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THE REVIEW
Ten years ago, Kemado Records released "Age Of Winters" by the Texan quartet. The band quickly became a good reference point for fans of stoner/doom, blending Saint Vitus, Kyuss, and the psychedelic rock of years past. Ten years after that debut, The Sword remain a relevant entity with a following, and "High Country" is the classic album that could win them the love of even more fans.
It's evident from the start: the new album (released in August 2015) is the culmination of a long process of sonic "lightening" that had been apparent for some time, ever since "Warp Riders." More so than "Apocryphon," this album smooths out the initial guitar onslaught, heading towards a gentler hard rock than one might have expected from the group. Never too cerebral in their structures, the band has shifted towards a rock reeking of desert and alcohol. The doom remnants are no longer present, and the rhythm is more lurching and decidedly less martial than the beloved seventies. "Mist & Shadow" and its progression between country and psych are far removed from the power they aimed for a decade ago. Equally unthinkable is a track like "Seriously Mysterious", an electronic experiment already somewhat foreshadowed by the instrumental "Agartha" (many of which are instrumental tracks, often so unnecessary as to only break the listening "rhythm").
New horizons, new deserts to navigate, possibly less abrasive than the previous ones: while the album is far from the classic ancient trademark of the group, the atmospheres of the title track or pieces like "Empty Temples" and "Buzzards" are, although softer than in the past, still easily recognizable in the musical aftertaste the band has been chewing on for years. Musical sweetening that finds its manifesto in "Tears Like Diamonds", precariously balanced between hard rock, stoner, bluesy rhythms, and clean, impactful vocal lines.
Many tracks and all of short duration. With their fifth studio work, The Sword may have definitively turned onto a new path. A change that has already bewildered many followers and divided critics. Certainly, "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.
1. "Unicorn Farm" (0:50)
2. "Empty Temples" (3:56)
3. "High Country" (2:38)
4. "Tears Like Diamonds" (3:47)
5. "Mist & Shadow" (5:25)
6. "Agartha" (2:23)
7. "Seriously Mysterious" (2:47)
8. "Suffer No Fools" (2:43)
9. "Early Snow" (4:16)
10. "The Dreamthieves" (3:58)
11. "Buzzards" (4:13)
12. "Silver Petals" (2:39)
13. "Ghost Eye" (3:16)
14. "Turned To Dust" (3:31)
15. "The Bees Of Spring" (3:58)
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Summary by Bot
The Sword's 2015 album 'High Country' marks a noticeable shift from their heavier stoner/doom sound to a gentler, bluesy hard rock. The album explores new musical territories with shorter tracks, some instrumental experiments, and a laid-back desert vibe. Although it may confuse longtime fans and critics, it showcases growth and a willingness to redefine their style. Overall, it's a moderately successful expansion of their sound.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
"Apocryphon is a work that pleases as long as one accepts the simplicity of its proposition and the lack of originality in its content."
"The Shutt/Cronise duo brings out simple yet fitting riffs that deliver dirty, acidic, and gritty sounds akin to seventies heavy."
