Album Review: Corners of Sanctuary – Wonderful Time of Year (A Merry Metal Xmas VII) (Vinyl Closet Records/Exquisite Noise Records)

Christmas is a time to say I love you and what better way than through a song! Classic Metalheads Corners of Sanctuary (COS) are staying true to their annual Holiday tradition and have dropped another brand new, all original single, “Wonderful Time of Year.”

Said COS guitarist Mick Michaels in a recent MBM interview:

A holiday track has definitely become a tradition with Corners of Sanctuary. It’s something we hope to continue to do each year…the fans seem to really enjoy it.

The jolly new track released on Black Friday, November 27th but this year fans get even more Christmas cheer. As on November 30th, the single was bundled together with several previous COS original Holiday releases as part of their “Merry Metal Xmas VII” package for 2020 and made available digitally through Exquisite Noise Records (US).

Added Michaels:

More now than ever, we need as much positive energy in the world as we can muster up and if that means writing a holly, jolly holiday song then so be it… we’re on board 100%!

I must confess to not actually being aware that Corners of Sanctuary have been doing these Christmas releases for some time. That my first review of one of these albums would come with the 7th instalment is a bit of a shocker seeing as how much we here at GBHBL adore rock and metal Christmas music.

There’s a lot to catch up with but for now, let’s all enjoy this 8-track jolly holly head-banger! Which kicks off with the brand-new track, Wonderful Time of Year. A groovy upbeat rocking tune that has a kick-ass chorus that you’ll find hard to not sing along too.

It’s something with a bit more of a metal bite to it with On This Night afterwards. The riffs with a bit of dashing dynamism to them. Whereas Counting the Days ‘till Christmas Comes is rooted in such a classic metal sound and has sharp synth layered throughout.

So far, so very festive and so very original.

It’s now time for something much mellower and suitably grand sounding with the chill of December Wind. An assured highlight of the album. Before it’s back to the classic metal groove and good-time holiday spirit with That Feeling We Know. Followed by the darkest and meatiest sounding track so far in Driven Snow.

Don’t get down though, there’s plenty more upbeat festive metal goodness to come. The penultimate track, Hold On to Christmas, proving to be another classic Corners of Sanctuary singalong. Before the super-synthy instrumental finale of Get Ur Jollies brings a smile to the face one last time.

They’re having fun, we’re having fun. It’s metal and Christmas combined. What more could you ask for?

Corners of Sanctuary – Wonderful Time of Year (A Merry Metal Xmas VII) Full Track Listing:

1. Wonderful Time of Year
2. On This Night
3. Counting the Days ‘till Christmas Comes
4. December Wind
5. That Feeling We Know
6. Driven Snow
7. Hold On to Christmas
8. Get Ur Jollies

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