Description
The Sword – Conquest Of Kingdoms – Triple Vinyl Records
Conquest of Kingdoms is a compilation album by the American heavy metal band The Sword, released on June 5, 2020. This extensive collection spans the band’s career, featuring a variety of tracks that highlight their evolution and versatility within the heavy metal genre. The album includes live recordings, rare tracks, and covers, providing both new listeners and long-time fans with a comprehensive look at The Sword’s musical journey.
The compilation opens with “Freya,” a track from their debut album “Age of Winters” (2006). This song, with its powerful riffs and mythological lyrics, showcases the band’s early sound characterized by a blend of stoner rock and doom metal influences. The epic nature of “Freya” sets the stage for the rest of the compilation.
“Maiden, Mother & Crone” from their second album “Gods of the Earth” (2008) is another standout track. Its driving rhythm and melodic guitar work highlight The Sword’s ability to craft songs that are both heavy and memorable. The band’s talent for storytelling through their lyrics is evident in this song, which draws on themes from mythology and fantasy.
The compilation also features live versions of fan favorites like “The Chronomancer I: Hubris” and “The Black River.” These live tracks capture the raw energy and intensity of The Sword’s performances, showcasing their prowess as a live act. The live recordings bring a new dimension to the songs, emphasizing the band’s dynamic stage presence and musicianship.
Rare tracks and B-sides such as “Dying Earth” and “Sea of Spears” provide deeper insight into the band’s creative process. These songs, while perhaps not as well-known as their album tracks, display the same level of craftsmanship and thematic depth that fans have come to expect from The Sword.
Conquest of Kingdoms also includes a selection of covers that highlight the band’s influences and versatility. Their rendition of ZZ Top’s “Cheap Sunglasses” is a particular highlight, blending the band’s heavy sound with the bluesy rock vibe of the original. This cover, along with others on the album, showcases The Sword’s ability to reinterpret classic songs while maintaining their unique style.
The production quality of the compilation is polished, ensuring that both the studio recordings and live tracks are presented with clarity and power. The sound is rich and layered, allowing the intricate guitar work, thunderous bass, and pounding drums to shine through. The vocals are delivered with intensity and conviction, adding to the overall impact of the music.
Conquest of Kingdoms is more than just a compilation; it is a celebration of The Sword’s legacy and their contributions to the heavy metal genre. It captures the essence of what makes the band unique—their ability to blend heavy riffs, intricate melodies, and engaging storytelling into a cohesive and powerful sound.
For long-time fans, Conquest of Kingdoms offers a nostalgic journey through the band’s catalog, while also providing new insights through rare tracks and live recordings. For new listeners, the compilation serves as an excellent introduction to The Sword’s music, showcasing their evolution and the breadth of their musical capabilities.
Conquest of Kingdoms is a must-have for fans of The Sword and heavy metal enthusiasts. It encapsulates the band’s career, highlighting their strengths and celebrating their unique place within the genre. With its mix of live recordings, rare tracks, and covers, the compilation offers something for everyone, making it a comprehensive and engaging listen.
A three-disc collection of career spanning rarities.
30 tracks (16 previously unreleased) housed in a triple gatefold package
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
Track Listing
The Horned Goddess (Live)
Barael’s Blade (Live)
Lament For The Aurochs (Live)
Iron Swan (Live)
The Sundering (Live)
Fire Lances Of The Ancient Hyperzephyrians (Live)
The Black River (Live)
The White Sea (Live)
Sea Of Spears (Live)
Freya (Live)
Night City (Live)
The Chronomancer ll: Nemesis (Live)
DHe’s Waiting (C Average Version)
Sea Of Spears
Immigrant Song
Nasty Dogs And Funky Kings
Codex Corvidae
Freya ‘08
Forever My Queen
She
Daughter Of Dawn
Farstar
Cold Sweat
Cheap Sunglasses
Hammer Of Heaven
Hexenringe
Seriously Mysterious (Level One Remix)
John The Revelator
Turnt To Dust
Serpent Weather
