Formed in 2021 out of Niklas Holm's desire to create an epic heavy metal band in the vein of Hammerheart-era Bathory, Manilla Road and Warlord, Holm issued Sordid Blade's two-song MMXXI demo in 2021. It was an early indicator of Holm's ability to meld heroic proto-metal with the style and persuasion of his primary influences. After a brief period of soliciting prospective labels, Sordid Blade found its rightful place on Gates of Hell Records for the release of their first full-length, Every Battle Has Its Glory. Every Battle Has Its Glory was tracked over the course of a year and marks the first appearance of drummer Micael Zetterberg, who joined Sordid Blade after the release of MMXXI. Together, Holm and Zetterberg tap into the broad, illustrious field of true, mid-paced anthemic metal, harnessing stout riffing and choice melodies to form a sound that remains faithful to the style's storied past. Holm's lyrics deal with existential themes and how the individual can gain strength by focusing on what's really important in the world. His lyrics are driven by metaphor, developing a sort of code for the listener to decipher. Once they do, they will find a wealth of songs with deep, emotional subject matter that adds another layer of depth and intrigue to Sordid Blade. Even the instrumental Kiolsvarf is topical -- it is a Swedish term to describe a family drowning at sea. The Carl Larsson (1853-1919)-created cover art was the last piece to the Every Battle Has Its Glory puzzle. Zetterberg found one of Larsson's paintings in a book and shared it with Holm. Holm knew the creation was the perfect choice -- its dark style reflected the overall theme of the album. It is by which this thoughtful depth and exploratory nature that Sordid Blade sets itself apart. The epic metal field is growing increasingly crowded, but for those in search of something with an emotional and personal atmosphere, there is no better choice circa 2022 than Sordid Blade.
Release date:
March 17, 2023
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Vinyl Care - Top Picks
A selection of accesories to keep your turntable equipment & vinyl records in the best shape
-
Vevor Ultrasonic Cleaner
Thoroughly clean and restore your vinyl records, removing dust, dirt, and grime from every groove without damaging the surface
-
Nobsound Little Bear T7 Tube Preamp
Delivers rich, warm audio through its high-quality vacuum tubes, featuring multiple inputs and adjustable gain
-
Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge
Features an elliptical stylus that accurately tracks the grooves of vinyl records, delivering a rich, detailed sound with an output voltage of 5.5 mV
-
Cartridges - Top Picks
A selection of turnatble cartridges that provide great performance and sound quality
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Gary Numan A Perfect Circle: Live At OVO Arena, Wembley [3xLP]
Bmg
July 25, 2025 -
Jerskin Fendrix Once Upon A Time. . . In Shropshire (Shropspire Mud Brown) [2xLP]
Untitled (Recs)
October 10, 2025 -
Baxter Dury Allbarone
Heavenly
September 12, 2025 -
Black Keys No Rain, No Flowers
Warner Records
August 8, 2025 -
Jackson Wang MAGICMAN 2
88rising Music - "Worldwide"
July 18, 2025 -
Before The Dawn Cold Flare Eternal (Blue Splatter)
Reaper Entertainment
September 5, 2025 -
The Cranberries No Need To Argue
Island
August 15, 2025 -
Vince Guaraldi You're A Good Sport, Charlie Brown
Lee Mendelson Film Productions
September 12, 2025 -
Folk Bitch Trio Now Would Be a Good Time
Jagjaguwar
July 25, 2025 -
Sanguisugabogg Hideous Aftermath
Century Media
October 10, 2025 -
Fit For A King Lonely God
Solid State Records
August 1, 2025 -
Richard Hawley Coles Corner (20Th Anniversary; Half-Speed Master Edition)
Polygram UK
August 8, 2025 -
The Beaches No Hard Feelings
Beaches Touring Inc.
August 29, 2025 -
Full of Hell Coagulated Bliss
Closed Casket Activities
July 11, 2025