Unsanctum
Ignite The Skies

November 2003
Released: 2003, Cacophonous
Rating: 3.5/5
Reviewer: Lord of the Wasteland

Unsanctum is a British band whose members are only 17-18 years old, but don’t reduce them to “kiddie metal” or a novelty act because of that. IGNITE THE SKIES is a mixture of traditional black metal and modern hardcore. The songs are fast, short (11 tracks in 33 minutes) and intense but still very listenable, which separates the band from the typical grindcore mess. Vocalist Tom sounds as if he is shredding his vocal cords in each song. The guitars are very prominent in the mix and during time changes, some soloing is also present. The drums crash through you and the pounding bass will rattle you, as well. “Dawn The Black Winds” has a cool middle passage where things slow down a bit, but there aren’t any songs that really jump out at you. However, taken as a whole, the songs on IGNITE THE SKIES make for a damn fine collective.



This CD and this band pleasantly surprised me. IGNITE THE SKIES is an excellent debut that should get them some notice.