The Sword - Empty Temples (audio)

From the album High Country
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LYRICS
before the clocks started counting
we built shrines to the sun
conducted rites by the moonlight
now remembered by none
aswe move through the future
we are warmed by the past
like a fire on a cold, dark night
but dawn's here at last
let go of all that binds you
your kind will always find you
we must give up the old ways
though they've served us well
the rituals havelost meaning
what were temples are shells
but there is a new path
that always has been
as we set foot upon it
let us fear not the end
let go of all that binds you
your kind will always find you
an endless series of meaningless tasks
each one distracting us all from the last
look all around at the things you've been given
what do you see?
beauty and splendor, destruction and ruin
all in your memory
let go of all that binds you
your kind will always find you
Music video by The Sword performing Empty Temples (audio). (C) 2015 Razor & Tie Recordings, LLC. Marketed and distributed by Razor & Tie Direct, LLC.

[@radosawkruszynski184]

Whatever all you want to say, in my humble opinion The Sword is one of the most underestimated bands of last 20 years! That's all I wanted to say. P.S. I wish that one day They will deliver a gig in Poland!

[@McShag420]

Oh, apparently that's not all you wanted to say!

[@Acidwriter]

Do you know how manys songs have this under in the comments? Tons of them, just because you like something and it's not known does not make it underrated.

[@jakobcallan8201]

If you can't respect the fucking awesome rocking greatness of this album, you have no idea what music is. I love metal and their old sound as much as the next guy, but damn it people, would it kill you to expand?!

[@jimmystalanski4482]

Also Low Country. I love that one too!

[@MacSmithVideo]

Step 1: The Sword releases an album Step 2: Everyone hates it for being different Step 3: People come around to it.

[@eoinsrockandmetalplaylists7855]

I hear ya

[@debiate5]

exactly.

[@fckth3systm]

Mac Smith Ironically, I like the Sword less with each release because it always sounds like a rehash of everything they've already done.

[@guttyxx]

Mac Smith Step 4: Profit?

[@davidrojas6457]

Mac Smith Step 4: Bring the needle back and start all over again!

[@shoegazed]

Honestly dig this more than the stuff on the back half of Age of Winters. If we can't keep getting Gods of the Earth styled Sword this is at least some nice smooth driving highway rock and roll, which is harder to find in 2015 than it should be.

[@Slaughterhauzen]

shoegazed the back half of Age of Winters has Iron Swan, March of the Lor, and Ebethron though...I'm confused.

[@Draclord35]

shoegazed Hard to find? Orchid, Kadavar, Elder... Not that hard to find, really.

[@shoegazed]

Draclord35 Orchid and Kadavar I'll give you but Elder is more monolithic than this is succinct.

[@Draclord35]

Yeah Elder has more of a psychedelic and prog vibe, which I really love. I don't like easy rock songs that you understand after half a listen (because the structure is always the same through and through).

[@kazoshay]

shoegazed All of Age of Winters is fucking amazing. I think Gods of the Earth is uneven, but really dig some of the thrashier songs.

[@costantinoandruzzi2219]

A stoned-out version of Thin Lizzy. The new Sword album sounds very promising!

[@spongebitchbobface]

As if Thin Lizzy wasn't stoned out enough.

[@fartooeasy7315]

Such a tasty jam. The sword never fails.

[@xurxo12]

Thin Lizzy's Chinatown is all over the place on these songs we've heard so far... AND I LOVE IT!!!

[@wetnightmare6661]

hell yeah. thin lizzy is my favorite band too so I'm loving it

[@xurxo12]

nice taste pal!

[@siebenedrissg]

+BurnBabyBurn! At first I thought "yeah sure bro". But now that I'm listening to it again, I hear a very strong Lizzy influence on several tracks of the Album which is awesome!!

[@xurxo12]

you are absolutely right

[@basics1]

Such a vibe seeing so many positive comments about this album. It has some absolute bangers on it for sure.

