The Sword are breaking up. In a statement posted to their social media pages, singer-guitarist John D. Cronise has announced that he's putting an end to the stoner-metal band that he founded in 2004.
"I find it my duty to inform you that, after much contemplation, I have reached the difficult conclusion that it's time to bring The Sword's long and storied career to a close," Cronise wrote.
"When I started the band back in 2004, I could've only hoped for the successes we've enjoyed, and I consider myself extremely lucky to have been able to do it for a living for almost two decades. In that time everything I ever wanted to say and do with The Sword creatively has been said and done, and so the time has come for me to move on to other endeavors.
"Thanks to everyone who's ever come to a show, bought our albums and merch, and supported us over the years. Thanks to everyone who's teched, tour managed, done sound, or sold merch for us. Thanks to all the bands who've taken us on tour and to all the bands we've taken on tour. Thanks to the promoters and venues who booked us and let us play. Thanks to the producers and recording engineers who worked on our albums and to the labels that released them.
"Thanks to Josh our booking agent and Mark our business manager, whom we are glad to count as friends. And most of all thanks to my bandmates, Kyle, Bryan, Jimmy, and Trivett, for having faith in me and allowing me to realize my vision. You dudes are true legends.
"It's been a helluva journey. Now it's time for the next chapter..."
In their time together, the band released six albums, beginning with 2006's Age of Winters and ending with 2018's Used Future. Over the years, their sound morphed from Sabbath-indebted metal into a catchier form of hard-rock, and they were able to share the stage with everyone from Metallica and Lamb of God to Clutch. They had a great run.
See Cronise's full message below.
