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”.
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, and Europe, 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.
Tour Dates 2026:
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 @ Crucible-Blades Of Steel
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.
Drummer Dave Budbill exclaims:
“Very stoked to be signing with such a kick ass Metal Label. Sanctuary is Back”!
Weblinks:
www.sanctuaryofficial.com
www.facebook.com/sanctuaryfans
