Vhaldemar – Sanctuary of Death (2024)

My first encounter with Vhaldemar dates at least 15 years back, when they had just two albums on their back. I did not have the biggest experience in this type of music, so I was really blown away by their “Manowar meets Helloween meets Gamma Ray” style. But time flies and now we are talking about their seventh full length effort, with me having left no stone unturned concerning Power Metal and I tell that because we will need it down the line. 

The band’s trademark are perhaps the vocals of Carlos Escudero, that meet somewhere between Nils Patrik Johansson (Lion’s Share, Astral Doors), Andri Deris (Helloween) and Joe Amore (Kingcrown ex. Nightmare). As you understand we are talking about a hoarse voice, I like every vocalist I just mentioned, so as an extension I vibe with what I hear in Vhaldemar. It is understandable that this is not the case for everyone though.  

Concerning the other influential aspect, the guitars of Sanctuary of Death can vary in performance. I found that some rhythmic parts are serviceable, not for lack of skill, but rather for the reason I have heard similar stuff before. Of course there are times like the riff of Deathwalker that hits like a brick, where they sound metal as f**k. What I really loved were the solos that never lost my attention, as well as most of the leads. 

What really matters in the end are the compositions and Vhaldemar has something that can be perceived as a huge compliment or a drawback, depending the way you look at it. They show their influences so proudly, to the point they become their coat of arms. If someone told you that you play like the leaders of Power Metal, you should be very proud. Simultaneously, you don’t want your songs to frequently generate thoughts of other bands. Devil’s Child borrows its chorus from Lands of the Free, Dreambreaker’s one is the lost child of Helloween, Firewind called and asked Brothers back, while I can’t digest another song called/talking about Heavy Metal. 

Did I effortlessly finish the album enough times while enjoying it? Absolutely. Will I remember/revisit it one year later? For me, the issue with Sanctuary of Death is that it has many familiar patterns and ideas. It will provide momentary satisfaction everytime you hear it, but after that I don’t have many souvenirs to carry with me. 

In the end it is just a matter of what the group wanted to achieve and not everyone has to reinvent the genre. The way I see it, I look at a band that has been active for 25 years, members that are loyal to the music they love and chose to channel that passion into creating new music, which is something pure and honest. The position you have on your Metal path will also dictate your stance in this album. If you are on your earlier steps, you may be enthralled by our Spanish friends like I was all those years ago. If you miss this record it will not be the end of the world, if you worship its influences, you should definitely give it a chance. 

65/100

Pavlos Pavlakis

On behalf of Metal Domain