Canadian metal band, Sword's marriage of NWOBHM and anthemic metal translated well in the studio.
Arguably, their sound was the acceptable face of heavy metal. No thrash, no extremes. Certainly, the band's 1986 debut album will ring true with any
Rainbow or
Black Sabbath fan, but equally, anyone who's simply a fan of well executed heavy rock and metal, liberally sprinkled with memorable tunes, satisfying riffs and tasty axework will find something to love in '
Metalized'.
It was on the strength of this power packed, high energy release that they secured the support gig on Alice Cooper's and Metallica's tours at the time.
But in a strange reversal of fortune, they got no support from their label (wish I'd a pound etc etc) and '
Metalized' stiffed. Conversely, it rapidly became the darling of the metal underground, of which there are many. Immortality was guaranteed. Cult worship led to the release of a further release,
'Sweet Dreams' in 1988.
Sword, the band, was the brainchild of brothers Rick and Dan Hughes, whose youthful ambition became reality when guitarist Rick Plant and bass player Mike Larock were recruited in the early eighties. Interminable gigging and constant songwriting refinement culminated in them being signed to Aquarius Records in their native Canada. Sadly, as indicated above, this was no dawning of a new age. Could've, should've, perhaps, but as history starkly shows, most certainly didn't.
Album standouts are openers
'Follow The Wheels',
'Stoned Again' and '
The End Of The Night'. If for no other reason than they were a perfect fit for the commercial definition of the genre at that time . . . short, simple, powerful riffs; declamatory vocals that stand on the edge of OTT, and a durable, well constructed melody.
Let's hope Krescendo do the biz with that second album too.
Written by
Brian Saturday, April 11, 2009
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