DoomSword

DOOMSWORDS’s tale began with the Sacred Metal demo in 1997, recorded during a time when classic metal releases were a rarity. Rather than follow the current trend, Deathmaster decided to play Metal inspired by bands such as WARLORD, OMEN and MANILLA ROAD and joined together with Soldier of Fortune and Guardian Angel to record, the now infamous, Sacred Metal demo. Despite the fact that only a few demos actually made it into circulation (about half were lost mysteriously) DOOMSWORD’s name became known in the underground mainly in Greece, Germany and Belgium. A number of labels put offers on the table at the time, and the decision was made to sign with Underground Symphony. Some new songs were then written (One Eyed God, Return to Imrryr, Helm’s Deep, Lord of Dragons) and Dark Omen (bass) and Nightcomer (vocals) joined the rehearsals for the album. Their debut album, ‘DoomSword’, was released in 1999, it slowly became well known and created a loyal fan base to this day.
Next page in their history: Deathmaster reverts to being the main singer in the band and records a 4 song unreleased demo described as ‘obscure doom’ (tracks: “In the Battlefield” (not the same as the track on LBC) “Stygian Council” “Crimson Sky” and “Odin's Hail”). This demo sealed a three album deal with another Italian label - Dragonheart Records. Song writing for RESOUND THE HORN was now underway and at this time The Forger took up the role of rhythm guitarist and Guardian Angel II (Deathmaster’s guitar teacher) played lead guitar. RESOUND THE HORN was released and again the scene was slow on the uptake but eventually this album emerged as one of the most loved albums of the last decade. It became clear that DOOMSWORD are one of the few bands firmly rooted in the sound of 80’s Heavy Metal while being able to create something new for the next era in Metal.
Three months after the release of their second album DOOMSWORD played their first live show in Ascoli. Up to then the band had no intentions to play live until Gianluca of BATTLE RAM organized a show asking them to support MANILLA ROAD. We can thank Gianluca for making DOOMSWORD an offer they could not refuse.
Towards the end of the same year the recording of Let Battle Commence began with a new co-conspirator, Wrathlord, on drums. Wrathlord brought some further aggression to the sound, good timing you could say as the theme of the album was the Viking invasion of Northern England in 866. The album is another departure from anything you could consider to be a ‘standard DoomSword’ sound …barbaric, epic and quite raw Let Battle Commence converted even the most cynical of Metallers into horn-raising, axe-wielding, barbarians.
Time for another band reshuffle: Guardian Angel II passed the torch over to one of his guitar students, another highly talented guitarist - Sacred Heart - who has since become the most involved lead guitarist to date for the band. In a final move Dark Omen left the band and was replaced by Geilt (Deathmaster’s brother). Geilt’s style can be likened to Jim Schumacher of BROCAS HELM, which adds to the complexity of the new sound emerging from the current lineup. And so, with this promising new lineup and the future looking bright DOOMSWORD played support to OMEN and VIRGIN STEELE (Tradate Metal Fest) and headlined the Bang Your Head warm-up show, then they fell off the face of the planet. Or so it seemed! After a lengthy but unavoidable break, songwriting for the fourth album began at the end of 2005. The story behind the songs and how they sound will be revealed in the coming months. As usual you can expect the unexpected ….