I’ve enjoyed The Sword in the past, but their discography seemed hit or miss; just enough so to keep me from blasting the records over and over again in the car or obsessively suggesting them as the gateway (hipster) metal band to folks who wore tighter pants than me. Warp Riders has changed that.

It sounds like they’ve been trading in their Sleep, Pentagram and Trouble tapes in for some ZZ Top, Motörhead and Thin Lizzy — and that’s not a bad thing in the least. They’ve also taken those broader horizons and stepped up their game on the songwriting front.

Instead of cherry-picking a track here or there, you’re pretty much forced to listen from front to back. Granted, there are some standout tracks, but unlike past releases, every song will keep your attention and get you raging.

And in addition to the top-notch instrumental and vocal performances, the production on the record is just smooth enough to start bringing in the masses without losing its edge. If the final product is any indication, working with producer Matt Bayles may have been the best decision The Sword has made to date.

P.S. Warp Riders also wins my vote as the best album cover of the year.

One Response to “The Sword – Warp Riders”

1. 

   On 09/13/10 12:12 PM, Ajay said:

   Man, Warp Riders was AT LEAST a 8.795! Hehehe. Nice review.

   Just thought your readers might want to know about this giveaway going on. You can win a free autographed Warp Riders CD or vinyl record!

   http://www.redrivernoise.com/2010/09/merch-giveaway-sword-autographed-vinyl.html

Leave a comment