Philly Metal Headbangers Corners of Sanctuary Strikes Again with “Hunter Prey”
“Hunter Prey,” the latest single by Philadelphia’s powerhouse, Corners of Sanctuary (COS), once again epitomizes the band’s unyielding fighting spirit, asserting their contemporary take on authentic traditional Heavy Metal.
“For any band, the ultimate goal is to craft exceptional music,” remarks Mick Michaels, founder and guitarist of COS. “And that begins with staying true to oneself. We’ve always composed the music we yearn to hear… I believe it’s the most sustainable approach for an artist.”
Featured on the extended EP “Metal Up” under SODEH Records, “Hunter Prey” stands as the EP’s inaugural single, marking Corners of Sanctuary’s 42nd release in their illustrious 13-plus year career. “Metal Up” boasts a total of eight tracks.
In support of the new EP, Corners of Sanctuary has embarked on numerous shows, including appearances at Sonar Fest 2024, alongside former Metal Church vocalist Ronny Munroe and Denim and Leather. Additionally, summer dates in Canada are confirmed, with a prospective West Coast Tour slated for the fall. (See schedule below).
COS continues to dominate the Indie Charts with several tracks, including their renditions of the Osmonds’ “Crazy Horses” and Warrant’s “Inside Out,” along with a surprising charting of their 2023 Holiday track, “Get on the List.”
“Miracles do happen,” adds Michaels. “We’re immensely grateful for the opportunities bestowed upon us and strive to seize each moment to its fullest.”
“An outstanding new single… simultaneously classic and innovative.” – Rikki Lee Travolta, 30 Second Music Review, It’s Showtime with Rikki Lee
“These guys are phenomenal… their work ethic is truly admirable.” – Carl Canedy, Drummer of The Rods
“Hunter Prey immediately commands attention… it’s relentless, leaving Metal enthusiasts craving for more.” – Doug Russ, The Rawk Dawg Show
“…COS has hit the mark once again. Hunter Prey embodies that signature COS sound with a darker edge.” – Chris Natalini, The Brothers Grimm Radio Show, The Cosmick Voice
“Unapologetic, adrenaline-fueled guitar crunching, a pure onslaught of raw Metal.” – Rooster Jordan, Flashback Radio
Corners of Sanctuary (COS) is a New Wave of Traditional American Heavy Metal band that emerged from Philadelphia in 2011, driven by a passion to revive the essence of Classic Heavy Metal. In 2012, they unveiled their debut album, “Breakout,” which garnered positive reception. This success was swiftly followed by the release of “Harlequin” in 2013 through Pure Steel Records in Germany. Later that same year, their third album, “Axe to Grind,” hit the shelves under La Mazakuata Records in Mexico. In 2014, “Axe to Grind” received a re-release in Europe courtesy of Pure Steel Records. COS inked a deal with Metalizer Records in Germany in 2015, leading to the critically acclaimed album “Metal Machine,” mastered by Stu “The Hammer” Marshall, guitarist and producer of Death Dealer.
Corners of Sanctuary has graced stages across the United States, Europe, and the UK, sharing the spotlight with renowned artists such as Saxon, Anvil, Stryper, U.D.O., Butcher Babies, Grim Reaper, and many more. Their impressive roster of performances includes collaborations with notable figures like Tim “Ripper” Owens, Tracii Guns, Enuff ‘Z Nuff, Joey Belladonna (Anthrax), and Damon Johnson.
In 2018, COS unleashed “The Galloping Hordes” on Killer Metal Records (Germany), a remarkable album mastered by the legendary producer Bill Metoyer (Slayer, W.A.S.P., Armored Saint, Fates Warning). That same year, they embarked on a European tour and a subsequent US West Coast tour. The band commenced work on their upcoming album, “Heroes Never Die,” scheduled for release in 2020. 2019 witnessed COS supporting Bulletboys, Grim Reaper, Blaze Bayley, Last in Line, Janet Gardner, and the Iron Maidens, and gracing the stage of the iconic Whiskey A Go-Go.
As 2019 drew to a close, COS delighted their fans with three EP releases: “Hold onto Christmas,” “Metal Brigade” (on 7″ vinyl), and “What We Leave Behind.”
In June 2020, COS signed with RFL Records (US) and unveiled their album “Heroes Never Die” in October 2020. The band remained active in 2021, releasing “Blood and Steel: Volumes One and Volume Two” and the album “Fight Till the End” across digital, CD, and Vinyl platforms. They also collaborated with Faster Pussycat, the Three Tremors, Enuff Z Nuff, and made a return appearance at the Whisky A Go Go with Kill Devil Hill.
Throughout 2022, COS shared stages with Canedy, Doyle, Tantric, the Iron Maidens, Trapt, and made a notable appearance at SonarFest. They achieved success with their cover of Def Leppard’s “Mirror, Mirror,” which led to the release of the tribute EP titled “Defying.” Additionally, COS unveiled their second best-of compilation, “Metal Never Dies.” In 2023, the band remains devoted to crafting their forthcoming full-length album, “Vengeance of the Fallen.” They also treated fans to an extended EP titled “This is Metal,” featuring a cover of Judas Priest’s classic “Breaking the Law.” The year is already marked with scheduled shows alongside A Light Divided, Enuff Z Nuff, and Spread Eagle, as well as performances at SonarFest 2023 and a return tour to the UK in April of the same year.