Sanctuaire - Le sang sur l'acier

Sanctuaire is one of those lesser-known Canadian black metal gems that has probably been lost somewhere in the shadow of bigger bands. Monarque Helserkr, known from Monarque and Forteresse, has been working on Sanctuaire in a solo-project capacity alongside his other bands since 2013.

Le sang sur l'acier, released in 2016, is a very good four-track EP. Its basic formula consists of fast-paced and extremely melodic black metal in a distinctly Canadian vein. Dramatic keyboard passages are also used generously.

The result is a success. The songs combine a healthy dose of aggression with an almost melancholic emotional atmosphere. Although the record is unmistakably a product of the 2010s, the soundscapes it conjures up seem to come straight from 1990s Scandinavia.

The strong production is complemented by pleasantly raspy French-language snarled vocals. Alongside the pure black metal fury, the record also incorporates some tastefully executed folk influences.

Le sang sur l'acier is a fine release, with an excellent sense of melody as its greatest strength. Sanctuaire is a band worth keeping an ear out for, alongside Forteresse.

Track list:
01. Graver sur les pierres, les souvenirs d'hier
02. Le sang sur l'acier
03. Lune
04. Chasse sauvage

Links:
https://sanctuaire.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/helserkr
https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Sanctuaire/3540379816