Indonesian band Sanctuary delivers raw metallic hardcore on their latest EP, Sins. Across five tracks, they rely on heavy chug riffs, harsh fry vocals, and beatdown-ready breakdowns. While there are flashes of grit and groove, the overall execution often feels inconsistent, making the record more listenable than truly standout.
The opener, “Who,” immediately sets the tone with heavy chugs, twangy accents, and aggressive fry vocals, but the breakdown feels awkward and off-kilter. “War” shows improved focus, with more cohesive drumming and riffs and bass driving the energy harder, making it one of the strongest tracks on the EP. “End” comes in harder and occasionally hypnotic, slowing into a spaced-out riff passage before collapsing into a predictable breakdown.
Unfortunately, “Greed” struggles due to clunky mixing and a sluggish pace, making the rawness feel unintentional rather than deliberate. The closing track, “Free,” introduces variety with punk-flavored drums, but by this point the formula feels worn. Even the attempt at clean vocals at the end comes across as weak compared to the rawer moments earlier in the EP.
Overall, Sins clearly carries heavy energy, but it often falls into generic structures and rough production that limit its impact. Still, Sanctuary demonstrates a solid foundation as a metallic hardcore band— with sharper songwriting and improved mixing, their next release could hit much harder.
Raw and crushing in spirit, but uneven in execution. Sins shows potential, but Sanctuary needs to refine their craft to truly stand out.
NOTABLE TRACKS:
War
End