Over the last few years, I’ve been observing the rise in stature of one of Britain’s most exciting Death Metal acts. Having signed to none other than Metal Blade Records in 2024, Celestial Sanctuary has played shows with legendary acts such as Obituary and Cattle Decapitation. This gorey extreme Metal quartet has also become a regular fixture on prestigious festival bills across the UK, and they have some exciting European dates lined up for 2026. I caught up with the band’s vocalist/guitarist Tom, to talk about their upcoming third album, how they write killer Death Metal tracks, and their upcoming tour.
Thanks for taking the time to have this discussion. As your fans are well aware, you guys are currently in the process of recording material for your next album. You dropped your EP ‘Visions of Stagnant Blood’ last year which marked your debut release for Metal Blade, which, in my opinion, contained some of your strongest material to date. This upcoming album will be your first full-length record for the label, do you think being signed to Metal Blade is allowing you to approach the creation of this new record differently compared to your previous albums?
It’s my pleasure, and I appreciate the kind words.
Yeah, I mean they’re an incredibly supportive label and have shown a lot of trust and love for what we do. Of course, there’s added pressure to deliver, but it’s a good pressure. The biggest change for us, I would say is being able to work with our Producer, Scott Atkins. Everything we’d done to this point had been self-produced. The songs were already good, but he has pulled some magic out of us on this one. It’s a massive change of gear and a step up.
It seems like your last album cycle gave you a fair bit more exposure amongst the scene. How do you think these last couple of years have allowed you to grow as a band since the last full-length album came out?
It’s helped us find ‘who we are’ as a band. As corny as that sounds, I think all bands start with just wanting to emulate another band or sound. But playing on the road, spending so much time together has really shaped our identity.
Do you think you’re taking any new kind of approach with the concept or themes on this album?
100%, the songwriting approach and album as a whole has a much, much wider scope.
Celestial Sanctuary is clearly a band that likes to indulge in the more gory strains of Death Metal. I could draw comparisons to the likes of Cannibal Corpse, Autopsy or Carcass, but your music definitely has its own unique flavour. How would you say you go about infusing this style with your own distinct stamp on the genre?
At this point, it’s just about writing what comes naturally. We’re past trying to be ‘just another old school Death Metal band’ in fact, the term ‘old school Death Metal’ makes me cringe a bit now. But yeah, I just think you write enough songs, you establish your own unique flavour and that’s what sets bands apart.
If I’m not mistaken, you’ve not had any major lineup changes since your early days. Do you think this consistency has helped you in any way in getting to this point?
Yeah, same lineup all the way through so far. I would say so, yeah. To be honest, the other 3 just really trust in the vision and they bring so much to the table. It’s a perfect dynamic. We also never really fall out or shit like that.
You’ve got a big tour coming up with Sanguisugabogg, Fulci and Gates of Hell. Are there any dates on the tour you’re particularly looking forward to?
Glasgow is always a favourite, and London because it means we get to see wives/girlfriends/friends. In terms of new places, probably Vienna or Prague. I love those cities and we’ve not played there yet.
Now, this is for a bit of fun. If you could play a gig alongside any three other bands of your choosing, who would you choose, and why them?
Easy: 1991 Metallica, 2009 Mastodon, 1994 Pantera. Just love ‘em a fuck load and would just be sick as fuck to relive those eras of those bands wouldn’t it?
It certainly would be insane to witness! Some big names there, I could imagine the size of the crowd being pretty monumental. Tom, thanks again for having this discussion. We look forward to hearing the new material and I’m sure you will have a blast on the tour.
