The story of The Sword has taken an unexpected turn. In October 2022, the Austin-based heavy metal outfit announced their disbandment, leaving a void in the stoner rock scene. However, recent developments suggest a potential revival for the band.
Let’s delve into the timeline:
- Disbanding in 2022: The official announcement came from frontman John D. Cronise, citing a creative shift and the difficulty in replicating the classic “Sword sound.” This news came after a successful tour with Clutch and just before a planned stint supporting Primus on their Rush tribute tour.
- Rarities and Retrospective: Despite the disbandment, 2023 saw The Sword release two collections: “Conquest of Kingdoms,” a vinyl collection of rarities, and “Chronology 2006-2018,” a CD boxset spanning their studio albums. This hinted at a desire to celebrate their legacy while seemingly closing the chapter.
- A Reunion in the Making?: The biggest surprise came in June 2024. The Levitation Festival in Austin announced The Sword as a headliner for their Halloween weekend event in November. This news, devoid of any official statement from the band, has sent shockwaves through the metal community.
What does this reunion mean? Here are some possibilities:
- A One-Off Performance: This could be a simple farewell show, a chance for the band to properly say goodbye to their fans on home turf.
- Testing the Waters: Perhaps the band members missed the live energy and want to see how a reunion feels. This could be a precursor to further shows or even new music.
- Full-fledged Revival: The most exciting possibility is a complete comeback. Cronise might have found renewed inspiration, or the camaraderie of playing together might have reignited the creative spark.
While details remain scarce, the Levitation gig offers a beacon of hope for fans. Here are some additional questions this surprise reunion raises:
- Who’s in the Band?: The official announcement doesn’t mention the lineup. Will it be the classic lineup of Cronise, guitarist Kyle Shutt, bassist Felipe Borges, and drummer Santiago Vela?
- New Music?: Would a full-fledged reunion be accompanied by new material? The “Chronology” collection could be seen as a closing statement, but new music would solidify a true comeback.
- Touring Plans: If the Levitation show goes well, will The Sword embark on a full tour? Fans worldwide would be eager to catch them live.
The Sword’s story is far from over. This surprise reunion has injected excitement back into the scene. Whether it’s a final farewell or the start of a new chapter, The Sword’s Levitation performance promises to be a momentous occasion for fans and a significant development in the history of stoner rock.
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