The Sword

This sophomore effort from the Austin-based doomsayers is a stronger, darker continuation of their fuzzed-out throwback foundation. Well versed in blazing riffage, The Sword bolster their place as purveyors of bad-ass licks, packing Gods of the Earth with infectiously brutal nod-alongs. Putting to rest the false metal debate they contract from their non-metal following, The Sword are officially planting their flag in stoner metal mecca with Sabbathian tracks like "Maiden, Mother & Crone," the High on Fire-esque "Lords" and Mastodon-like guitar god anthem "The White Sea."

The second album from this Austin foursome suggests they thought their doomy,
Sabbath—drenched grooves could have somehow used more wailing guitars. Opener "The
Sundering" starts with a quietly fingerpicked intro, then cranks the amps up to 1972, and
the chugga—chugga lasts all the way until the thunderous closing duo, "The Black River"
and "The White Sea," a two—headed celebration of excess. Let the indie kids smi... More >