Click image to enlarge.
Hmmm. Well, since you put it that way…
- JR
Tag Archive: The Sword
The discovery of a new band is always exciting. Will it be something you’ve heard countless times? An experience that leaves a bad taste in your mouth? Or is it a treat from which you cannot stop consuming? I wanted to take a trip back in time to reminisce about bands/albums that not only introduced me to heavy music, but kept me coming back for more…
From The Archive: The Sword – Age of Winters
This next group is one of those bands that you either hate, love, or love to hate. Many metalheads have expressed their disgust with these guys, based on the many reviews I’ve come across, referring to them as a second rate Black Sabbath and/or a hipster metal kids wet dream. On one hand, I can understand why fans of metal feel this way. When it comes to music, no matter what genre it is, there are an over abundance of elitists that stick to their guns and refuse to acknowledge any new band whose approach to a tried and true sound is less than stellar. But in the end, it all comes down to what the listener thinks. We listen to whatever peaks our interest and could care less what others think about it…
The second of a reported trilogy of videos recorded from recent album Warp Riders, The Sword continue their sci-fi saga. There’s a spaceshipsm some lights, a whole lot of purple, and a creepy-looking broad in a cloak; and once again, fucking samurai swords!
Rather. Part the third, entitled ‘Night City‘ is coming soon.
- CG
First Early Man, and now The Sword…
The Sword have officially postponed their U.S. and European touring plans following the departure of drummer Trivett Wingo from the group.
Speaking on his decision to leave, Wingo offered the following statement:
“It is with deep sadness that I am announcing my departure from The Sword. After nearly seven years and some of the most amazing adventures of a lifetime, I have arrived at a place where I am physically and emotionally unable to continue on as part of The Sword.
If I could go any further, I would as I love the music and JD, Bryan and Kyle are people that I deeply respect, but I have reached a point where I just can’t do this anymore.
I would like to thank the wonderful people who made this experience what it has been: the fans, the people that I have worked and all of the bands and musicians that have inspired me over the years. I thank you and apologize for any disappointment that this may cause anyone, not least of which The Sword – Trivett Wingo“
The remaining members of the band in turn offered the following statement:
“We wish Trivett nothing but the best, and it is with heavy hearts that we bid him farewell. He is a phenomenal musician and has been an integral part of this band’s success.
He helped to lay the foundation that we will continue to build upon, and we wouldn’t be where we are without him. We wish he could continue the adventure with us, but we understand that the life of a touring musician is not for everyone.
It’s been a hell of a ride, and we’re sad to see this part of the journey end. The show must go on, though, and will be back on the road as soon as humanly possible. – JD, Kyle & Bryan“
I was really looking forward to seeing these guys this weekend, especially with their new material. Sucks, but I’m sure they will find an adequate replacement and be back on the road…
-DA
The Sword
Warp Riders
01. Acheron/Unearthing the Orb
02. Tres Brujas
03. Arrows in the Dark
04. The Chronomancer I: Hubris
05. Lawless Lands
06. Astraea’s Dream
07. The Warp Riders
08. Night City
09. The Chronomancer II: Nemesis
10. (The Night the Sky Cried) Tears of Fire
[Kemado | 08/24/10]
When I heard The Sword was going to release a concept album based around a science fiction narrative (as the band explained it) and experimenting with their sound a bit more, I was hesitant at the direction they might be going in. As more updates about the album came forth and the rad album art was unveiled, I started seeing their idea come to life and understood the direction they were going in. This wasn’t an album strictly for the fans, it was for them as a band to expand their sound and their enjoyment for making music. So with much anticipation I listened to Warp Riders (a multitude of times) and all the worries I had for the album melted away as I was swept into a world of witches, androids and a crew of space pirates with a vessel known as, The Sword…
While navigating through this magical thing we call the internet, I came across this video of The Sword (well, only two members to be exact) discussing their newest album Warp Riders. It must have been fate or just a timely coincidence to stumble upon this video, since I’ve spent the whole morning at work listening to The Sword’s discography. After watching the video, the level of anticipation I have for this album just became more intense. Warp Riders will be available August 24th.
For those of you who are fans of The Sword, which in my encounters have been few and far between, they have recently announced pre-orders are now available for their newest album Warp Riders, which will be available on August 24. I’ve been a fan of theirs since Age Of Winters and I’m very curious to see how this album turns out, especially after hearing it’s described as a concept album centered around an original science fiction narrative.
And who might you ask is the mastermind behind the idea of doing a concept album? Well it all stemmed from guitarist and lead vocalist J.D. Cronise, and one of his main inspirations came from listening to Operation: Mindcrime by Queensrÿche, countless times as a kid. He was enthralled how the album created it’s own world and he wanted to do the same for their songs, creating a unique and different feel, but to have them unfold in proper Sword fashion. He states: “The storyline is a psychedelic space opera that explores temporal themes of death and rebirth.”
I’m a sucker for concept albums, and if it’s anywhere near the greatness that is Operation: Mindcrime, then we’re in store for an amazing album. MetalInsider.net mentioned the album sounded like a blend of Lynyrd Skynyrd and Corrosion of Conformity So who knows what this psychedelic space opera has in store for us. I guess time will tell…
Head over to The Sword’s official website for more information on Pre-ordering Warp Riders.
- DA