[@crossbowtim218]

Probably commented on this video before, but this is riff city. Perfect simple soloing too. Deep as hell lyrics.

[@Slaughterhauzen]

I think The Sword are just one of those bands, like Mastodon or Muse, that are too good of musicians to make bad music, but because they are open to making whatever music they are feeling at the time, with each album release there are going to be fans griping about them not releasing Gods of the Earth II, like people complaining about Mastodon not sounding like Remission or Leviathan anymore. I think you just have to look at each release as its own new thing, and if you want to hear "Iron Swan" and "Fire Lances" and "Lords", put your iphone on shuffle or go to a concert of theirs...

[@eoinsrockandmetalplaylists7855]

Yes what you said lol

[@RockWillLiveOn]

Manly and Loving It The Sword fucking ROCK live! Song after song of relentless brain-shattering riffage.. lol

[@MarvelDcImage]

Manly and Loving It To me it seems they are hitting all aspects of stoner rock. They did the middle ages barbarian theme, the supernatural theme and the space Sci-Fi theme. In this case I think they are exploring the prog rock genre of stoner music. Sabbath did the same.

[@Slaughterhauzen]

MarvelDcImage that's an interesting point, but I'd be willing to bet that's more a byproduct of them exploring their interpretation of their own personal influences than a conscious decision to make a catalog that spans the entire breath of stoner rock

[@rodrigouff111]

Manly and Loving It You sir, are spot on!

[@anthonydecarolis2912]

The transition of The Sword's sound in a way makes me think of Josh Homme's transition from Kyuss to Queens Of The Stone Age if that makes sense here

[@meskalinmaskin]

Seen The Sword live twice and this sounds like it will be just as good the third time. Really like the softer path they´re on right now, even though I fell in love with Age of Winters.

[@montesagold]

to me, all the song structures are class sword. Broader vocals with the guitar tones and overall mix smoothed out a ton closer to the sound of the old fashioned rockandroll that their music is based on anyway. great as expected

[@metalhead9577]

This very song changed the way I listen to music and inspired me to pick up guitar.

[@ggaccentc]

Who disliked this song? This album is rocking. Best I've heard in a while.

[@arturoargon9560]

This is the best song of The Sword and definitely my favorite song of 2015. Excelent riff I can't stop playing it on my guitar

[@rafa_guitar]

Thank you The Sword band for all these years of awesome music, you are so fukin good!

[@Doomdougie]

I'm digging the new songs, it's not as heavy as their other albums, I'm thinking they gave the heavy axe on this album, and went with the Wizards staff instead

[@Jennyjam1000]

This is rad. They went a bit more psychadelic/stoner here that is contrasted by an album or two with more of a doom/metal album and even some prog inspired sessions. Either mood is executed well and is sick in its own right!!

[@jamesk.2195]

That main riff is great! It's stuck in my head now!

[@matthewlong9821]

I just like that these guys keep upping their game and experimenting with different sounds!

[@magneto44]

great stuff guys, love the direction you are going

[@Poonard]

What's with the Sword? New album, cool..can't wait for more tales of swords, witches, sorcery, you know that bad ass shit they're so awesome at.... *press play.... WTF....

[@misscasualty]

Might want to check the lyrics out...

[@ggaccentc]

try lyrics

[@spacebusdriver]

Everyone who's still critical of their new stuff should go see them play it live, and be blown away by how heavy it really is. It's just the production on the album version that takes away the energy

[@ศุภวัฒน์ดวงคํา-ฑ7ฤ]

Before the clocks started counting We built shrines to the sun Conducted rites by the moonlight Now remembered by none As we move through the future We are warmed by the past Like a fire on a cold, dark night But dawn's here at last Let go of all that binds you Your kind will always find you We must give up the old ways Though they've served us well The rituals have lost meaning What were temples are shells But there is a new path That always has been As we set foot upon it Let us fear not the end Let go of all that binds you Your kind will always find you An endless series of meaningless tasks Each one distracting us all from the last Look all around at the things you've been given What do you see? Beauty and splendor, destruction and ruin All in your memory Let go of all that binds you Your kind will always find you

[@BredForAnarchy]

I always love their albums off the bat. Such an amazing sound

[@konfusius8218]

Man this song is so plucking phantastic!

