Published: October 16, 2020
In an October 2020 conversation with Gino Alache, Sanctuary guitarist Lenny Rutledge reflects on the 30th anniversary of Into The Mirror Black, the band’s legacy, and the path forward following a defining era in metal history.
Sanctuary stand as one of the defining forces of the late ‘80s and early ‘90s American metal scene, bridging the gap between traditional heavy metal and thrash with a sound that would leave a lasting imprint on generations to come. With the release of Into The Mirror Black (30th Anniversary Edition) on October 9, 2020, the band revisited one of their most revered works, reaffirming its place as a cult cornerstone of the genre.
In this interview recorded on October 16, 2020, guitarist Lenny Rutledge speaks with Gino Alache for Rockum Radio, offering a detailed look into the legacy of Into The Mirror Black and the significance of its anniversary edition. Originally released in 1990, the album marked a critical and artistic peak for the band, becoming their final studio release before an 18-year hiatus.
The reissue not only presents a remastered version handled by Zeuss, known for his work with Queensrÿche and Iced Earth, but also includes rare material that expands its historical value. Among these additions is a previously unreleased full live recording from 1990, capturing Sanctuary at what many consider the height of their original era.
During the conversation, Rutledge reflects on the decision to finally release this live material, revealing how the recordings resurfaced years later and became part of a long-awaited archival project. The inclusion of demos, rare photos, and liner notes transforms the anniversary edition into more than a reissue it becomes a document of a defining moment in metal history.
The interview also touches on the band’s evolution following the passing of Warrel Dane, whose voice remains one of the most distinctive in metal. With Joseph Michael stepping in as the band’s vocalist, Rutledge discusses the balance between honoring the past and embracing a new chapter, addressing how Sanctuary continues forward while preserving its identity.
Beyond the anniversary release, the discussion moves into the band’s future, including early plans for new material under the working title Transmutation, as well as the ongoing search for a new lead guitarist to complete the lineup. These elements highlight a band that, despite its legacy status, remains active, evolving, and creatively driven.
The conversation also revisits Sanctuary’s place within the broader metal landscape, from touring alongside bands like Megadeth and Testament to their connection with the Seattle scene that would later give rise to acts such as Alice in Chains and Soundgarden.
Moving between legacy and continuation, this interview captures Sanctuary at a moment of reflection and resurgence a band looking back at a landmark release while steadily building the next phase of its journey in heavy metal.
