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THE SWORD That the Sword opens its sophomore release with “The Sundering” and “How Heavy This Axe” should be ample warning that the Austin band won’t be adding mandolin or lovesick lyrics to its repertoire anytime soon. No, it’s business as usual for these heshers, with guitars set to pummel and fantasy-world lyrics that continue to make J.R.R. Tolkien sound like Ayn Rand by comparison. As with 2006 debut Age Of Winters, J.D. Cronise and his band of not-so-merry men commence their assault with an instrumental, sending a delicately plucked acoustic guitar off to oblivion with a metal riff so mighty and badass that it could have Tony Iommi begging for mommy. Indeed, other than a few more hooks, there’s little to distinguish this effort from Age Of Winters, which isn’t a bad thing, assuming you enjoy combat songs for marauding, medieval hordes. The crushing, blood-pumping power and brave-in-battle imagery of “The Black River” and “The White Sea” will have you donning armor and taking up sword and shield in preparation for a neighborhood pillaging. Fair warning, tranquil suburbia: Lock up your maidens and wenches. [Kemado, www.kemado.com] —Matt Ryan
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