Simply glorious

Based in Boise, Idaho, USA, BY FIRE AND SWORD present the debut full-length “Glory”, and they’re here to spread the riff gospel of glory, vengeance, fury and the battle for your soul. Recommended for fans of Orden Ogan, Visigoth, Gatekeeper, Throne Of Iron, Bloodbound and Blind Guardian.
The First Holy Church of the Children of Light spreads a message of glory and love like a sword sunk deep into the belly of the dark beast. By fire and sword they wage war upon darkness itself. Led by the Honorable Reverend Tim Tom Jones, their epic brand of almighty metal stands as a fiery beacon of hope. They’re marching an army of the worthy into the ever loving light. Will you join the fight?
“All of us here on the compound are thrilled with By Fire and Sword’s new album, ‘Glory’. It is truly a blessing to share the good word with all my righteous children. I’ll see you up on the path.” – The Honorable Reverend Tim Tom Jones
“For years I stumbled in the dark, blinded by my suffering and devoid of all direction. The Reverend found me, put a sword in my hand, showed me the power of glory, love and light and turned me into a champion for the world. He prayed on my bad foot and banished that most foul and demonic gout. Do not suffer needlessly; join our march up the path to everlasting glory!” – Brother Jeffrey (2023)

REVIEW

The album cover gets the Gage seal of approval! I love the penciled look of it, it conveys an almost empty sadness. As for the band logo, I like it as well, though I can’t help but feel that it’s a touch busy. Though that’s probably my personal taste shining through.

Beginning things is the lead single, “Leave a Little Room”, which begins with a solid thumping drum beat, and some nice leads to accompany. Our first exposure to Tom Newby’s vox is a grand affair. I adore his Dickinson-like delivery, and the way it sounds as though he’s weaving a tale through the song. At a hair over 6 minutes, this is the longest track on the album, but it never felt like it overstayed its welcome.

After a solid opening, we move on to “Fear and Trembling”. This was a bit more of a faster paced track, compared to the last, and again I find myself enthralled by the vocals. Have to shout out the production as well, the instruments are all mixed together masterfully, with each being clearly hearable, and done overshadowing another too much. For some reason the title of this one made me think of Darth Vader, though after listening to the lyrics, I didn’t see a connection.

Next up, “The Feast”. Goddamn those vocals, they’re so infectious. Some great leadwork in this one as well, and a solid groove kept steady by the bass and rums chugging along. The vocals almost remind me of late 90s/early 00s power metal, in terms of delivery. A real earworm of a chorus as well, this one will be a mainstay in my rotation for weeks to come.

Following that was “Tap the Conduit”. This one started off much more slower tempo and even a bit chuggy, but hot damn the vocals again. It’s like being entranced by a siren, or whatever the male version of a siren is. The Hansi Kursch influence is incredibly paramount in this one, which is always a huge plus.

Next was “Tithe (The Money Song)”. This one was a true lyrical showcase which evoke a number of anti-religious themes and ideals (obviously). That won’t be to everyone’s fancy, but for this reviewer, it’s rad. The instruments gave a solid groove all throughout, and (I think) I even heard some keys in the background toward the end of the track.

Onto the second half of the record now, and beginning this part of the album was “Glory, Love, Light”, which I’m going to be calling the title track. This one had a very speed metal edge to it, with some nice harmonies from Brother Jeffrey, the guitarist. In this one, the vox evoked a more progressive edge, maybe of early DREAM THEATER, but I can’t be sure. By this point, I was convinced that this was one of my favorite records of the year, from a purely lyrical perspective.

Next was the instrumental “A Moment of Silent Reflection”, which begins as a more sludgy foray, but not in a bad way. I think instrumentals, while a bit tough to review as a non-musician, are something that every artist should try at least once. Let the band show off their chops, and they do so hear. The riffage evoked the heavier side of power metal, bands like PAGAN’S MIND and THRESHOLD.

After that nice respite was “Mind, Body, Soul (Total War)”, and can I just say once more that I adore these damn vocals. Yet another solid chorus and some great lyrics, not to mention the scintillating melody from the guitars specifically.

Next came “The Flood”. It began with some really solid leadwork, followed nicely by whispery vocals that captivated me like witch’s brew. The guitarwork really shone through at around 2 minutes in, while Newby fell into a near spoken word portion. This was the closest song to a ballad on the album, and it definitely stands out from the rest.

And finally, to close out this behemoth, “Dear Reverend (Please Take My Hand)”. It felt angry and more aggressive than the rest of the album, the instruments were much harder. But the vocals kept that same storytelling aspect that I love. A helluva facemelter of a solo as well!

CONCLUSION

So, this was an absolute banger. I always get excited when a new trad band is compared to VISIGOTH or GATEKEEPER, and BY FIRE & SWORD did not disappoint. Literally have no been able to stop thinking about the vocals

TheNWOTHM Score: 9/10

BY FIRE & SWORD
Bandcamp: https://byfireandsword.bandcamp.com/
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