Saxon and The Sword sidewave announced

To say that Saxon are one of metal's most influential bands would be no understatement. The band who along with Iron Maiden and Motorhead begun the movement now known as The New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, have been cited by no lesser luminaries than Metallica and Slayer as a primary influence.

Being the trailblazing pioneers in any walk of life has its hazards and so it was that Saxon's over the top shows also inspired a young filmmaker by the name of Rob Reiner who made the world's first full-length mockumentary, This Is Spinal Tap!

One of the foundations of the metal revival of the past ten years, The Sword have released two flawless slabs of vintage heaviness, toured the world with Metallica, and were one of the first bands to lock into a whole new legion of fans through Guitar Hero. This summer, the band casts its gaze to the stars for Warp Riders, their third full-length and most ambitious effort to date.

Warp Riders is The Sword's first concept album. It's also their most flat-out, supercharged, adrenaline-pumping work yet, a chrome-plated war machine that lauds over the blackened sky. Warp Riders is a monster of an album with monster melodies, monster hooks, and monster riffs… an album overflowing in classic metal perfection.” – Metal Underground

Tickets on sale Friday 28 January, 9am

Monday February 28th - Gershwin Room, Melbourne - 18
www.espy.com.au, www.ticketek.com.au 132 849 & Oztix outlets

Tuesday March 1st - Manning Bar, Sydney - 18
www.manningbar.com 1300 762 545, www.ticketek.com.au 132 849 & Oztix outlets