Review of Sanktuary - "Winter's Doom"

A SICK SURPRISE FROM THE GREAT WHITE NORTH

By: Geoff Teach

When I think of the Yukon Territory, far up yonder ‘round Canada way, I think of vast, frozen tundra, mountains, moose, and the Aurora Borealis...not wickedly sick thrash metal. Seriously, there is only one true city in the entire province, the capital Whitehorse, and throughout the whole of the region, the climate is a balmy “Subarctic”. Knowing this, you’d probably immediately think black metal, and I wouldn’t blame you. However, late last month, Whitehorse natives Sanktuary released their new, aptly-titled full-length Winter’s Doom (Independent), and instead of depressing, slow, and cold, what greets the listener’s ear is fast, furious, and fun – or, in other words, a total surprise in every great way imaginable.

Sanktuary’s Winter’s Doom is a supercharged, beer-soaked thrash fest of epic proportions. From first listen, my impression was of Toxic Holocaust, Warbringer, and touches of Death in the production, composition, and vocal stylings. To be pithy, Winter’s Doom is magnificent. Relentless, contentious, and raw, this release from these four Canadian thrash prodigies is absolutely all killer, no filler.

Like a crazed, rabid dog, Winter’s Doom sinks its teeth into you and never releases, shaking and growling all along. “Space Race” and “Wild is the Wind” surge out of the gate, while “Vermin Lord” is nearly seven minutes of total thrash annihilation (and also my favorite cut). The title track, “Winter’s Doom”, is as addictive as mainlining morphine, and other gems such as “Open Your Eyes”, “Corpse Blockade”, and “Maximum Authority” finish off this seven track instant classic in outstanding fashion. Truly I tell you, there isn’t a weak link in the entire Winter’s Doom chain – and, if you allow them to by listening, Sanktuary will pummel you with said chain within an inch of your sloppy, stoned life.

Keep it Metal! \m/

Give “Space Race” off of Winter’s Doom a listen: