Biography

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.” 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 (also of 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."