Chronology: 2006-2018

One of two career-spanning compilations to be released by the stalwart Texas metallers in 2020 -- the other is the concert recording and B-sides collection Conquest of Kingdoms, which is included here -- Chronology 2006-2018 collects 26 of The Swords most notable studio recordings, making it the perfect starting point for newcomers. Since emerging in 2006 with the self-recorded, doom-laden Age of Winters, the bands retro-metal sound has evolved to include elements of NWOBHM, space rock, country, stoner metal, and psych-blasted blues-rock. Opening with fan-favorite Freya, Chronology stays true to its moniker by delivering a linear set of studio gems (Iron Swan, Black River, Fire Lances of the Ancient Hyperzephyrians) intercut with the Conquest of Kingdoms material. The opening volley of live tracks commences with The Horned Goddess, Baraels Blade, Lament for the Aurochs, and Iron Swan, which were recorded in 2005 at Austins legendary Emos. Not too far removed from the studio versions that would appear on the acclaimed Age of Winters the following year, its cool to hear Kyle Shutts and John J.D. Cronises dovetailing guitar work in a live setting at the peak of their most Sabbath-leaning period. The live recordings also roll out sequentially, with a 2007 performance at the Bowery Ballroom in NYC showcasing material from the thrash-influenced Gods of the Earth, and a 2011 Stubbs BBQ gig leans hard into the metaphysical space rock emissions of 2012s Apocryphon. The remaining B-sides and rarities feature some choice covers, including takes on Pentagrams Forever My Queen, fellow Texans ZZ Tops Cheap Sunglasses, Thin Lizzys Cold Sweat, Led Zeppelins Immigrant Song, and and Kiss She, the latter of which apparently needed more cowbell. Outtakes from later efforts High Country (Hexenringe) and Used Future (Serpent Weather) reflect the Swords pivot from straight-up doom-casters to bluesy hard rockers, and a colossal 2008 version of Freya adds the sonic heft that the original 2006 recording implied but couldnt yet reach. Chronologys extensive liner notes feature contributions from the band, as well as hard rock and heavy metal luminaries like Lars Ulrich (Metallica), Neil Fallon (Clutch), and Mark Morton (Lamb of God). ~ James Christopher Monger