I am none to hip to the current music scene, particularly where metal is concerned. Fortunately, I have friends on the internet. In this case, Mark Bruno pointed out an awesome new-ish band for me. Austin old-school metal from The Sword.The Sword is a great mixture of old metal like Black Sabbath and Blue Oyster Cult, mixed with some new wave British metal like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden, primarily in the "dueling guitar" harmonies. The music is low on the neck and fast without being speed metal. Also I love that their drummer plays a rather simple eight piece set (I don't know much about drums, but I count eight).
The part I really love, aside from the throwback sound, is the way the music is fantasy-evocative. This is D&D music, and next time we play, there will be some playing in the background. Much of their visuals also remind one of Heavy Metal, the magazine and film, with classic sword and sorcery mixed with dark sci-fi of roughly the same brand.
So far I am most familiar with their first album, Gods of the Earth, which has a very clean metal sound, but has that warm feel of analog recording. If you are a fan of metal, or want to recapture your early metal years, The Sword should be right up your alley.
10 comments:
I'd heard of them, but hadn't listened in ages. Thanks for reintroducing me to this great band.
Love the "Maiden, Mother, Crone" track. It is on my mix of "witch" songs that I play when writing.
The Sword is the OSR of Metal.
NP. I am thoroughly hooked.
The Operational Sex Ratio of metal? ;-D
M/M/C is probably my favorite off that album.
As I posted on Facebook, just trying to share the love. Some other notable bands in the same genre include Orange Goblin, Kyuss (fans of old school AD&D should get the reference), Trouble, Spirit Caravan, Spiritual Beggars and Ad Astra.
Awesomesauce!
Great band! fyi their first full length album was actually the most incredible Age Of Winters. You will love it if you haven't heard it yet.
Thanks for the suggestion. I am trying to keep my music purchases under control this month, but definitely will be getting more :-)
Oh Darius... buy it... it is MUSIC AWESOMENESS PERSONIFIED! <3
I'll likely pick it up after payday, though the wife occasionally freaks out at my iTunes expenditures. :-) I have been listening to Gods of the Earth on a loop for weeks now :-D
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