Review Summary: Used Future doesn’t deserve the hate it’ll get from estranged fans, but it won’t do anything to wow them either
As entertaining as it would’ve been to see The Sword make another acoustic album with all new material, Used Future ends up combining Low Country’s mellow style with the 70s rock of its High counterpart. Their doom metal past continues to show no signs of resurfacing, but their career-long debts to Thin Lizzy and ZZ Top are as prominent as ever. Comparisons could also be made to the mellow sides of groups like Clutch and The Obsessed, exhibiting a laidback desert rock style.
The musicians also put in solid performances with plenty of chemistry that’s likely strengthened by the more jam-oriented approach. The album’s dexterous riffs and smooth interplay provide sufficient evidence to my belief that The Sword’s guitars and drums will always be their primary driving forces no matter what style they’re going for. Keyboards are also applied tastefully and while the vocals are as uncharismatic as ever, the restrained approach fits a lot better than the drowned-out wailing of their early efforts.
Alas, The Sword also struggles with truly engaging songwriting regardless of the style they’re playing. While their early albums made up for this with sheer power and catchy riffs, an opposite approach just results in easygoing background music. That said, there’s not a bad song on here. Lead single “Deadly Nightshade” and “Sea of Green” do offer some cool riffs, and I do like the somber, world weary insights on “Don’t Get Too Comfortable.”
Much like Electric Wizard’s most recent material, Used Future doesn’t deserve the hate it’ll get from estranged fans, but it won’t do anything to wow them either. The more mellow sound makes for pleasant listening but it’s extra susceptible to go in one ear and out the other in record time. Fans hoping for another Age of Winters are better off getting their fix from Wolftooth, but even listeners on board with this desert rock venture will find bands like Youngblood Supercult much better at this sort of thing. I admire The Sword for evolving, but at this point they’re obsolete on all fronts.
Highlights:
“Deadly Nightshade”
“Sea of Green”
“Nocturne”
“Don’t Get Too Comfortable”
Originally published at http://indymetalvault.com
