Seven, seven, a magical number that gives us so many references to the classics of our most universal metal. Siete is the reference to the seventh son of the iconic album by the Maidenthere were seven keys held by the guardian of the beloved Helloween as well as its much later 7 Sinners (2010), there are seven of the aforementioned capital sins and this Sanctuary of Death (2024) that concerns us is the seventh work of the true metal from Barakaldo Vhäldemar.
Four years have passed since its majestic Straight to Hell (2020) after which the famous warrior once again stars in a powerful and spectacular cover, absent of AI manufacturing, that invites you to raze, axe in hand and in the name of the almighty heavy metalany impure soul that dares to put itself before such a glorious cause.
It’s been a month and a half since its release, so most of you already know that what you have before you is pure enjoyment from start to finish. It’s just over 45 minutes that, if you manage to connect with its noble proposal, will fly by through 11 varied songs that do not hide their clear influences. If you were a fan of metal further true and epic or that power German that made it so hard for us in the nineties, this is without a doubt your album.
Few seconds are necessary after the play to notice how the skin crawls. The melody and chorus of “Devil’s Child” take us back to the years of Land of the Free (1995) in which Tito hansen solo made us fall in love again. But don’t worry, the gallop continues with “Dreambreaker” and its goosebump solos to slow down with the epic heaviness of “Deathwalker” in which Pedro he shines on the guitar.
The vocal tone of Carlosrough but sharp when he plays, enhances the epicness of the compositions, showing himself as one of the great singers of our scene and an overwhelming personality.
As he implied Raul In a recent interview in podcast Metal Corsairsyou can see the fact that we are enjoying those records that moved us as teenagers again. It is evident that this imprint remained in our memory and has been recovered for the composition of this work. The epic mid-tempo “Forevermore” is another example of what has been commented, as well as the inevitable hymn to a lifestyle that draws directly from the Keeper. You just have to listen to the riff initial.
One of my favorite songs from this Sanctuary of Death is the seventh part of “Old King’s Visions (Pt. VII)” which, if we are to believe Spotify, is also the second most played song on this album. Fast, epic and choirs that will destroy our throats in any of the live shows planned throughout the peninsula. Not in vain, they are one of the regulars in the next Legends and that we will not get lost for the world.
After “Journey to the Unknown” we change register, leaving the usual tone towards more hard rockers in an emotional tribute in “Brothers” that does not diminish intensity despite the stylistic difference with respect to the entire album, since the song manages to convey the exciting message.
“The Rebels Law” sends us galloping back into battle, armed to the teeth, towards the instrumental “The Last Flame” that closes the album. A song that begins with a delicate piano melody, which gradually increases in intensity with the entrance of the whole band, and ends by giving the lead role to the piano again, closing the album with that pleasant aftertaste of needing a second play.
Excellent work that will make those of Barakaldo bigger. If you had not managed to connect with his proposal, do not hesitate, this is the work that will recover everything you have missed in its 25 years of existence. I say this from my own experience, with their previous work they earned my trust, from now on they will be regulars.
Metal lover in all its styles. I live in the hope of being able to grow old attending concert halls and festivals. If rockers go to hell, let them save me a seat and a beer.
Health and Heavy Metal.
