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THE REVIEW
2006, "Age Of Winters" is released. A little gem, still considered today as the band's best album. A work that shook the underground metal scene, eventually allowing the four Texans to gradually make a name for themselves internationally. Now, six years after that CD and with "The Sword" having become a reference point in the new wave of doom/stoner, their fourth studio album, "Apocryphon," arrives.
Maybe too hastily labeled as the "new Black Sabbath," the four Texans have not been able to meet all the expectations they carried: the fact is that the new effort, while not representing anything transcendental, reaffirms a healthy band with a clear vision. The sound is that stoner/doom/heavy style that had drawn attention years ago: however, it must be said that the overall pull has veered more towards heavy metal than before. There's little doom left, except for "The Hidden Masters", which with its "acid" introduction stands out as one of the most successful tracks of the set. For the rest, "The Sword" stand on a more solid platform and the Shutt/Cronise duo brings out simple yet fitting riffs. Songs like the opening "The Veil Of Isis", "Cloak Of Feathers", and "Dying Earth" are the manifesto with which these Americans return to the scene, without forgetting that dense and "vintage" mood that has always set them apart.
What to say: "Apocryphon" is a work that pleases as long as one accepts the simplicity of its proposition and the lack of originality in its content. A professionally crafted album that will hardly be hailed as a masterpiece but can easily appeal to genre enthusiasts and those seeking dirty, acidic, and gritty sounds akin to seventies heavy.
1. "The Veil Of Isis" (5:33)
2. "Cloak Of Feathers" (5:25)
3. "Arcane Montane" (4:06)
4. "The Hidden Masters" (4:49)
5. "Dying Earth" (5:21)
6. "Execrator" (2:47)
7. "Seven Sisters" (3:30)
8. "Hawks And Serpents" (4:31)
9. "Eyes Of The Stormwitch" (3:12)
10. "Apocryphon" (4:58)
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Summary by Bot
Apocryphon is The Sword’s fourth studio album, marking a shift towards a heavier metal sound with less doom influence. Though it lacks originality, the album is well-crafted and pleasing for fans of vintage-styled stoner and heavy metal. Standout tracks include "The Veil Of Isis" and "The Hidden Masters." Overall, it reaffirms the band’s solid presence in the metal scene but doesn’t reach masterpiece status.Tracklist Videos
The Sword
The Sword are an American heavy metal band from Austin, Texas, formed in 2003. Known for massive, Sabbath‑tinged riffs and myth/sci‑fi themes, they broke out with Age of Winters, expanded their scope with the concept‑driven Warp Riders, and later shifted toward leaner hard rock on High Country. Core members include J.D. Cronise, Kyle Shutt, and Bryan Richie; the band concluded activities in 2022.06 Reviews
Other reviews
By Hellring
The new album is the culmination of a long process of sonic 'lightening' that had been apparent for some time.
'High Country' should not be dismissed as a minor work, but it is nonetheless a (moderately successful) attempt to broaden their sound towards more easy listening shores.
