What makes Apocryphon by The Sword notable?

The album debuted at number 43 on the Billboard 200 chart, marking a significant commercial achievement for the band. Critics noted its rich lyrical content and sonic depth, contributing to an evolution within the stoner metal genre and influencing subsequent acts seeking a similar blend of heaviness and narrative complexity. Apocryphon is The Sword's fourth studio album, following their 2010 release Warp Riders. At this point in their career, the band had solidified their sound while exploring deeper thematic elements, showcasing a maturation in both songwriting and production.

Who is Apocryphon for?

Apocryphon works well if you're into steady mid-tempo exploration, lyrical mysticism for contemplation and heavy riffs for focused listening.

How many songs are on Apocryphon?

Apocryphon has 10 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

Apocryphon

The Sword · 2012

44 min · 10 tracks · heavy metal

A heavy, immersive blend of stoner rock riffs and lyrical mysticism that transports listeners to ancient worlds.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Veil of Isis — Opening the album, this track sets a mystical tone with its heavy riffs and elaborate imagery that encapsulates the overarching themes of the record.
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Cloak of Feathers — This song features intricate guitar work and dynamic shifts, showcasing both the band's technical prowess and their ability to evoke atmosphere through music.
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Dying Earth — With its poignant lyrics about existential decline, this track resonates deeply with listeners while maintaining heavy instrumentation characteristic of The Sword's style.
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Seven Sisters — This track highlights the band's storytelling approach, weaving mythological references into a compelling narrative framework set against a backdrop of soaring melodies.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and production, with cohesive themes and distinct heavy metal sound.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of heavy, down-tuned guitar riffs that dominate the soundscape across all tracks.
Lyrical themes revolve around mysticism and ancient worlds, with each song presenting a narrative that builds on this concept.
The tempo varies throughout, with several tracks maintaining a mid-tempo pace while others shift to faster sections, creating dynamic contrasts.
The final track serves as an expansive conclusion, incorporating layered instrumentation that gradually fades out.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo exploration
lyrical mysticism for contemplation
heavy riffs for focused listening
consistent flow throughout album

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced tracks
seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

Career context: Apocryphon is The Sword's fourth studio album, following their 2010 release Warp Riders. At this point in their career, the band had solidified their sound while exploring deeper thematic elements, showcasing a maturation in both songwriting and production.
Stylistic neighbors: High on Fire· Mastodon· Clutch