Debut album from 1987 by this influential Seattle-based American band and one of the cornerstones of late-'80s US Power Metal. Fronted by the charismatic Warrel Dane, who would later achieve worldwide recognition with NEVERMORE, SANCTUARY emerged with a distinctive blend of Heavy Metal, Power Metal and Thrash Metal. The album was also produced by Dave Mustaine (MEGADETH), whose involvement helped launch the band's early career.
"Refuge Denied" stands out through its sharp riffing, dynamic songwriting and, above all, Warrel Dane's extraordinary vocal performance, packed with soaring high notes and the dramatic flair that would become one of his trademarks. Powerful, epic and melodic in equal measure, the album remains one of the definitive classics of US Power Metal and the starting point of one of Seattle's most influential Metal legacies.