[@benweissman2472]

I might be going to see them live in may!

[@sivvybee]

The are awesome. So they went from Sabbath to Deep Purple! It's all ROCK AND ROLL BABY. Thank you SWORD!

[@420DamienDarkblade]

I think it sounds Great!!! The Sword is my favorite band and has been since I first heard them. Good Job guys!!! C'ya in Charleston SC soon I hope.....

[@FangLessStudios]

This kicks ass.

[@davidrojas6457]

For me, the Sword has never been just a band; they've been more like a language. That is to say, the band's "sound" has never been as important as their "tone". Each album has had something different to say, in it's own unique tone. The sounds are different, but that feeling of abandon and pure sonic enjoyment has never gone away. Anyone who has experienced a Sword album has also experienced that feeling when you get to the end of the record of "Shit, let's do that again!".

[@armandoscodellaro4150]

Se tu avessi vissuto gli anni 70 come me non ti stupiresti di questo sound. Comunque ottimo gruppo👍

[@MetalheadYA]

Getting an ELO vibe here... Guitars are tuned to Eb .... 4/4 time.. Jumps to 6/4 (?) during the instrumental section about 50 bars from the end and lasts for maybe 8 bars.... Some Blue Oyster Cult riffs and buzz.... I am just happy to hear a modern Metal band with a singer I can understand....lol.... I know, I am old.....

[@steveneuhauser4176]

They are very innovative, new concepts and very new sounds...not all good, but pushing the envelope for sure

[@kristjan79]

Was a little underwhelmed at first, thought it sounded like an old Guess Who song... but it builds and builds and gets so good. Excellent, I look forward to this album!

[@7hotfuzz7]

I like this one better than High Country. I dig their new sound, its still groovy and sounds hella smooth. I like the more rock vibe than metal vibe on this album. But seriously, unless someone is genuinely upset about this sound and says they suck now, you cannot blame people for wanting another Age of Winters/Gods of the Earth. Yea there are other bands who play that heavier style, but you know for a fact the Sword's sound is unique. Its hard to find a stoner/doom metal band putting out an album that's similar and as great as Age of Winters was. Again, I am not one of those people stubborn to change, I absolutely love Tame Impala's new album. You just jam out to Age of Winters everyday and crave more, nothing wrong with that. Sword will always be dope \m/

[@_Kid_Corpus_]

What gall!!! What unmitigated audacity!!! How dare THE SWORD grow, mature & progress??? Its as if they imagine themselves to be genuine artists: free to create music however they wish!!! I can't believe it. I am without belief. I had best listen to 'Age of Winters' & 'Gods of the Earth' without delay, because I certainly wouldn't want to enjoy something new.

[@briannowdesha3986]

I fuking love age of winters! Rock on!!

[@journeyintothebible]

1st impression? ZZ Top meets Deep Purple Mk 1. And something completely unique. Good stuff.

[@aijuex]

Great song! You guys just keep getting better. Love the production and the songwriting is top notch as usual. This hints to be amongst the best of the year. I hope to see you live someday. Cheers from Paraguay!

[@PeterRichardJames]

First riff from the new album to get stuck in my head! I'm digging this new sound!

[@OwlCassettes]

Cool buildings, impressive filming. I do miss their original sound, but thats just me.

[@ProspectorAl]

It's good to hear them evolve. Most of the really great ones do evolve and change their sound over time. Opeth, Mastodon, Katatonia, Amorphis, etc, etc, etc.....................

[@grindstone4910]

I like it. I want more.

[@dfr036]

Love the Urbex backgrounds!

[@jimmystalanski4482]

This album is AMAZING!!!

