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CORNERS OF SANCTUARY : "Metal Machine"

The introduction from the band's website: "Hailing from Philadelphia, PA, Corners of Sanctuary formed in 2011 to bring back the roots of Classic Heavy Metal.

Driven by the power and inspiration given to us by Metal music, C.O.S. has ignited the fires of Classic Heavy Metal, bringing the genre full circle as the sounds of yesterday live again as the sounds of today in the New Wave of Traditional American Heavy Metal (NWoTAHM) genre! Hard hitting, head banging, straight forward Heavy Metal is the mission - nothing less will do. Old School is back with a vengeance.... Metal Has Returned!"

I don't think that the "NWoTAHM" abbreviation is going to be a catchphrase you'll hear everyday, but never mind, let's ask a few questions... Mick Michaels of Corners Of Sanctuary answers.

1. How has the reaction to your latest CD been?

Mick Michaels: Since its release last October, the overall reaction to “Metal Machine” has been very positive. There seems to be something for everyone on this album; it's a very eclective arrangement of songs, as it stands as a representation of our roots and serves as our homage to the style that started it all. We are very proud of this album and very happy “Metal Machine” has been so well received. 

2. How long did this CD take to make from start to finish, recording-wise?

MM: We recorded the album while we were out supporting our previous record "Axe to Grind". During the time between those shows we worked on the recordings. It was over the course of several months to have the album completely recorded. Mix down and mastering was additionally about the same. 

3. What kind of 'sound', production wise, did you have in the back of your mind, prior to entering the studio?

MM: We definitely wanted to capture the old school Metal sound and feel with this album. That sound is part of what we have been doing since the beginning. However, not to dramatically date the material, we maintained modern standards with today's recording methods and practices. 

4. What kind of input did the producer have during the process?

MM: Since I was the album's producer, I can say without a doubt he had a lot of input. J Being able to produce “Metal Machine” gave the band and its vision the voice it required to bring the album to life in the way we wanted it to be. We did not want to be swayed from that vision. This particular style of Metal has been placed in a very small niche market to begin with – it is not main stream. Outside influences would have taken the vision off course.

5. And are you pleased with the final outcome? (sound - production wise)

MM: Absolutely! As a band we are ecstatic about the final product. It is how we envisioned it and more.  Everyone involved: the band members, the engineers, studio staff, etc., all did an amazing job in my opinion.

6. Did the producer use any (weird) experimental mic-ing and/or recording techniques?

MM: We worked with multiple layered recordings with several of the tracks to create depth and dimension. We also experimented with pitch variation overlays with certain tones and notes. This gave the music a thicker center ground to anchor other tracks to and offered a much more dynamic audio range.

7. How did you go on about capturing your 'live sound' in the studio, or perhaps you didn't?

MM: We actually look at recording an album as one view of the music and performing live as another view of the music… each having its own distinct stamp on the material. Music is living and breathing, and with that, it has the ability to grow and change overtime. It can be organically and it can be by design. We use a little of both. So we approach each scenario individually with the idea of achieving different goals. To achieve more of that classic sound, “Metal Machine” does have less keyboard parts than our earlier records. This offered us more room for the guitar and vocal to be out front, which in turn, allowed us to capture more of that classic era essence.

8. Please inform us about your favourite songs and lyrical highlights and why?

MM: “Wrecking Ball” is one of my favorite songs on the album. It just captures that raw, in your face power. It is such a driving song musically as well as lyrically… there’s no mistaking its intensity. “Wrecking Ball” has become a crowd favorite at the shows. “Tomorrow Never Comes” is also one of my favorites, as it expresses the need for all of us to live for today. The song has a strong underlying message and the musical arrangement only enhances the gravity of that message.

9. Any overall theme of mood that you're trying to capture while writing songs?

MM: For “Metal Machine”, lyrically, the overall theme of the album revolves around a person's perspective of war and its effects on the individual as well as the social and moral upheaval had by its experience. However, the songs on this album were written in a way that several meanings could be derived from the lyrics. Originally we were going to do a tongue and cheek album about Heavy Metal and lay in all the cliché that surrounds it. But as we approached to start that process, it was evident right from the beginning that this was not who we are and quickly decided to stick to our guns and do what it is we do. From that point forward, the album seemed to write itself. 

In general, though, our songs usually center on battle and war themes as well as self belief and empowerment.

10. Does your vision for coming up with music get affected at all by time?

MM: I think it's inevitable. We all change over time – everyone and everything do in one way or another – it’s hard to avoid it. There is actually great power and inspiration in change. It can definitely keep things fresh. It can also have the opposite effect if we choose to resist it. If embraced and harnessed, anything can be possible. I welcome change as a positive ally.

11. Did the record company interfere with anything on your "sound" and songs?

MM: We are fortunate enough to be with a label that is very supportive of our style and sound. Because of that, they were confident with our direction and the decisions we made when making this album, including bringing Stu Marshall on board to master the record, the design of the album’s artwork and the release date. We are excited to be working with Metalizer Records. 

12. Are there any 'crazy' behind the scenes anecdotes from these sessions that you can share with us?

MM: The recording of the album itself went relatively smoothly. The only real issue we had, and in hindsight, only a small bump in the road, was when right before the vocals were scheduled to be recorded, Frankie had considered stepping down. Several things were going on at the time and for him there were some stressful points that needed his full attention. To keep things moving forward, Sean went in and laid vocal tracks for the entire album. However, in the end, things worked out and Frankie did what he needed to do. No beat was missed.

13. How would you describe the sound of your new CD to any potential new fans?

MM: There is no mistaken the classic Heavy Metal sound and feel on this record... and that's exactly what we wanted to achieve. This album was our way of paying homage to our roots. It is a modern interpretation rather than a bad imitation. The music has been labeled the “New Wave of Traditional American Heavy Metal”. But it is so much more than that. And regardless of what it's labeled, the music will keep your head rockin' and your foot stompin'.

14. Who are your influences and heroes? (music-wise)

MM: The bands that have most influenced me personally are Judas Priest, Accept, Kiss, Savatage. Guitar players who I have always admired are Glenn Tipton, KK Downing, George Lynch, Jake E Lee, Chris Oliva, Ace Frehley, John Sykes and Vivian Campbell.

15. If there's anything you'd like to add, say, please do:

MM: Thank you for giving Corners of Sanctuary the opportunity to share a little about the band with your readers. We also want to thank all the fans who have been supporting us - you have made this possible. Also a shout out to our staff who keep the COS train moving. If you want to know more about Corners of Sanctuary visit us at www.cornersofsanctuary.com or join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cornersofSanctuary . Thanks so much – COSnROLL! \m/\m/

Photos from the band's facebook page.

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