIIBLK. To celebrate, the band returns with a powerful new chapter in
their storied career: the brand-new single “Not Of The Living.” A new lyric video comes along with the track and is available to view below.
On the signing to BLKIIBLK, SANCTUARY founder Lenny Rutledge comments:
"SANCTUARY is really excited to sign with BLKIIBLK. We are looking forward to working
with our new team to bring future SANCTUARY music to metal fans all over the world!"
"Not Of The Living" marks SANCTUARY’s first new material since the passing of original
vocalist Warrel Dane and stands as a bold statement of rebirth as they celebrate 40 years
of uncompromising heavy metal.
Mike Gitter, Global Head of A&R for Frontiers Label Group and BLKIIBLK Label
Head, exclaims:
“We’re excited to be working with SANCTUARY. Already a legendary band, in 2026,
they’re building upon that legend and taking it one step further. When [European head of
A&R] Aldo Lonobile and I heard the songs, they had begun recording for their first full-
length since their last full-length ‘The Year The Sun Died’ [2014], it was
clear, SANCTUARY were back making some of the most vital music of their career.
"Vocalist Joseph Michael (Witherfall) has stepped in for the late Warrell
Dane(Nevermore) and carried the ball magnificently. Lenny
Rutledge (SANCTUARY founding guitarist) is not only taking SANCTUARY’s legacy
forward, but it already feels like he’s intent on exceeding it."
Drummer Dave Budbill exclaims:
"Very stoked to be signing with such a kick ass Metal Label. SANCTUARY is Back!"
Produced and mixed by acclaimed producer Zeuss (Queensrÿche, Metal Church, Rob
Zombie, and Witherfall), “Not Of The Living” captures SANCTUARY’s classic blend of
dramatic songwriting, soaring melodies, and crushing riffs while delivering a modern sonic
impact. The track also features a blistering guest guitar solo by Jake
Dreyer (Witherfall, Demons & Wizards, Iced Earth).
Joseph Michael, vocalist for SANCTUARY, shares:
“The band and I are very happy to announce our partnership with heavy metal's
PREEMINENT record label BLKIIBLK! We hope you enjoy this new chapter in the history
of SANCTUARY. We look forward to bringing you new music while also honoring the
past.”
Now, with more new music on the horizon, SANCTUARY are preparing to embark on a
wide-ranging 40th Anniversary World Tour, celebrating four decades of metal history.
For the tour, SANCTUARY has recruited guitarist Will Wallner (Neon Dragon, Ex-White
Wizzard) on 2nd lead guitar. The tour will span North America, South America,
andEurope, featuring special sets highlighting the band’s classic albums ‘Refuge
Denied’ and ‘Into the Mirror Black,’ alongside fan favorites and new material,
including “Not Of The Living.”
Festival appearances confirmed for the tour include some of the most respected
gatherings in the global metal community, including Keep It True, Hyperspace Metal
Fest, and Hell’s Heroes. A full list of dates is below.
SANCTUARY Live:
4/18 - Vancouver, Canada @ The Rickshaw/Hyperspace Metal Festival
4/22 - Athens, GR @ Piraeus Club Academy
4/24 - Geiselwind, DE @ Tauberfrankenhalle/Keep It True
4/25 - Drachten, NL @ Iduna
4/26 - Hamburg, DE @ Logo
4/28 - London, UK @ The Underworld
4/29 - Kortrijk, BE @ Dvg Club
5/01 - Zoetermeer, NLS @ Boerderij
5/02 - Andernach Rheinland-Pfalz, DE @ Juz Live Club/Andernach Metal Days
8/16 - Washington, USA @ Substation/Soldiers Of Steel
8/22 - Mexico City @ TBD
8/23 - Mexico City @ TBD
8/25 - Lima, Peru @ TBD
8/27 - Chile @ Concepcion
8/28 - Santiago, Chile
8.29 - Buenos Aires, Argentina
8.30 - São Paulo, Brazil
9.18 - Wisconsin, USA
With a new single, a worldwide anniversary tour, and a renewed creative
drive, SANCTUARY continue to honor their past while forging ahead into the future.