[@seanmitchell5438]

really dig this track. great riff and tones

[@corylowe5536]

The fact this has less than a million views is absolutely criminal. We are failing as a species.

[@jimstevens3823]

My favorite album of Theirs!!

[@betsymen]

Can't wait for the official video of this!!

[@cainnon]

I thought I recognized this video. Then I realized this footage is all from school 4 in downtown Jacksonville. We used to sneak in there when I was in high school. Small world...

[@Ryan-cw8zs]

This album is reminding me a lot of Lore by Elder. Loving it.

[@dragon53777]

Clutch, The Sword and Queens of the stone age should go on tour. Call it the stoned age tour haha.

[@Hidyman]

+Daren Redman I would sell my bleeding spleen to see that show.

[@Mr.HotDogShirtGuy]

+Daren Redman "Clutch The Stone-Aged Sword"

[@gemineye76]

+Mr. Hotdog Shirt Guy much better. I was just thinking that.

[@4401970cuda]

Still my favorite Sword song

[@MrJohnMarbles]

Im lovin it as per usual. Keep it real guys

[@spokemotion3897]

Love this album!

[@wadeguidry6675]

Very Zappa! Love it.

[@jamesk.2195]

This album comes out next week!

[@Splagnet]

Saw live. They FUCKING KILLED every song that was on this album but dissapointed when they played muh-muh m'warpriders

[@ChapterMasterDad]

Not sure about individual musicianship, but the band itself and the feel are altogether quite addictive

[@eoinsrockandmetalplaylists7855]

Lethal tune, the new album is going to slay

[@ObsidianBlaze9]

"Let go of all that binds you, your cat will always find you".

[@Vojife]

I love the video, man! And the song of course.

[@Opticillusion160]

I like the new vintage sound, but I'm still waiting for at least 1 or 2 songs to be heavy. Something to jam out to.

[@ehead1978]

This song desperately needs the backing vocals to 'Kiss - Love Gun' in the chorus. LOL. Would be a hilarious remix!........ Enjoying listening to The Sword's recent work. Absolutely loved Warp Riders and new material is very reminicent of Apocryphon.

[@mikeinhifi]

2:24 reminds me a bit of Winter's Wolves. Between the two new songs I prefer this one. I certainly can't judge by these two songs or the titles on the tracklist but it's definitely a change of direction. Hope there is a few heavy songs on the album to go along with these groovy tracks. Although, I am a bit disappointed they aren't using the classic Sword logo on the album. It's such a cool design.

[@phnxshine]

Reminds me of Thin Lizzy.

[@riffmaniaco3368]

Great song! ;)

[@ellisjensen8672]

This song feels like a biography of my life. I have a tattoo of an empty Mormon Salt Lake City temple with Damage, Inc written under it. These guys are brilliant!🙏. I mostly feel the positive tone of this song. The Metallica reference is there, because, hey, I feel that too.

[@extremejustin4611]

They should have an 'I don't know yet. I'm going to have to listen to it about a dozen more times before I can determine' button.

[@jonnyshockley8445]

I had an awesome time when I seen em live on high country tour shit I think the whole city knew I had an awesome time!

[@LocoDirewolf]

Yes! I hope it's a good as Warp Riders.

[@AwesomeInvasion]

Nice!

[@FeastOvGoreglutton]

that goddamn riff

[@LocoDirewolf]

I find myself saying that for just about all of their songs. They are riff monsters!

[@FeastOvGoreglutton]

iankrackenthorpe yeah The Sword are riff gods

[@dylicious1272]

+aaron they carve them right off the bone man, juicy!

[@FeastOvGoreglutton]

Dylan Story fuck yeah they do.

[@tygoldizen7042]

I fuckin love what they have grown into. It's got such a psychedelic yet southern sound and it's an interesting evolution. I'd say this album is just as good as Age of Winters

[@her7388]

Blue Oyster Cult + Thin Lizzy... thumbs up!

[@jeremybrooking58]

Oh gawd yes...

