The first of two albums for 'Sanctuary', before splitting and later reforming as 'Nevermore'. A splendid debut of mainly Thrash with a sprinkling of Power Metal here and there, and notably produced by 'Megadeth' frontman 'Dave Mustaine' who also contributes with some backing vocals and guitar work. Vocalist 'Warrel Dane' is a cross between 'Rob Halford' and 'Geoff Tate' and although impressive on many tracks his constant high pitch vocals can become irritating after a while. Dubbed by some as an overlooked classic, but personally I'm not totally won over, as there's a lack of variation and 'Dave Mustaine's' production job isn't particularly award winning, all said the song writing is exceptionally high, especially for the genre.

'Refuge Denied' opens with 'Battle Angels' a haunting, menacing thumper, driven by relentless rhythm which highlights the incredible soaring vocals of 'Warrel Dane' and some fine guitar soloing. Shades of 'Black Sabbath' are felt on the bleak introduction to 'Termination Force', but these thoughts are soon forgotten as the track descends into a heavy handed Thrasher, which balance lighter melodic sections, although well thought through, too disjoined for my liking. Superior is the 'Judas Priest' style rocker 'Die for my Sins' which is less Thrash orientated and more Power / Tradition Metal and all comes together for a quality track which includes great riffs, intricate guitar work and more superior vocals. Next up is 'Soldiers of Steel' a powerful, well written track, that in my opinion is let down by ear shattering vocals which are too over-the-top. Back on track is 'Sanctuary' a quality offering which sounds like a Power Metal / Thrash version of 'Queensrÿche', with excellent penmanship and early 'Geoff Tate' style vocals. The pace drops for 'White Rabbit' a cover of the 'Jefferson Airplane' song, a respectable effort too, with haunting, desolate undertones that are further bolstered by a decent solo from 'Dave Mustaine'. 'Ascension to Destiny' by my recognising is a fairly run-of-the-mill thrash out, decent but not remarkable, while 'The Third War' is a brisk ripper, that is let down by the overkill vocals, despite more solid penmanship. Last up is the excellent 'Veil of Disguise', the opening of which sound like classic 'Queensrÿche', overall less thrashy and more brooding with heavy riffs, complimentary screaming vocals and another solid song structure.

If Thrash Metal is your bag then you will enjoy this album, those like myself more into the Power Metal genre probably won't take quite as much from this release.