Austin, Texas' THE SWORD entered the studio in February with producer Matt Bayles (MASTODON, ISIS, MINUS THE BEAR) to begin recording its third album for a late 2010 release via Kemado Records. Frontman J.D. Cronise tells AOL's Noisecreep that the as-yet-untitled record will have a broader hard rock sound but stresses that the band's aim isn't to broaden its appeal outside of the heavy metal market. "If more people listen that's great, but we're not doing it for that reason," he says. "We are just more interested in expanding our sound for ourselves. If we wanted to expand our audience we should just remake the second album over again, rather than challenge people with something new."

Cronise adds, "It's really a concept record. The songs revolve around a concept we came up with or spin off from it. It's not the kind of fantasy concept though, it's more sci-fi."

THE SWORD recently recorded a cover version of THIN LIZZY's "Cold Sweat" for a split seven-inchsingle that will be released through Volcom Entertainment's Vinyl Club. On the flip side will be YEAR LONG DISASTER covering THE SWORD's "Maiden, Mother & Crone" with Rob from KARMA TO BURN on drums.

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THE SWORD has also scheduled a one-off show at Stubb's in Austin, Texas on Tuesday, March 16 as the support act for MOTÖRHEAD. Also slated to appear is YEAR LONG DISASTER.

THE SWORD's last album, "Gods of the Earth", was released on April 1, 2008 via Kemado Records.