www.sacrosanct.online
SACROSANCT, established in 1988, released three albums during the early 1990s: ‘Truth is – what is,’ ‘Recesses for the depraved’ and ‘Tragic intense’. The SACROSANCT signature sound gradually progressed from sophisticated thrash metal to a more edgy, melodic and atmospheric aural landcape.
The brainchild of founding member and lead guitar player Randy Meinhard returned in 2018, after a 25-year hiatus, with their fourth album ‘Necropolis’. This highly acclaimed album bears all of the hallmarks and intricacies that defines SACROSANCT, with a strong emphasis on melancholic melodies and harmony guitar parts as well as a focus on thought-provoking lyrics.
‘Necropolis’ was engineered, mixed and mastered by Max Morton of Morton Studios, who – in close collaboration with Randy Meinhard - has also remastered the entire SACROSANCT back catalogue, expanded editions which have been re-released on CD and limited double coloured vinyl. A prolific professional with a broad clientele, Max has worked with a wide variety of acts, including prominent Ukrainian metalcore combo Jinjer.
Giannis Nakos designed the epic cover art for ‘Necropolis’, based on the band’s ideas, and it perfectly portrays the album’s dark subjects. It prominently features SACROSANCT’s new mascot, the Avenging Angel – the guardian and avenger of injustice.
Although initially intended solely as a studio project, ‘Necropolis’ was performed live in its entirety several times at festivals, alongside bands such as Iron Savior, Mob Rules, Paragon, Artillery and label mates Mystic Prophecy. The line-up featured Randy Meinhard and returning band member Gerrit Knol on guitars, Jonas Schütz on drums, Kees Harrison on bass and Richard F. Hesselink on vocals. When the latter two decided to take different musical paths, they were replaced by session bass player Mario ‘El Cappo’ Berendijk and vocalist Brew Brouwer who had just recorded harmony vocals for Dutch progressive metal project ’TDW‘.
By the time Covid-19 hijacked the world in March of 2020, Randy had started writing material for a new album. It contains eight brand new songs that comprise a musical spectrum that – although still true to its roots – shows the unparalleled range SACROSANCT is capable of covering.
Close to completion both the band and vocalist Ron Brouwer decided to split ways. Max Morton was available and directly offered his help.
So Max not only takes on the role of recording bass player but also stepped in as the new vocalist.
The band decided to give the vocal lines a fundamental revision, and offer Max as much artistic freedom as possible.
In addition to this, Lyricist Per Albinsson appeard on the scene, also working with Therion, Jaded Heart and Lord Belial umong others. After hearing the new tracks Per decided to bring his lyrical talent to the material.
Per ́s epic and inspiring lyrics put a finger on many a sore spot, relating tales and images that deeply move us as human beings, make us incredibly sad or infuriate us.
For ‚AVENGING ANGEL’ once again Giannis Nakos designed the epic cover art.
The release of the new album is slated for a release in March 2025.
Members:
Max Morton – Vocals, bass; Randy Meinhard – Guitars; Gerrit Knol – Guitars; Jonas Schütz – Drums
Per Albinsson - Lyricist
