Metallica select Sword as running mates

Metallica have announced that opening for them on their first full UK tour dates for 12 years on all 8 dates will be THE SWORD.

Conceived in Austin, TX, THE SWORD took the form of a cohesive quartet in early 2004 when guitarist / singer J.D. Cronise, guitarist Kyle Shutt, bassist Bryan Richie, and drummer Trivett Wingo joined forces. THE SWORD's live shows quickly became the hottest ticket in Austin as their punishing yet melodious compositions, mythical imagery and conscious effort to slowly immobilize audiences left music fans astonished. In the fall of 2005 they found a home at Kemado Records and their critically acclaimed debut Age of Winters was released in February 2006.

More ambitious, more accomplished and simply bigger Gods of the Earth, which was released earlier this year, boasts huge, mountaintop-friendly hooks, thunderous drumming and oceanic bass lines cut through the air like a scythe taking down all in the band's path. The ominous vocals of Cronise weave fantastical tales rife with myth and mythology. THE SWORD is not to be taken lightly.

On tour with Metallica

February

25 Nottingham Trent FM Arena
26 Manchester Evening News Arena
28 Sheffield Arena

March
2 London O2 Arena
3 Newcastle Metro Radio Arena
25 Birmingham LG Arena
26 Glasgow SECC
28 London 02 Arena



Tickets go on sale on Friday.