The Sword are giving back to their dedicated fans for their loyalty to the band over the years as the first single “Deadly Nightshade” from their new album Used Future is streaming now. The single is a reward for those who have pre-ordered the Austin, Texas metal bands sixth studio album.

The band is known for their potent doom metal but “Deadly Nightshade” is a humble homage to classic rock nostalgia. The vocals are complimented well by the hook oriented riffs that don’t seem to quit in the two minutes and fifty two seconds that the arrangement soars. The tones of the guitar and bass are clean and precise, hinting at an approach that feels like if Black Sabbath entered the musical stratosphere of present day.

The song has moments of blues glory similar to what could be heard on their 2015 album High Country. The Sword are definitely giving their fans a dose of their older sounds mixed with a more recent hook-driven approach on “Deadly Nightshade.”

You can also hear the influence of Doom Side of the Moon style guitar tones in the song, The Sword’s metal driven ode to the classic Pink Floyd album Dark Side of the Moon.

Used Future will be released on March 23 and was recorded with producer Tucker Martine. Martine has worked with bands such as My Morning Jacket and The Decemberists. The Sword will spend a majority of 2018 on the road in support of the new album and will be supported by the band King Buffalo. Below are the dates for the first leg of the tour.

Mar 21 – Austin, TX @ Mohawk
Mar 23 – El Paso, TX @ Tricky Falls
Mar 24 – Phoenix, AZ @ Rebel Lounge
Mar 25 – Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey
Mar 26 – San Francisco, CA @ Fillmore
Mar 27 – Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades
Mar 29 – Seattle, WA @ Neumos
Mar 30 – Spokane, WA @ The Pin
Mar 31 – Boise, ID @ Neurolux
Apr 2 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Metro Music Hall
Apr 3 – Grand Junction, CO @ The Mesa Theater
Apr 4 – Denver, CO @ Gothic Theatre

Photo Credit: Raymond Flotat