The Sword – Warp Riders

On their third album Warp Riders, The Sword have chosen to expand their horizons from their usual formula of fantasy metal to a hard rock post-apocalyptic dystopia. Taking a page right out the Black Sabbath handbook, the album’s entirety rocks like Paranoid with a little Tres Hombres-era ZZ Top and Fireball Ministry sprinkled in. They have tailored themselves to sound like they belong in the 70′s, a vintage metallic revival which is even present in the artwork. As far as lyrics go, vocalist/guitarist J.D. Cronise has created a concept album about a journey through time with touches of an Ender’s Game feeling attached to it. The first track, ‘€œAcheron/Unearthing The Orb,’€ is a chugging instrumental leading into the first single off the album, ‘€œTres Brujas,’€ which keeps the fast pace going.

‘€œThe Chronomancer,’€ a two-part song that shows their Tony Iommi love, is perhaps the best set of songs on the album next to the technical ‘€œLawless Lands,’€ whose catchy riff hooks you in instantly. ‘€œNight City’€ has a glam metal vibe to it which surprising considering the influence. Innovation is dish served cold for most bands today, but The Sword takes that dish and smashes you over the head with it. Warp Riders itself is a time capsule, opened 30 years later to reveal all of the gems that would’ve been revolutionary then. There aren’t enough modern bands out there creating a sound like this, it may not be super unique and original but it’s definitely something new and appealing to the ears.

Recommended Tracks: ‘€œThe Chronomancer I: Hubris,’€ ‘€œLawless Lands,’€ and ‘€œThe Warp Riders”

Rating: 4/5