Please tell us a few words about the new release, about the music on it as a whole or a few words on each track in part. How are you happy with the final release?
Corners of Sanctuary has just released a new EP titled “Blood and Steel: volume one” We are very happy with how everything came out...the EP is a bit darker and grittier, showing a slightly different side to the band’s music.
With EPs, we like to experiment with different ideas and techniques...giving us a chance to explore.  “Blood and Steel” has an edge to it that offers listeners a new take on that “Corners of Sanctuary” sound.
The first single, “We All Shall Fall,” is already out and has a lyric video.  The second single, “Calling a New Day,” will be out in a few weeks and will also have a lyric video attached. Plus we pay tribute to a former bandmate and friend who passed just before the pandemic happened.  His voice appears as the narration on the track “A Fitting End.”

How would you describe/label the music on it? Does it sound like anything we might have heard before?
We have what’s been called a “throwback” sound. We’ve called our style of music the New Wave of Traditional American Heavy Metal...it’s even been referred to as “the modern sound of classic Heavy Metal.” In either case, or however it ‘ called, the music we write is a culmination of our roots and influences but without being a blatant copycat...sure there are always gonna be some elements of this or that...it’s inevitable for any artist or band, but the music has its own unique qualities that sets itself  apart as being original.

Where was it recorded and how much time did it take you to record it? Any interesting stories from the recording/producing the material?
It took about four months to complete “volume one,” mostly in part because of the scheduling around some of the restrictions that are still in place...but otherwise it was a pretty smooth process. We actually started the EP while our album, “Heroes Never Die” was in pre-promotion.  The EP was recorded at Magic Ears Studios in Philadelphia and it was mastered by Blood Feast guitarist, CJ Scioscia at Le Chateau Bow Wow Recording in New Jersey.
I guess the most interesting story from the sessions for the EP is that our singer Frankie Cross lost his voice during the recording, which delayed things for a little bit. But thankfully it was nothing serious.  We are currently working on “volume two” which is slated to release this summer.

What can you tell us about the cover artwork? Is there a link between the artwork and the lyrics? What are the topics of your lyrics?
We thought the artwork should reflect the feel and flow of the tracks...so we wanted it to be dark and ominous but without going overboard...so we asked to have the imagery kept to a minimum but have it convey a sense of impending doom and urgency...and I think that was captured, especially with the faint silhouettes of the soldiers piercing through the fog in the background....something is about to go down. A Creation Productions did a fantastic job.
 
What do you expect to gain through this release? What are the band's aims at the moment?
Being in a band is a continued cycle of writing new music and releasing said music...it’s all part of the process to ultimately share what it is we are doing with others. The music has always been an outward expression of an artist’s feelings, emotions...the good, the bad, the ugly...it’s a snapshot of the band at that moment where the audience is invited in, but at the same time, it’s just a stop along the way, not the final destination. So what it is now is not what it was and not what it will be later.
We hope that everyone who hears it will enjoy it and takes away from it what they find most value.
We definitely plan to be doing this for many more years to come.

Is there a special format the material is released in? Or is it released in multiple formats? How many copies were pressed?
At the moment, “Blood and steel: volume one” is only available as a digital release through RFL Records.  “Volume two” will also be a digital release.  However, we are working towards making the final edition a physical release...but in what format(s) has yet to be decided upon.

Where and how will you promote this new release?
We are promoting the EP’s release worldwide through a variety of channels including the label’s PR efforts as well as several third party agencies...and of course through all our social media platforms. The EP’s first single, “We All Shall Fall,” has already been gaining a lot of airplay and even made it to number #2 in Australia.

Where can we order it from? 
“Blood and Steel: volume one” is available through RFL Records and can be ordered on their website at www.rflrecords.com. It’s also available at Spotify, Amazon, Deezer and many more places... https://smarturl.it/7sbflp . As well, you can also visit the band’s official website at www.cornersofsanctuary.com. 
Thanks so much for talking with me today.  We appreciate all your support.  Please take care...stay strong, be safe and COSnROLL\m/\m/

Corners of Sanctuary
Official: www.cornersofsanctuary.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CornersofSanctuary
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cosnationmetal
Twitter: www.twitter.com/COSnROLL

April 2021