The Sword

The Sword

The Sword are a US metal band from Austin, Texas, formed in 2003 and active until 2022. Their line-up includes John D. Cronise, Bryan Richie, Kyle Shutt and Trivett Wingo. The band is associated with alternative metal, doom metal, heavy metal, stoner metal and stoner rock, and is also described as a heavy/doom metal band from Austin.

Career

The group signs first to Kemado Records and releases its debut album, Age of Winters, in 2006. Much of the material on that record is written before the band forms, and Cronise also produces it. The follow-up, Gods of the Earth, appears two years later and becomes the band’s first entry on the US Billboard 200, peaking at number 102.

In 2010 the band releases Warp Riders, a concept album built around an original science-fiction narrative written mainly by Cronise. It is the first Sword album to use an outside producer, Matt Bayles. Original drummer Trivett Wingo leaves later that year, with Kevin Fender briefly replacing him before Santiago "Jimmy" Vela III joins in late 2011.

After signing with Razor & Tie in early 2012, the band releases Apocryphon later that year. The album is promoted on the Apocryphon Tour. The Sword later release High Country in 2015 and Used Future in 2018.

Style and touring

At the start of their career, The Sword are generally classed as a doom metal band and cite Black Sabbath and Sleep among their influences. Their style later broadens into hard rock and stoner rock. They tour with a range of rock and metal acts, including Metallica, Lamb of God and Clutch, and also headline their own tours.

End

On 20 October 2022, John D. Cronise announces the band’s breakup.