LIVE BY THE SWORD is rolling back with “The Pagan Pantheon”, an album that has been three years in the making but delivers an unmistakable stone inside. This full-length offering sees these Dutch / American forces working together, refining their sound, combining the structures of their previous work with the music that defined their early days. The result? Nothing different than absolute beauty! From the start, the album establishes a ceremonial atmosphere before going into a battle of heavy riffs, anthemic melodies and very powerful vocals that I enjoy like crazy. The balance between epic, icy soundscapes shine and no further explanation is needed. The band explores historical themes of tyrannical rule and apocalyptic prophecy, painting a picture of the cycles of history repeating themselves. In an era where modern events feel like echoes of the past, this album shows relevance. The addition of drummer Frank Schilperoort (known for his work with GOD DETHRONED and THE MONOLITH DEATHCULT) injects new life into the band’s already powerful foundation. The core line-up with Erick Barnes on vocals, Wouter Davids on guitars and Freek De Greef on bass, delivers their most compelling and cohesive performance yet. The international nature of LIVE BY THE SWORD is further expanded by guest vocal contributions from Karl Willetts (BOLT THROWER, MEMORIAM) and Paul Jones (ENCHANTMENT, CRYPT FEEDER), adding another layer of intensity and depth. Through the years, LIVE BY THE SWORD has never been content with staying in one lane. Their early EPs from 2016 showed what this band had to say before their first full-length in 2018 solidified their place in the scene. With each subsequent release, from “Exploring Soldiers Rise” to “Cernunnos”, the band has evolved, pushing the boundaries of their sound without losing the power that have made them to be who they are. “The Pagan Pantheon” feels like a journey, primal, solid, heavy. To finish, I’ll say that with “The Pagan Pantheon”, LIVE BY THE SWORD created what might just be an album that embodies a ceremonial voice and a tone of war and destruction. Released by Rebellion Records in a deluxe 8 panel digipak and limited to only 300 copies, this album isn’t just another entry in their discography. It’s a defining moment. LIVE BY THE SWORD is here, and they’re not holding back. Check them out! www.facebook.com/wearelivebythesword, www.facebook.com/rebellionrecords