Sanctus Real Rocks at MBU

By Christy Meyer
Staff Writer

The lights go down as the next band takes the stage. The audience waits in eager anticipation to see if the new guys will live up to the hype that precedes them. Many concertgoers have never even heard of Sanctus Real, but seconds into the opening riff, the approval is evident as the music’s infectious energy comes alive. After the final chords have faded away, a universal first impression echoes throughout the crowd: Sanctus Real rocks!

MBU hosted Sanctus Real, along with Christian rock bands Bleach and Holland on January 10, for the opening night of the 50-city “We are Tomorrow” tour. With their December 24 Sparrow Records release, Say it Loud, debuting as the biggest selling rock album in Sparrow history, it’s no surprise that they’ve created waves in the Christian music industry. Already successful in Ohio and surrounding states as an independent band, Sanctus Real’s aggressive, high-powered performance, coupled with honest, real-life lyrics, has attracted national attention and respect from fans and industry peers alike.

Sanctus Real began as a Toledo, Ohio high school praise band founded by members Matt Hammitt (vocals, guitar) and lead guitarist Chris Rohman. As they developed musically and added drummer Mark Graalman and bassist Steve Goodrum, the group sensed a calling to pursue music on a more serious level. The band gained significant recognition upon winning out over 75 other entrants in a Best Band contest sponsored by a top commercial radio station.

Lead singer/songwriter/guitarist, Matt Hammitt, explained, “We dropped off our demo at the very last minute…and a week later they announced that we had won. We were one out of two Christian bands in the whole thing. We were really excited that if we could win a contest here amongst that many non-Christian bands, why couldn’t we make something of ourselves in the Christian industry, where we felt like we belonged?”

Winning the contest brought about a national tour, which was eventually attended by top Sparrow executives who caught wind of the small Ohio band’s successful indie records and flew in to see a show. Shortly after, the band found themselves launched into the national spotlight as Sparrow’s newest discovery. But for Sanctus Real, their goal has never been about gaining money or stardom – only glorifying God.

“I think a lot of people try to find a formula but there is no formula. It’s different for every band and if people want to make it in music, they have to be willing to do it no matter what. We found this deal because we decided to be full-time musicians whether we had a record label or not. Go for it with all your heart and God will make it happen if He wants you on a big label, small label, no label, making indie records…it doesn’t matter. If God calls you to do something, do it with all your heart,” said Hammitt.

Say it Loud can be found in both Christian and secular music/book stores throughout the country. The title track is currently topping the Christian charts with its catchy lyrics and fun, vibrant sound. Overall, the album is musically and lyrically solid, showing off the best that Sanctus Real has to offer. Memorable, insightful, get-stuck-in-your head songs like “Audience of One” and “The Way I Feel” are sure to hit airwaves with success in the future. Fans of rock, alternative, and pop will enjoy lead singer Matt Hammitt’s wide vocal range, backed up by top-notch musical talent that when combined makes for a rockin’ good time. And who says rock music can’t have a positive message? It’s clear from listening to Say it Loud that Sanctus Real is set on using their platform to spread the gospel to whoever is willing to hear it.

“It’s a ministry for us to convey that students can have a personal relationship [with Christ],” said Hammitt. “It’s not just religion, it’s not just Sunday morning church; it’s a day-to-day relationship. We also have a heart for people who have never been in church in their life, and we feel like we make music that reaches them as well.”

Sanctus Real is a band that, while just emerging onto the scene, is sure to have a lasting future in Christian music. Their passionate, energy-charged music by itself is a force to be reckoned with, but at the heart of all the hype are four godly men whose solid commitment to the message shines through loud and clear.