Artist description A unique blend of thrash, speed, black, and death metal. Our influences are derived mostly from the European metal scene. The guitar work is the main focus of the band blending harmonies and great solo work. The drumming blends styles from 80's metal to modern black and death metal. You'll swear too that you're hearing classical music in there too. You're right!

Music Style melodic black/death metal

Musical Influences In Flames, Mercyful Fate, Iron Maiden, Opeth, King Diamond, Emperor, Death

Similar Artists In Flames, Mercyful Fate, Katatonia, Dissection

Artist History Sanctorum formed in February 1998 by Michael Daimon and Dennis Downey (Somnus) after the first project started by the duo (along with ex-Apocrafyx drummer Chris Noble) didn't work out. They knew that there had to be a change in the death and black metal scene here in the States. They wanted a style to call their own blending classical influences with Scandinavian metal influences too. The result.... Sanctorum. After recruting Joseph Waltz (Black Trinity), they recorded "Gods of Forever" in the summer of 1998. They released it as a special edition on Halloween night at the Music Macabre fest in 1998. They received a huge ovation and sold many copies of the release that night and after that at other shows. Their first big show came when they opened for Deicide in December 1998 in Indianapolis. After that, they opened for such acts as Dimmu Borgir, Emperor, Samael, In Flames, Amorphis, Moonspell, Overkill, and many more. The band also recorded cover songs on six Dwell Records Tribute albums (Judas Priest, Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath pt. 2, Slayer pt. 2). The other two were Kreator and Destruction recorded after Daimon's dismissal. In November 1999, the band decided frontman/vocalist Michael Daimon be dismissed. In an unprecedented move, Sanctorum went on to perform one mediocre show and dismantled. Later, Somnus would recruit Dennis Downey on lead guitar and bassist Steve Rolf. After taking a long time off from the scene for personal and financial reasons, Michael Daimon decided it was time to resurrect the band, release the 1998 release, and reform with new members, and record the second album in 2004. Keep checking back with us to see what new developments have materialized. The onslaught continues!!!!

Group Members Currently: Michael Daimon: vocals, guitar Michael Corey: drums Previous lineup: Michael Daimon: vocals, guitar Dennis Downey: lead guitar Steve Rolf: bass (1999) Joe Waltz: drums Duane Morris: bass (1998) Brian (last name?): (2000)

Instruments (2) guitars, (1) bass, (1) drums

Albums Gods of Forever (1998, re-release in 2003), numerous Dwell Records compilations

Press Reviews "The strongest side of this material is in my opinion, the guitar work. I must admit that in frames of such melodic style I haven't heard too frequently equally well executed riffing. Really talented and skilled instrumentalists who went far beyond simple imitation of Swedish trends." - Metal Side

Location Lakewood, OH - USA

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