Live music review: Austin’s The Sword rocked their album release at Mohawk – The Cosmic Clash
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All photos: Brandon Sandler
Guest contributor: Heather Forrester
Austin metal lords, The Sword kicked off their tour to support new album Used Future on March 21 on a warm, spring evening at popular Red River music venue The Mohawk. The outdoor stage at the Austin rock club books bands of all genres year round. The ‘Hawk is a musical sanctuary, where “All Are Welcome” (it’s their slogan). Any music fan fits in with a slogan like that. It was the perfect spot for a homegrown act to share their latest effort before heading on the road in support of the new record. The Sword’s performance was just a few days following SXSW. Despite that fact, there was little fatigue apparent from Austin’s live music-loving fans. The place was packed.
After a brief introduction, the band got to playing. Cameras were set up all around, as the entire show was being filmed to promote new album, Used Future. Almost immediately after kicking off with “Maiden, Mother & Crone” there were hands up in the air and heads thrashing. The Sword’s sound is like a mix of Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, a 70s throwback that translates nicely to the present. It would end up being a night of debuts, not only from the new album but some never-before-played-live songs from 2016’s stripped-down acoustic album Low Country with tracks “Buzzards” and “Ghost Eye”.
As the evening unfolded, the vibe mellowed, with in-your-face performances by the band and the wail of heavy metal guitars reverberating over the enthusiastic crowd. After finishing their set, the band disappeared off stage and the audience immediately began chanting “One more song”!!!
When The Sword returned to the stage for the encore things began to really heat up. New instrumental track “The Wild Sky” off the new record spurred an intense mosh pit. The show was cooking now that fans knew their beloved rockers were winding up the performance. They wanted their fervor and they got it.
“I know you said one more song but we’ve got a few more!” lead singer John Cronise shouted. A cover of T. Rex’s “Children Of the Revolution” followed before the band wrapped up the evening with “Apocryphon,” a song about the universe and our interpersonal connection in the circle of life. A fitting conclusion to launch a tour and put an exclamation point an signature performance.
The Sword continue the tour in Houston tonight with stops all over the country and Canada through June. See the entire list of dates on the official band website.
