It seems like any genre of music heavily associated with drug use is kind of having a moment right now. You can drop acid and watch a psych band or pop some molly and get down to some electro-house stuff—heck, even The Weeknd got popular with his love song to cocaine. So, it's no surprise, in some ways, that stoner metal is having some time in the oppressive, harsh sunlight. However, for Austin-based stoner metal four-piece, The Sword, the genre isn't anything new or novel. After all, it's been over a decade since the band formed, blazing trails of their own and forging a path for doom to continue on. However, for their widely-acclaimed 2014 release High Country, the band went in some unexpected directions—throwing in a hefty dose of country Americana and gritty roots in the mix. Think of it like a metal-detour concept album.
The Sword will be playing live at Rialto Theatre (318 E. Congress St.) on Sunday, March 20, with Royal Thunder opening. The show starts at 8 p.m. and it's an all-ages event. Tickets ($18) and more information can be found at www.rialtotheatre.com.
