LIVE: THE SWORD – April 27, 2018

Venue: The International

City: Knoxville, TN

Date: April 27, 2018

Review and Photographs by: Rachel Craig (http://www.rachelcraigphotos.net/)

Stoner doom metal rocks the International once again, bringing a variety of fans that all have a love for heavy metal that sounds like taking a time machine back to the 1970’s. The show began with only one supporting act, The Shelter People. The trio from Tulsa, Oklahoma encompassed the 70s look with long hair and retro pants. The band also derived their name from Leon Russell’s 1971 album Leon Russell and The Shelter People. They played several songs from their latest EP, featuring long guitar solos, groovy bass lines, and the type of vocals that any classic rock fan would find comforting and familiar.

The Sword arrived on stage, along with the crowd. The room had only been partially filled with fans at this point, but the show instantly became packed when the band began their long setlist. The stage flooded with colorful lights as they played their timeless-sounding songs, including newer material like “Deadly Nightshade,” “Twilight Sunrise,” and “Used Future.” They also played older hits like ‘Maiden, Mother & Crone,” “Tres Brujas,” and the encore song, “Apocryphon.” However, I do wish they had played some material from their album Age of Winters. Frontman John D. Cronise sounds like a modern-day Ozzy Osbourne without all the “Prince of Darkness” frills. Overall, this show proves that The Sword are experts at heavy metal, and will likely be remembered like other bands such as Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin.

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Category: Live Reviews, Photo Galleries