Texan heavy rock outfit The Sword is making a comeback, more than two years after calling it quits. Their return began with a performance at the 2024 Levitation Festival in Austin last fall, and now they’re keeping the momentum going with two newly announced shows.
Fans can catch them on April 10 at the Granada Theater in Dallas and April 11 at Paper Tiger in San Antonio. Tickets go on sale this Friday, February 7, at 10 a.m. local time.
For frontman John D. Cronise, stepping back on stage with the band felt natural. Speaking to Revolver, he described the reunion as “just kind of like putting on a comfortable pair of sneakers.” Their Levitation set, he added, “was a great show… it went really well.”
Guitarist and vocalist Kyle Shutt shared a similar sentiment, emphasizing the enthusiasm of their fans. “I can’t tell you what it means to see everyone’s positive reception,” he said. “It feels so good to see people out there almost more enthusiastic about the band than ever — it’s something we’ll never take for granted.”
The band’s resurgence coincides with the 15th anniversary of Warp Riders, their third full-length album, released in the summer of 2010. A concept album described as a psychedelic space opera, it features the galloping, fuzzed-out “Tres Brujas”, and the Southern rock-infused “Lawless Lands”. Upon release, Warp Riders was met with widespread acclaim, with Premier Guitar praising its “distinctly Texas-flavored sense of groove and swing,” SPIN calling it “badass” and “innovative,” and Consequence going even further, declaring it a “classic.”
Since their formation in 2003, The Sword—comprised of John D. Cronise (vocals, guitar), Bryan Richie (bass, keyboards), Kyle Shutt (guitar, vocals), and Santiago Vela (drums)—has earned a reputation as one of heavy music’s most respected acts. Their blend of crushing riffs, intricate storytelling, and a sound that bridges classic metal and modern rock has resulted in six studio albums: Age of Winters (2006), Gods of the Earth (2008), Warp Riders (2010), Apocryphon (2012), High Country (2015), and Used Future (2018).
With the band back on stage and more dates on the horizon, it seems The Sword isn’t ready to be sheathed just yet.
