This band from Rouen is surrounded by an intense and uncompromising universe. Sanctuary as redefines their contours of hardcore with raw authenticity and undeniable passion. Join us in discovering how these sound artisans forge unbreakable bonds through their music and how they continue to innovate and inspire despite the challenges of our times. Michel Damien has granted us this exclusive interview that will make you pulse to the rhythm of their stories, hopes, and their own, albeit dark, vision. Let yourself be captivated by their story and join us for a deep exploration of what makes the heart of Sanctuary beat.
1. The band formed in 2021 in Rouen/Evreux during the heart of COVID, were you previously in Primal Age, Nuisible, As We Bleed, Lazare, and Absone?
This project was not necessarily meant to become a band. Johann (ex-Primal Age, Absone) and I (ex-Lazare) decided to play together again after many years. We've been driven by a passion for hardcore since our adolescence spent together, and we wanted to play that specific type of hardcore. The kind from Morning Again, Reprisal, Spirit of Youth. Our friends, formerly from As We Bleed and the band Nuisible, joined the adventure through Jul, Akwell, and Alan.
Unfortunately, our brother Julien passed away suddenly in the meantime, and at that moment, we didn't know what to do with the band, which had become secondary during this terrible ordeal.
Damien, aka Furet, former Nuisible and from the band Pilori, found the strength to replace hima so that this project could continue. It certainly marked a pause in the creation process, but we managed to get our heads above water and continue for him and for us.
2. In 2022, you described the Rouen scene as being dormant despite several bands in the region, has it woken up since that time?
Not particularly, but due to a lack of venues that can host hardcore shows. There are passionate bands and audiences, but few places to express themselves.
3. You released "Forever" in 2022, an album revolving around rage, anger, despair, and depicting the world as you see it?
It's difficult to see signs of positive evolution in these times, in my opinion. So yes, all this frustration, rage, and despair are reflected in the lyrics and the music. They are a personal outlet more than a politicized and partisan guideline. About our lost friends, the general violence, and a certain nihilism.
The title of the EP "Forever" is a tribute to Julien. He will always be with us.
4. You discuss nihilism in your texts, if it asserts the absence of intrinsic meaning in life and rejects all traditional moral values, what basis remains for action and decision in our daily lives?
Showing our loved ones that we are there for them, that what we have lived together for so many years has meaning. Almost all of us are parents, and what is most important is to pass on our moral values to our children, who will, of course, do with them what they will in time.
The years pass and yet everything seems to move too quickly for us, so we try to fit into this era and transcend the fact of being merely products of our environment.
5. The word Sanctuary is often used to describe a place of refuge or safety, a place where people can express themselves freely and escape the pressures of the outside world, is this the sense in which you chose this name?
We are aware that it is not a very original name, but we are not looking to revolutionize anything either. We are long-time friends who have experienced as much happiness as sadness together, so yes, in a way, it is our sanctuary, our outlet and our way of playing it.
6. At the beginning of May, you were filming the music video « Hear Death’s Rattle », is it about to be released and who did you call upon for the filming?
The track and the video will be released in July. We did this with Mikael Leclerc from Alternative Factory, who also sings with me in Lazare among other things.
7. The loudmouth called Facebook indicates that you are in the studio, will we have the right to a full album this time?
No, there will be two tracks, one of which will be released as a video, as previously mentioned. Our family and professional schedules do not allow us to have enough time to compose regularly. And even without that, I think the album aspect is outdated given the speed of communication on social networks, which unfortunately are today the bulk of a band’s communication. We will only make EPs or sporadic titles. We are also not part of the French hardcore hype, so we do it at our own pace.
We are recording these two titles at Avatar Production, a studio in Rouen, which, by the way, belongs to the drummer of Lazare.
8. Will the themes addressed once again follow the same line as those of the EP « Forever »?
Assuredly, I could not write anything else. They will be even darker. More vivid. More intense, just like the two new tracks.
9. Unfortunately, you had to cancel your participation in Licorne Fest, will there be other dates in perspective soon or will your summer be calm on that front?
A calm summer without a doubt. We are in negotiations for a few dates for the end of 2024 and 2025. We always have this scheduling problem and of course, it’s something we don’t control; it will depend on the willingness of the bookers to schedule Sanctuary.
Thank you for highlighting the small hardcore bands like us.
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After some time has passed, we see that Sanctuary seems to be deeply rooted in friendship and a passion for hardcore, navigating between tribute and personal expression. The desire to compose has returned on their side, striking with each creative surge, pouring out their deep rage and giving birth to solid works. This seems to be inspiring for their future. We wish them good and happy times on stage soon among the dark visions they sing, and we will closely monitor the development of the next songs that we eagerly await in July. Because we believe that this group is ripe for much better visibility.
