Published: April 10, 2026
The legendary US heavy metal band introduce their first new material since Warrel Dane’s passing and prepare for a global tour celebrating four decades of metal
Legendary American heavy metal band Sanctuary have entered a new chapter with their official signing to BLKIIBLK, accompanied by the release of their new single “Not Of The Living”, marking their first new material since the passing of original vocalist Warrel Dane.
The track represents both a continuation and a transformation for the band, as they move forward while preserving the identity that defined their place in heavy metal history.
Guitarist and founder Lenny Rutledge commented on the signing:
“SANCTUARY is really excited to sign with BLKIIBLK… to bring future SANCTUARY music to metal fans all over the world.”
“Not Of The Living” stands as a significant moment in the band’s timeline, representing their first new material since the passing of Warrel Dane. The track continues the band’s evolution with Joseph Michael (Witherfall) on vocals, who has been performing with Sanctuary in recent years, carrying forward the role originally defined by Dane, whose legacy remains central to the band’s identity.
The transition reflects both continuity and renewal, as the band continue writing new material while honoring their past.
This evolution was already part of the band’s long-term vision, as discussed in a Rockum interview where Lenny Rutledge reflected on the band’s legacy and future direction:
Read the interview with Gino Alache (2020).
Produced and mixed by Zeuss (Queensrÿche, Metal Church, Rob Zombie), the track captures Sanctuary’s classic balance between dramatic songwriting, melodic intensity, and heavy riffing, while incorporating a more modern production approach.
The song also features a guest guitar solo by Jake Dreyer (Witherfall, Demons & Wizards, Iced Earth), adding another layer to its sonic depth.
According to label executive Mike Gitter, the band are entering a renewed creative phase:
“It was clear… SANCTUARY were back making some of the most vital music of their career.”
To mark four decades of activity, Sanctuary will embark on a global 40th anniversary tour, spanning North America, South America, and Europe.
The tour will feature material from across their catalog, including “Refuge Denied” and “Into The Mirror Black”, alongside new material such as “Not Of The Living”.
SANCTUARY LIVE — 2026
Apr 18 — Vancouver, Canada — The Rickshaw / Hyperspace Metal Festival
Apr 22 — Athens, Greece — Piraeus Club Academy
Apr 24 — Geiselwind, Germany — Keep It True
Apr 25 — Drachten, Netherlands — Iduna
Apr 26 — Hamburg, Germany — Logo
Apr 28 — London, UK — The Underworld
Apr 29 — Kortrijk, Belgium — DVG Club
May 1 — Zoetermeer, Netherlands — Boerderij
May 2 — Andernach, Germany — Andernach Metal Days
Aug 16 — Washington, USA — Substation / Soldiers Of Steel
Aug 22 — Mexico City — TBA
Aug 23 — Mexico City — TBA
Aug 25 — Lima, Peru — TBA
Aug 27 — Concepción, Chile
Aug 28 — Santiago, Chile
Aug 29 — Buenos Aires, Argentina
Aug 30 — São Paulo, Brazil
Sep 18 — Wisconsin, USA — Crucible / Blades Of Steel
Sanctuary have maintained a lasting presence within heavy metal, with performances that continue to resonate with audiences across generations, as documented in Rockum’s coverage of their live impact during an emotional show in Toronto (2018):
Read the concert report (2018).
LINEUP (CURRENT ERA)
Lenny Rutledge — Guitar
Joseph Michael — Vocals
Dave Budbill — Drums
Will Wallner — Guitar (Tour)
With a new single, a worldwide anniversary tour, and a renewed creative direction, Sanctuary move forward while preserving the legacy shaped across four decades, balancing remembrance with a clear intention to continue evolving.
Written by Gino Alache – Music Journalist
Photo Credit: Dirk Behlau
Watch “Not Of The Living” below:
