SWORD — Metalized (review)

SWORD — Metalized album cover Album · 1986 · Heavy Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
5/5 ·
Unitron
There's a certain sound and forcefulness that needs to be expected when faced with an album cover that's an extreme close up of a double-barrel that's ready to fire. Thankfully Sword (Not to be confused with stoners The Sword) does more than just deliver.

On Metalized, Sword strike a perfect balance of 70's styled heavy metal, the anthemic sound of the 80's, and just a dash of thrash. Vocalist Rick Hughes always has great melody, but his screams are out of this world making Dare to Spit sound like an actual dare. Almost every song sounds vicious and biting, yet some haunting harmonies in Children of Heaven and Evil Spell add an extra flavor.

Dan Hughes's gargantuan drums give the album a massive sound, and especially Stoned Again becomes a metal monolith along with the heavy bass tones. Obviously the album is full of great riff hooks as well, especially the thrashing Stuck in Rock.

It's a perfect balance of melody and grit in this hidden 80's metal classic.
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siLLy puPPy wrote:
more than 2 years ago
This is one that i've still never heard but it's been on my list forever so guess what. You're reminding me that i need to hear it and i'm playing it NOW! Yeah! Heavy fuckin metal 80s style!!!!!

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