Description
The Sword – Apocryphon – 180 Gram Vinyl Record
Apocryphon by The Sword is a thunderous and atmospheric heavy metal album that blends stoner metal, classic doom, hard rock, psychedelic textures, and mythological storytelling into one of the band’s most focused and critically acclaimed releases. Released in 2012, Apocryphon marked a creative resurgence for The Sword, refining the epic riff-driven sound established on earlier albums while introducing tighter songwriting, richer production, and a more expansive melodic sensibility. The album is widely regarded as one of the strongest modern examples of classic heavy metal traditions reinterpreted through contemporary stoner and doom metal aesthetics.
Led by guitarist, vocalist, and principal songwriter J. D. Cronise, The Sword continued drawing heavily from the influence of Black Sabbath, classic 1970s hard rock, fantasy literature, and psychedelic metal, while simultaneously evolving toward a more dynamic and emotionally varied songwriting approach. Compared to some of the band’s earlier material, Apocryphon places greater emphasis on melody, groove, and atmosphere without sacrificing the crushing riffs and mythic intensity that defined their sound.
The album’s title references writings or knowledge existing outside accepted canon, fitting perfectly with the band’s fascination with mythology, ancient civilizations, occult imagery, cosmic struggle, and speculative storytelling. Lyrically, Apocryphon explores themes of prophecy, destruction, transcendence, spiritual conflict, ancient wisdom, and apocalyptic vision through vivid imagery and science-fiction-inspired narratives. The record creates a cinematic and immersive world where fantasy, mythology, and existential tension intersect through heavy riff-based storytelling.
Apocryphon is built around massive down-tuned guitar riffs, hypnotic grooves, soaring solos, psychedelic atmosphere, and rhythmically powerful drumming. Tracks such as “Veil of Isis,” “Cloak of Feathers,” “The Hidden Masters,” and “Dying Earth” showcase the band’s ability to balance crushing heaviness with melodic sophistication and progressive pacing. The production, handled by producer J. Robbins, gives the album a warm, organic, and expansive sound that emphasizes both the density of the riffs and the atmospheric detail of the arrangements.
One of the album’s defining strengths is its pacing and compositional structure. Rather than relying solely on relentless heaviness, Apocryphon incorporates acoustic textures, melodic transitions, psychedelic instrumental passages, and dynamic shifts that give the album a more immersive and emotionally layered character. The band’s rhythm section locks into deep groove-oriented patterns that enhance the hypnotic quality of the music, while Cronise’s vocals remain grounded and direct, complementing the album’s mythic lyrical themes without becoming overly theatrical.
Critics and fans praised Apocryphon for its songwriting consistency, improved production, and balance between classic heavy metal tradition and modern stoner-doom innovation. Many listeners viewed the album as a successful refinement of The Sword’s artistic identity, helping solidify their status as one of the most important bands in the modern heavy riff revival movement.
Fans of artists such as Mastodon, Sleep, High on Fire, Baroness, and Black Sabbath often connect deeply with Apocryphon because of its colossal riffs, mythological atmosphere, psychedelic depth, and timeless heavy metal energy.
Apocryphon remains one of The Sword’s most celebrated albums and a defining release within modern stoner metal and doom-influenced heavy rock. Its combination of epic songwriting, immersive atmosphere, crushing riff craftsmanship, and mythic storytelling continues to resonate with listeners seeking heavy music that is both emotionally powerful and imaginatively expansive.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
Track Listing
The Veil Of Isis
Cloak Of Feathers
Arcane Montane
The Hidden Masters
Dying Earth
Execrator
Seven Sisters
Hawks & Serpents
Eyes Of The Stormwitch
Apocryphon
