The Sword

American heavy metal band formed in Austin, Texas in 2003. Lineup: J.D. Cronise (vocals/guitar), Kyle Shutt (guitar), Bryan Richie (bass), with various drummers (Trivett Wingo, Jimmy Vela, Kevin Fender). Distinguished by retro-doom-metal influence and progressive song structures.

Five studio albums between 2006 and 2018: Age of Winters, Gods of the Earth, Warp Riders, Apocryphon, High Country, and Used Future. Toured extensively with Metallica during the World Magnetic tour (2008-2010). The band went on indefinite hiatus in 2018 and returned briefly for the Conquest of Kingdoms compilation in 2020.