Sword
Untitled release
Reviewed by Doug Van Pelt
This Sword is unsheathed and anointed to carry God's Word to a dying world. This isn't a flimsy plastic sword, this Sword is metal. Reaching out in the dark, disgusting and vile world that is L.A.'s metal scene, Sword has a message that changes lives. The guitars are fast and meaty. The songs on their demo, "The Message," "Fight the Good Fight" and "The Battle," have catchy hooks. "The Battle" is my favorite cut on the demo because it starts out with a melodic, acoustic intro. The vocals are soft and slow until the lyrics demand a stronger voice: "His lies, they surround me/ The voices fill the air/ You know, it's so hard sometimes/ To tell them apart. There's just no way that I could make it/ Traveling on my own. Each fiery dart he throws/ He's aiming for my heart/ But when I put my armor on/ I'm safe within your hand. Your Words are a mighty two-edged sword/ With it, Well, I'll make my stand." If you like your rock very loud and devoid of pop influences, Sword will pierce your heart. Sword is: Bill Kent on lead vocals and guitars; Dirk Duhistine on bass and vocals; Robbie Pellerino on drums; Ron Rittmeister on lead guitar. If you'd like to order: their 3-song demo, send $3; 8x10 black and white photo, $1; bumper stickers, $1. Make checks or money orders to Sword, P.O. Box 7523, Thousand Oaks, CA 91359.