Review:

on 2010-09-03 Mr_Mackwo Said:

With a year plagued with sub-par releases, I had almost given up hope on enjoying some new music this year. The Texas-born heavy metal band, The Sword, had just finished up their third album titled, Warp Riders.

This isnt my first encounter with the Texas natives. In 2006, I first heard of them in a little game called, Guitar Hero: II ever hear of it? The track introduced in the game was called, Freya. With guitar being my main instrument in the game(and real life), I was totally blown away by them. I was so astonished with the song, that I went out and purchased their first album, Age of Winters. After one complete listening experience, I was a fan. I told all of my friends about them and was ecstatic to have a new band to listen to. Regrettably, their sophomore record, Gods of the Earth was monotonous to me. I went back to their first album and enjoyed them for a few years until their third album was released.

Im not going to lie; I was diffident to listen to their new album as the aforementioned album left an unpleasant taste in my mouth. I went onward, with no information gathered, and popped on the album. Im so thrilled that I made up my mind and listened. For those of you who dont much about the bands method, The Sword has an interesting mix of classic Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin rock fused with metal of today. The lead singer and song writer, J.D. Cronises Ozzy influenced vocals blend perfectly with the crunching riffs and scorching guitar leads performed by lead guitarist Kyle Shutt. I should mention that the band doesnt always take themselves seriously, as youll notice right away from their science fiction based lyrics. The band is all about having a rocking good time and it is clearly palpable from this exceptional release.

The first single of the album, Tres Brujas or Three Witches, is influenced by the story from Shakespeares Macbeth. I was happy to hear that the bass is higher in the mix on this album as divergent to their previous releases. The songs opening riff is pure rockage, is that even a word? Anyways, the chorus has a hook that will make you feel like you are in the 70s. Amazing lead work as well. Its one of my favorite tracks on the album. Chronomancer I: Hubris sounds like it could be used on a soundtrack to a heavy metal movie. If you only have time to listen to one more track please check out Night City its blazing guitar work will you leave you breathless.

Im glad that I decided to listen to The Swords Warp Riders With a year full of mind-numbing releases, Warp Riders does its job and does it well: A fun, rocking album that will make you wanting to hit repeat after the album is done. Needless to say Warp Riders will be playing on my iPod for weeks to come. Please check out this fantastic release from the Texas Natives, The Sword, you wont be disappointed.


Rating: 8/10