I know that typically you won't see an interview with a rock band on a MMO media site, but in this case I think we're okay. The Sword is a "heavy metal" style rock band that is making its way onto the scene with lyrics and a sound that fits right in with our entertainment. Sending their message using terms like "to mourn the death of our ancient queen" ("How Heavy This Axe ") and "Imprisoned by wizards to sing for a serpent" ("Under the Boughs "), The Sword is a music group after our very own hearts. Hailing from Austin, Texas, John D. Cronise took a few minutes to chat with us about their music, his viewpoints, and ninjas!

Allakhazam: Hi there! Thanks for taking the time to chat with us. Could you please tell us who you are, what you do, and a bit about yourself for our readers?

John: I am John D. Cronise of heavy metal band The Sword.  I sing and play the guitar.  I'm a Gemini.

Allakhazam: Spin called your debut album "an unapologetic ode to mighty warriors, mystical quests, and majestically bearded wizards, complete with bludgeoning guitar work..." What are your thoughts on that?

John: That's pretty apt, though we don't have any songs about beards... yet.  However, I'd like to note that Spin also said I didn't start listening to Black Sabbath until 2004, so unfortunately they don't always get it right.  I'd say it was more like 1994, which is admittedly a bit late.

Allakhazam: In making your latest album, Gods of the Earth, was there any one inspiration that lent itself to the overall feel of the music?

John: Not really.  We just tried to continue along the path we started down, but inject some new elements along the way to keep it interesting.

Allakhazam: Knowing how tough it can be to break into the music industry, what has been your most difficult moment in the journey for you?

John: It's difficult getting used to people who don't like to take "no" for an answer and think that if they just keep talking at you, you'll eventually do what they say. We tend to stick to our guns and we're not complete idiots, so many times we don't get along with your average "music business" types.

Allakhazam: Your stories in your music is about war, death, troubles, and the state of the world in general, although you've couched it in medieval times. What is the biggest message you are really trying to get across with your lyrics, and is it something that hits close to home for you?

John: That we're all doomed and it's our own fault.  I use my lyrics like sci-fi writers use stories.  They're meant to entertain, but there's often a cautionary or allegorical message beneath the surface.  However, in the case of the human race, I fear it may be our destiny to fall, as we seem to be inherently flawed life forms.  Though we've physically evolved through the eons and our technology has advanced, we have learned nothing about the value of human life or the nature of the spirit.  That to me would be true evolution, and I don't know that we as a species are capable of it.  That's pretty much where my point of view lies.  I'd like humanity to succeed, but judging by its track record, I have little hope that it will.  Cheerful, no?

Allakhazam: Now, I know that you are an avid MMO gamer. Do you take anything from your travels within your online experience into the the studios with you, and is there any impact from one to the other that you see?

John: Not too much.  I play a little WoW mainly to keep in touch with my old D&D buddies from high school, but that's pure escapist diversion, whereas our music tends to be a little heavier in tone.  I try to keep those things separate for the most part.

"If you choose to take the black bid farewell to comforts great and small Those who do, don't come back Prepare yourself for life on the wall" -To Take the Black

Allakhazam: The lyrics for "To Take the Black " say "If you choose to take the black, bid farewell to comforts great and small. Those who do, don't come back. Prepare yourself for life on the wall." In the series written by George R. R. Martin and starting with "A Game of Thrones", some of the characters do "take the black" and live life "on the wall". Is there any connection between your lyrics and the book's story? John: Absolutely.  That song is about the Night's Watch from that series of books.  The idea of these outcast men on the edge of the world guarding civilization from the unknown terrors beyond is very interesting to me, and the character Jon Snow is my favorite in the series.  Those books are amazing.  "To Take the Black ", "The Frost-Giant's Daughter ", and "The Black River " are all directly inspired by literary works; the latter two being from Howard's Conan stories. Allakhazam: If your music could be perceived as any one genre, real or imagined, what would it be and why? John: We just call it Heavy Metal, like the illustrated fantasy magazine.  We think of our music as the sonic equivalent of that kind of pulp sci-fi.  I'd essentially like The Sword to be the Robert E. Howard of rock n' roll.

Allakhazam: While much of your music does discuss the negative aspects of life with the anger and frustrations experienced worldwide, what do you think is our society's greatest achievement and do you see yourself turning your music towards celebration of life rather than focusing on death?

John: I love 70's soul, funk, and reggae.  Much of the music I'm into is positive and uplifting, but the only way I could see myself making it would be if I saw what I considered actual improvements in the state of the world and the mental health of its citizens.  Until then, I'll most likely continue to espouse a more "woe unto thee for all that thy hath wrought" sort of attitude.  As far as society's greatest achievement, I would have to say that's obviously the electric amplification of musical instruments.  I can't imagine where we'd be without it.

Allakhazam: And finally, as is my tradition... ninjas or pirates?

John: Ninja pirates.  They could have peg leg nunchucks.

Allakhazam:  Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with us today!

Be sure to check out The Sword . If you like it loud and proud, then this may be the jams you need while beating down your foes in your favorite MMO!

By: Maggie "AutumnKiss" Olsen
Senior Editor, ZAM Network