Artist: Sanctity
Album: Road To Bloodshed
Label: Roadrunner Records
Reviewer: Derek

Sanctity is: Jared MacEachern - vocals/rhythm guitar, Zeff Childress - lead guitar, Derek Anderson - bass, Jeremy London - drums

It is no surprise when listening to Sanctity to find out that Matt Heafy (lead throat of Trivium) is responsible for the rise of these slayers. Sanctity, like Trivium, gives musical props to their metal forefathers. Where Trivium had a distinct ode to Metallica, Sanctity gives you a more melodic representation to Testament. The difference is Chuck Billy could never pull off the sing along parts the way MacEachern so masterfully does on "Road To Bloodshed".

Imitation is one thing, but imitation with enough originality is quite another? As I sit here writing now, my head is bobbing, my feet are tapping, and the change in guitar "parts" are keeping me on the edge of my seat. Each song has it's own message and intertwining licks to keep the listener motivated for the next tune. While Jared MacEachern is the backbone of this band. His fret board assault is the tempo the band rally's around, while he grunts and sings one hell of a game. To say he is the 2007 Matt Heafy (as name to remember if you will) is an understatement.

I would also be remiss if I did not mention Zeff Childress. He could be this generations Dave Mustaine, he simply finger taps the fuck out of his guitar!

When Matt Heafy recommended Sanctity to Monte Conner (Roadrunner), Monte said "SANCTITY is straight-up, guitar-based, melodic heavy metal. I received a video of the band's song 'Zeppo', and besides showcasing the blazing fretwork of lead shredder Zeff, the main thing I got from the video was a sense of how of much a star the vocalist (Jared) really is. He knows how to command a stage and has an overwhelming presence. The minute I saw Jared in action, I knew I had to sign the band. Of equal importance, he's got an amazing vocal range and a fresh style compared to what's out there today." After watching youtube listening to the album numerous times I can't help but agree w Monte. Sanctity is old school, yet has enough originality to warrant being labeled "one of the great new bands of 2007".

Track Listing:

01. Beneath The Machine
02. Brotherhood Of Destruction
03. Road To Bloodshed
04. Laws Of Reason
05. Billy Seals
06. Zeppo
07. Beloved Killer
08. The Shape Of Things
09. Flatline
10. The Rift Between
11. Seconds
12. Once Again