Album Review: Firesword – Antique (Self Released)

Firesword are a blackened thrash metal band formed by Lord Insekkton I Von Firesword (guitars) and Leoben “Sorcerer” Conoy (voice+bass). They formed in 2000 putting out several demos before releasing their first full length album in 2014 entitled, Enslaved To The Void. Four years later they are back with their second full length called ‘Antique’.

One of the more impressive elements of Firesword and their new album is how they’ve managed to bring forth their devilishly mystical sound while still firing off pulping levels of blackened thrash. Even when slowing things down, it’s brief and still brings all manner of heaviness such as on the excellent opener, Ruthenium Heart.

It’s followed by a handful of tracks that do more then enough to sell the album as a whole. A Devil’s Miracle fires of excellent thrashy riffs, a cleaner side of vocals alongside the blackness and a brief but solid guitar solo. Trident Pierced’s body shaking opening groove descends into the madness of wild riffing and the hellish speed of the drums. While Soliloque is a bit more of a epic as the guitars soar and the vocals tell a tale that resonates deeply.

A more epic/playful style keeps the momentum high as The Eisenberg Legacy dabbles with a folk-metal sound before To Dream A Chimera goes for ferocious speed with contrasting vocals that absolutely slay.

Satisfying? You have no idea quite how much until you listen to it yourself. The last few songs flying by in a wickedly exciting whirlwind of heavy metal noise. Hail, Firesword!

Firesword – Antique Full Track Listing:

1. Ruthenium Heart
2. A Devil’s Miracle
3. Trident Pierced
4. Soliloque
5. The Eisenberg Legacy
6. To Dream A Chimera
7. Imperial Pestilence
8. Apparition Through the Candles
9. Upon Smoking Ashes (We Rule)
10. Wrathful

Check out the album yourself via Spotify, Bandcamp, Soundcloud and YouTube. Find out more by checking out Firesword’s Facebook Page.