Doomsword
Italian epic metal band blending doom, viking, and traditional heavy metal.
Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons
DoomSword is an Italian heavy metal band from Varese, in the north of the country. Their music blends doom metal, viking metal, and traditional heavy metal, and their lyrics focus on epic subjects like ancient and medieval history, fantasy literature, and European mythology.
The band was started in 1997 by Deathmaster, who had previously played in the metal band Agarthi. It began as a studio project meant to create epic, medieval-influenced metal in the vein of Warlord. Deathmaster and Guardian Angel had already been working together on an early music project called 1014 A.D., which had strong medieval leanings. After a short break, they turned that material into heavy metal songs and released it as a demo titled *Sacred Metal* in 1997. On that demo, Deathmaster handled guitars and vocals, Guardian Angel played drums and second guitar, and a session bassist filled in. Soon after, bassist Dark Omen joined.
In 1998, DoomSword signed with Italian label Underground Symphony and released their self-titled debut album in 1999. For this album, new singer Nightcomer joined, and Deathmaster switched to guitar only. After the album came out, the band nearly fell apart when Nightcomer and Guardian Angel left.
In 2001, Deathmaster returned to singing, brought in new members—The Forger and Guardian Angel II on guitars, Grom on drums—and revived the band after a two-year break. They signed with Dragonheart Records and released three albums with them: *Resound the Horn* (purely epic), *Let Battle Commence* (Viking-themed), and *My Name Will Live On* (classic metal with Irish touches). A compilation album titled *The Eternal Battle* (darker and more introspective, released in February 2011) was released on Cruz del Sur Music. The band broke their live silence in 2002 by playing a show with Manilla Road in Porto D'Ascoli, Italy, and later appeared at underground metal festivals like Keep It True, Bang Your Head, Up the Hammers, and Headbangers Open Air.
The band adopted pseudonyms in 1997, inspired by US metal band Warlord. The names Deathmaster and Guardian Angel were taken from headstones pictured on the cover of Warlord’s *Deliver Us* EP.
Current members are Deathmaster (vocals, and guitars from 1997 to 1999), Geilt (bass, 2004–2011 and 2018–present), WrathLord (drums, 2002–present), and The Ancient (guitars, 2010–present). Former members include Soldier of Fortune (
- formed
- 1997
- origin
- Varese, Northern Italy
- genre
- Heavy metal, doom metal, viking metal
- years_active
- 1997–present
- label
- Dragonheart Records (2001–present)
Lore & Background
DoomSword was founded in 1997 by Deathmaster, previously a member of the metal band Agarthi. The original members, Deathmaster and Guardian Angel, had worked together on an ancient music project called 1014 A.D. After a short hiatus, they rearranged that material into heavy metal songs and released a demo titled Sacred Metal in 1997. The original lineup had Deathmaster on guitars and vocals and Guardian Angel on drums and second guitar, with a session bassist for the demo, after which bass player Dark Omen joined.
In 1998, DoomSword signed with Italian label Underground Symphony and released their self-titled debut album in 1999. New singer Nightcomer joined, with Deathmaster focusing solely on guitars. After the album's release, the band nearly split, with Nightcomer and Guardian Angel leaving. In 2001, Deathmaster resumed his original role as singer, recruit
Reader's Guide
DoomSword's significance lies in their fusion of doom metal, viking metal, and traditional heavy metal, with lyrics centered on epic themes from ancient and medieval history, fantasy literature, and European mythology. Their adoption of pseudonyms in 1997, taken from headstones on Warlord's Deliver Us EP cover, reinforced their bond with that US metal band. The band's history includes a near-split after their debut album, followed by a resurrection under Deathmaster's leadership that led to a long-term contract with Dragonheart Records. Their discography shows stylistic shifts, from the purely epic Resound the Horn to the Viking-themed Let Battle Commence, the Irish-influenced My Name Will Live On, and the darker The Eternal Battle. DoomSword's live performances, beginning in 2002, connected them to the underground metal festival circuit, cementing their place in the European epic metal scene.
Did You Know?
- DoomSword was founded in 1997 by Deathmaster, who had previously been a member of the metal band Agarthi.
- The band's pseudonyms Deathmaster and Guardian Angel were taken from names carved on headstones in the cover painting of Warlord's Deliver Us EP.
- DoomSword's debut album was released in 1999 on Italian label Underground Symphony.
- The band broke their live silence in 2002 by playing a gig with Manilla Road in Porto D'Ascoli, Italy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Doomsword?
Doomsword is an Italian heavy metal band that fuses doom metal, viking metal, and traditional heavy metal into an epic, medieval-flavored sound. They have been active continuously since 1997.
Where is Doomsword from?
The band is based in Varese, a city in the northern region of Italy.
What genres does Doomsword play?
Their music sits at the crossroads of doom metal, viking metal, and classic heavy metal, producing what fans often describe as epic or medieval-influenced metal.
Who founded Doomsword and when did it start?
Deathmaster launched the project in 1997 as a studio endeavor aimed at crafting epic, medieval-themed metal in the style of Warlord. Before that, he had been playing in the metal band Agarthi.
What are Doomsword's lyrics about?
Their songwriting centers on grand, historical, and mythological themes, drawing from ancient and medieval history, fantasy literature, and European mythology.
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