Norman Music Festival had not yet been blessed by the thunder of a true metal band, so to dive in headfirst with The Sword is a bold and epic choice.
While the metal act formed in Austin, Texas, in 2003, lead singer and guitarist J.D. Cronise had been writing and recording music for years.
But with the addition of guitarist Kyle Shutt and drummer Trivett Wingo (bassist Bryan Richie would join a year later), The Sword was born and ready to conquer the world.
The band found success relatively quickly. An appearance in 2005 at SXSW attracted the attention of hard-rock label Kemado Records who subsequently signed the band.
The Sword released its debut album “Age of Winters” in 2006 and hit the road, supporting acts ranging from Clutch to Lamb of God.
The band’s true break came when its single “Freya” landed on the “Guitar Hero II” tracklist.
The Sword continued its success with its sophomore album “Gods of the Earth” and another appearance in the Guitar Hero series, this time on “Guitar Hero: Metallica” with its single “The Black River.”
The band had the opportunity to open for Motorhead at 2010’s SXSW and just finished its third record that will be released later this year.
Metalheads may not have had much of a reason to show their faces at Norman Music Festival in the past, but there is little excuse for no shows at this year’s festival. Granted, we may well be hearing The Sword clear across town with a little the noise spilling down I-35.
Bring your earplugs; you are going to need them.