[@TezzaLarks]

This is a good song but i do think it could do with a nice thicker guitar tone! i like the bass being quite prominent though, so maybe the lighter guitar tone aids that greatly.. Will have to have more listens and see!

[@fjbadlx4s]

Brooklyn Bowl 5/17/16 ......arrivooooo!!!!

[@Haxoo]

Increible, saquen una gira con mucho stoner a sudamerica gente !

[@briannowdesha3986]

Jesus said do not think that I came to bring peace but a sword

[@ulfrhjarta]

Would love to cruise around in the mystery machine listening to this album

[@ArmorKuma]

Did they write these lyrics about the fans listening to the new album?

[@raginricky9234]

I was listening to Doom Metal until this came on, This is actually pretty good

[@kombik98]

I've listened to all of "High Country" and I have to say that, unlike "Warp Riders" which is far and away my fave, I struggled to immediately get into tracks. This song and "Dream Thieves" particularly are stand outs, a bit like "Veil Of Isis" and the title track were on "Apocryphon". I think my main criticism of this album and, looking back sections of "Apocryphon" as well, is that the big guitar sounds seems to have melted away. Its more 70s high gain, which is NOT high gain. For instance, "Acheron - Unearthing The Orb" has cabinet thud worthy of Hetfield. With some heavier sounds I think the whole of "High Country" would've tightened up. Just my opinion. But their best songs are the really punchy, high gain numbers. If The Sword want to really sell this new sound they need an entire album full of stuff as mind blowing as "Dream Thieves".

[@andyfraz7498]

For some reason, all instrumentals (or close to instrumental) sound great to me. Maybe I just haven't found the crappy stuff yet.

[@artursawicki1994]

Not bad, not amazing. It is what I anticipated after the first teaser.

[@bruhjamalhavok5787]

It's not the writing that's different its the mixing & engineering

[@Kindgom-ue8wk]

This was it.... This was the song of the album of the band that I favorited on the balcony of those apartments... Norman Oklahoma.... Finally on my own free of their groups... Working an IHOP(flying colors)... Banging a hooters girl from Texas.... Gazing over the grassy 'english garden' court yard, bright green and lite worn concrete fixtures and monolithic sculpters and fountains.... A whole 'bowl of cuties' for my friends..... High on pot cookies my secret agent military neighbor workout partner friend..... When it all changed and I came to the bay area... And life showed how black and vile and worthless and phony her under arms and back slits and crevices cradled...

[@lathanasamna]

intro: Turn to Stone Electric Light Orchestra, into Witchcraft, Kadavar, Graveyard! This will all sound good live the bass is so low in the mix

[@Anthrax-sp7fm]

pretty good album I must say it's way different then there last release or the earlier shit they put out hell it's got more of a 70s sabbath/zeppelin feel fuck if you cats don't like em don't listen to em simple as that just to see what these guys have done over the past few years release masterpiece after masterpiece just be glad bands like this are still truckin along keeping hard rock & metal alive \,,/

[@TheDvtch]

Where's the super crunchy, thunderous riffs of previous albums? The grandiose themes? J.D's vocals from 20 miles away, 30 years in the past? The awesome builds to cool crescendos? What a letdown.

[@dhederamaputra6121]

lyrics! please!

[@HexGarry]

Fucking love the new direction The Sword took with this album. Then again, I'm a huge stoner fan, so don't listen to me.

[@gagebowers6249]

Beautiful...let go of all that binds you.....like shitty music and listen and listen to the sword 🤘

[@joaomauriciodealmeida264]

I got here through Limitless!!!

[@swatson28]

This whole album kicks a bunch of ass

[@ThinkinTamalesXD]

This song reminds me of a thin lizzy kind of feel.

[@theronskier1]

This was reaaally fucking good live, idk why some of yall hate.

[@Sakeroz]

Sounds very thin lizzy ish, but the main lick kicks ass

[@jasonlilly4916]

Fuck yeah ! Channel that inner Thin Lizzy!