Sanctity rising: Asheville metal band on the verge

In all likelihood, this weekend will be your last chance to see local metal band Sanctity before they are too big to play in town.

The Asheville-based group was signed by Roadrunner Records in 2004, and has since become a growing force in the national metal scene. Late last year, the group had a very successful run as an opening act on Gigantour, a world-spanning metal showcase founded and headlined by Dave Mustaine’s legendary metal act Megadeth. If anything, 2007 will be the band that sees Sanctity come into its own as a band, with their Roadrunner debut album Road to Bloodshed slated for release on April 10. The band will also spend this spring supporting like-minded rockers Trivium on their “Crusade” European tour.

But, before they go, they’ll be playing one last Asheville gig at Stella Blue (31 Patton), supported by local rock acts The Campaign 1984 and By Morning. In a rare move, Stella Blue will be opening its doors to those 16 and over, with a 21-plus drinking area relegated to their downstairs club Stella’s. Tickets are $8 at the door.

— Steve Shanafelt, A&E reporter

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