Old School Melodic Death Metal Highlight!
For 25 years now, BATTLESWORD have been making their way through the metal scene and to mark the occasion, they have released their fifth longplayer, which alludes to both the anniversary and the album number in its title "(XX) V". The addition "Of Tales And Tragedies" can also be confidently interpreted as a reference to the band's history and the things they have lived through over such a period of time.
Musically, Battlesword continue where they fortunately never left off: There is the typical Battlesword sound, which has been expanded every now and then with new elements. From almost doomy parts to merciless blasts, the stylistic variety is not overused on the one hand, but is still multi-layered enough to never get bored with the 11 songs over the entire running time. As with its predecessor, "(XX)V" was recorded and mixed at the Big Easy Studio in Hennef by Michael "Freio" Haas, while the mastering was once again in the hands of Dan Swanö.
Incidentally, a first in Battlesword's history is that there were no changes to the line-up for "(XX)V - Of Tales And Tragedies" and that the band allowed themselves to pay homage to themselves with the song "Brethren Of The Sword". In addition, there is of course still exactly what you would expect from a proper melodic death metal album - and a Battlesword album in particular.
1. The Apparition
2. Memento (te hominem esse)
3. Break The Seven Seals
4. Brethren Of The Sword
5. Into The Maelstrom Of Old
6. Follow The Deathbird’s Call
7. Obsidian Faces
8. Storm Of The Coffin-born
9. The Days That Never Were
10. You Are The Fire
11. A New Hope