Refuge Denied, originally released in 1987, is the first album of the Seattle thrash metal band Sanctuary. Initially picked up by Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine, the band recorded two albums for Epic and unfortunately disbanded not long after.
Mustaine took the honor to produce Refuge Denied, and to good effect. Its sonic recipe boasts some excellent guitar riffing by the band’s guitar players Lenny Rutledge and Sean Blosl, accompanied by aggressive but melodic vocals by Warrel Dane and driving bass lines by Jim Sheppard. It even features a cover version of Jefferson’s Airplane “White Rabbit”.
Refuge Denied would prove to be the stepping stone to the equally excellent follow-up Into The Mirror Black. Dane and Sheppard would later form Prog Metal band Nevermore.
Refuge Denied is available as a limited edition of 1000 numbered copies on blue vinyl and includes an insert with lyrics.
Tracklist:
SIDE A
1. Battle Angels
2. Termination Force
3. Die for My Sins
4. Soldiers of Steel
SIDE B
1. Sanctuary
2. White Rabbit
3. Ascension to Destiny
4. The Third War
5. Veil of Disguise
Label: Music On Vinyl
Released: 1987/2026